Bwana asifiwe, it has finally RAINED! Following a long dry spout, the heavens opened up yesterday morning and it just poured and poured for about five hours. I admit that I rather missed the red, sticky mud that makes Gatundu famous. It was glorious, and the students, teachers, and staff members at Icaciri laughed and rejoiced!
Drought has been the major topic of conversation in the Kenyan news lately. Many people's crops have died, as the "short rains" expected in December never came. About a week ago, a National Emergency was declared as an estimated 10 million people were said to be starving. But if the past two mornings are any trend, things are beginning to look up, and God has heard our cries!
I have been reluctant to post for several weeks, for I have not really known what I was feeling or how to put those unknown feelings in words. But I am back now.
Shurie and I have begun teaching again, as it is a brand new school year. My classes thus far have been somewhat frustrating, and I feel as if I have lost the respect of my students. When this happens, I just pull out my "teacher voice" from way down within my gut and... let'em have it! I have a lot of faith in my students, and I have confidence that things will improve.
After a particularly tough day of work this week, instead of retreating to my room (a very safe place where I can hide from all of the unknowns) I went to go talk to my buddy Kathy (the almost-3-year-old cutie pie whom I love.) Within about thirty seconds, she lifted my spirits with her contagious laugh. I think she can tell when I'm feeling a bit down because she always becomes extra-sweet in those moments! So we ran, singing "Kim-bi-a! Kim-bi-a!" and holding hands for a few hours before she declared that it was time for her to go...she left with the instructions, "Go cook some rice, now!" in her proper Kiswahili, and with an all too "grown-up" sassy-ness about her. And cook rice, we did!
I thank all of you for your continued support and prayers as us YAVs begin a new year! I think it'll be a good one, filled with as many laughs as I can muster. After all, my only new year's resolution is "to laugh as much as possible, everyday."
Saturday, January 17, 2009
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5 comments:
Dear Rachel, This is your father . What a great blog you are sharing with us. We simply need to read your words back here in good old Mills Biver. I love the genuine tones of your comments. Keep them coming!!!!! Love, Dad
Hey Rachel,
This is Heidi Berkovitz. You had a massage with me before you left. Your folks gave me your info to see your blog. I couldn't find it so I just googled RACHEL BROWN BLOG AFRICA and voila! Here it is! The internet is so amazing! Sounds like you are having quite a time over there! What an amazing experience it must be! I'd lvoe to hear what kind of wild animals you have seens out there. I hope you are taking lots of photos! Today Bill and I are going to yoru parents house for Superbowl (yuck), but, it makes my man happy, plus I love hangin with your mom and dad. You are very blessed to have such wonderful, supportive parents. FYI, I am and have been a teacher for years, so if you need any teaching tips, ask away! Keep up the blogs and I will check in on yoru African adventure. Must be great to know what a differnce you are making in the lives of those children!
Many Blessings to you!
Peace and Love, Heidi
Sorry about my typos. Not very teacherly of me...hee hee.
Heidi
Dear Rachel,
HI, Rachel, this is Randall! I will try to post a comment for the nth time! hope it works this time.. your father showed me how, if I can remember it right. Anyway, we think about you and pray for you often here in Mills River. We share your posts when they come, with the church family.
It has been very cold here lately. Not really any snow, though. I'm hoping for a nice snow for a few days, since we haven't had one for several winters!
A few months ago, Peter came to visit us in Mills River. I took him out to lunch and enjoyed catching up with him. He's now out the the Pacific Northwest, I assume. It was good to see him again.
Ben Sneed died a few days ago, about ten days after surgery for an aneurism. We had thought he was doing well, so his passing was somewhat of a shock. But he had not been in good health for months. Lois is brave and strong and seems to be doing OK.
Sharon Wininger had another seizure episode, so she isn't driving for a while. We hope that a new MD will be able to help her and get her back to her "normal" life!
It's hard to believe you've been gone since late August. You've halfway through your time in Kenya! We pray that the second half will be as rewarding as the first half.
We look to have a good group from our church and from Tryon PC going to Guatemala this summer. I'm excited about the trip, which includes both youth and adults.
Write soon.. We love reading your posts! Godspeed, Randall
Children are truly a blessing. They really help put the important things back in perspective. I'm happy that y'all are finally getting relief.
Love and God's Peace from NC,
James [yes, the one from school and the trip to Hatteras. :)]
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