Day 2: Discovering Naivasha

We had a later start to the day with a full breakfast and team meeting. We got our assignments and schedule for the week. We first toured the property where we saw the work site of the community center we were going to help build. In Kenya, a construction worker is called “foondie”

The Team with the Foondies

So, we met the foondies and discussed possible ways to build the center. There was a small plot of land and the trench had been dug for the foundation. The guys were to work on the foundation during the week and the girls had other projects to work on.

In our muck boots before a muddy tour

We were able to see the garden the family kept. The grew cabbage, coffee, carrots, and spinach among other things. They have been on the property for around 6 years and it has grown into a lush and beautiful space.















 
 In the afternoon, the men went to work digging and mixing concrete. The ladies went to House of Hope, a home for many orphans who are cared for by 4 women. We met with the women and shared some encouragement with them. Kenyan women are valued and identified by their first born child. Let's say your first born is named Elizabeth, then your name would be Mama Elizabeth. Having children and being called “Mama” is a great honor in Kenya. However, there are a lot of women who are single with children.



Later after the kids were out of classes, we got to meet some of them and see their bedrooms. They were more like dorms for kids. These children were so joyful and at peace. There were a blessing to meet. After we finished our time at House of Hope, we went back to have dinner. We all slept well that night. The lack a sleep was starting to wear us down.

Random Nature Pic of the Day: 

Navaisha, Rift Valley

11 Days in Kenya

I have just returned from a two week trip to Kenya. I have decided to post something new for the next 11 to 12 days highlighting each day I was there. We did a wide variety of work and we saw a lot. It was actually 2 weeks we were there, but with traveling and time changes, we lost a few days. Jet lag is hitting me hard this time. It never did before. I think it comes on stronger with age :) Now, sit back and enjoy the anticipation of a daily post of my trip to Kenya.

Day 1: Arriving in Nairobi

Each time I have visited a new country the most interesting thing is the atmosphere of the country. What I mean specifically is the vibe, the beat, the feel of the place. The  moment I stepped into the airport in Nairobi, I felt the slow calm of society's pace. It was a bit muggy that night due to their increased rain fall, unusual this time of year. It was fairly quiet because it 9:30 pm January 7th when we arrived. (It was 2pm January 6th when we left Chicago.) Another thing I noticed what the bathrooms were small and crowded with only two stalls and a little smelly being at the end of the day.

Our next leg of the journey was an hour and a half drive up to Naivasha, where we stayed for 8 days. Naivasha sits at 6,000 feet elevation and ears were popping all the way up. It was dark, so not being able to see "Africa" was hard as I longed to see the landscape and animals. When we arrived at our guesthouse, the first thing I noticed was a strange creaking sound. It was a tree hyrax, one of the 7 loudest animals in Africa. It sounds like an angry cat having its tail pulled. It is a nocturnal creature, so you can imagine sleeping at night:) I have a recording of it, but I have to post it later. There are mp3's of this creature on the web. Kinda cute, huh? But just try sleeping!

Off to Kenya!

To my faithful but few followers, I will be heading to Kenya on Sunday for two weeks. When I return, I will be sure to post all that I experience. :)

Thanks for reading!

My Latest Inspiation

essential - http://pinterest.com/pin/71846556526972956/

Milk Tea in January

The foreign campus remains modern yet torn with bamboo scaffolding hugging the sides of the buildings. The updated European Street is consumed with richness. The European influence sets the tone of the white washed columns of German Square. The French Quarters' yellow and rust-colored angularity graces the student dorms. As I walk further in past these splendid structures, I find the newest of all; the Spanish housing. With reddish-brown thatched roofs and the inviting courtyard, the incoming freshmen feel warm and accepted. Exploring these yards and meters, I happen upon quaint shops carrying random items for any bargain hunter to acquire. Browsing through unique pieces of jewelry, while a clock statue of Statler and Waldorf catches my eye, I am keenly aware of the disarray of these un-categorized items. Much to the typical western thinker's dismay, I find myself wonderfully and utterly exhilarated by the miscellany and lack of conformity. My next venture is for comforting refreshment; the renowned bubble milk tea. Briskly striding to my frequented tea-beat, the crisp biting winter air reminds me of my chilled state. I step up to the window, in broken Chinese, and ask for a hot vanilla milk tea. The tea lady prepares my beverage as I anxiously await my comforting addiction. My stroll to inspire my eager young scholars is all the more pleasant despite the cold dank chill of this January day.

(This short story was inspired by a descriptive writing assignment given to my advanced students at school. It is my description of my favorite moments in China while I worked on the campus of SIAS International University in Xinzheng, Henan.)

Island Paradise (green) Smoothie

Green smoothies have been becoming more popular so I've adapted my own recipe... surprise, surprise....

This is my island inspired smoothie: (serves 2- 24 oz more or less)

1/2 - 1 mango
1/2 avocado
1 frozen banana
1/4 cup flax seed meal ( i pour till it looks right :)
2 tuscan kale leaves
1/2 - 1 frozen sliced peach
2 tbs coconut flakes or juice 
1 slice fresh pineapple
1 slice fresh ginger (about 1 tbs)
1 freshly juiced lime (zest optional) 
juice concentrate of choice (use as liquid while blending)

Break up kale leaves and add all ingredients to a strong blender (the old ones your grandmother used are usually good; also Ninja or Vitamix are recommended) Pulse to break everything down and then slowly turn up the power. If you are using an older blender, let it blend for a couple minutes.

This makes a great breakfast.... for an extra protein boost, add chia seed or protein powder- I like plant fusion.

Granola Bars! (Raw, no baking required)

So after making this recipe, I belong out west with the granola loving tree-huggers...

This recipe has been "tweaked" and adapted from http://www.therawtarian.com so I give full credit where it is due.

Start with dry ingredients:

2 cups dry oatmeal
2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup raw wheat germ (can also use flax meal)
1 cup shredded coconut
2 Tbs sesame seeds
2 Tbs chia seeds

...in a food processor:

1 cup almonds (or use sliced almonds)
1 1/2 cup dates (or use chopped dates)

add almonds and dates to dry ingredients

continue and add wet ingredients:

1/2 cup raisins
2 Tbs lemon juice
1 Tbs lemon peel (zest)
1 tsp vanilla
2 T honey
2 T tahini
1/4 cup peanut butter (optional and to replace tahini)

Mix together... I use my hands; its easier. When everything is mixed evenly, press into a cake pan (9X9) and refrigerate. I give it 30 minutes to harden and then cut into square bars. Wrap individual bars in saran wrap and keep refrigerated.

Other things you can add for fun:

substitute the tahini for peanut butter
use sliced almonds and chopped dates
cocoa powder for a chocolate craving
apples- chop them finely or in a food processor

Enjoy! And please leave comments with suggestions and experimentation!