A broken camera and another attempt at making chapatis

Tess, Janice and Me

Went to Poa Place to swim in the morning, and then worked on the questionnaire data again to discuss wtih the Professor. The Professor has such a busy schedule it's been difficult to meet up with him...I'm not even sure what's happening about our trip to Kisumu to meet the other PULSE volunteers and the arrangements for our travel!At lunchtime, I popped out to see Margaret the dressmaker. She had finished my kitengue, it looks great, but she'd put a black sash in for the belt, which I didn't like, so asked if she could replace it with the same material as the dress itself. She had to make slight adjustments to the sleeves too, but it would be ready that evening for me to collect. Tess and Janice had invited the nursing students round for dinner. I collected my kitengue after work, and it looks lovely!

Janice, Jesse, Tess, Naiomi and Carol

Janice also wore her kingue, and Tess wore her African skirt. We were all feeling quite Kenyan. Tess and Janice had made an omelette with salad, and Carol and Naiomi made chapatis, whilst we took notes so we could do it again ourselves. It all tasted delicious. Unfortunately, I brought out my camera to show everyone my pictures, and it broke - just froze. I'm gutted, especially as I'm off the Masi Mara this coming weekend!

Naiomi making chapatis

After everyone had left, I skyped Shane, and had a skype hug. Although I had a lovely evening tonight, and it's so nice to have new house mates too... I'm missing everyone back home loads!

Carol washing up.

Feeling a little demoralised....

I went out running before Tess and Jesse this morning, since I was teaching. It was a glorious morning! Noone turned up for training this morning, despite me sending a reminder message yesterday. I felt slightly demoralised and upset. Were people losing interest in the training sessions? Also, I'd spent the evening before preparing slides and the lesson material. Mrs Sitti requested we reschedule to next week. Prof came to see me at 9am. Jim had sent the questionnaire datasets through as a reference for me working on the current questionnaire data. He apologised for the delay in sending them through. Tess cooked for us all - I love my new house mates!

The lobster look and a trip to Sally Test

Myself and Tess went up to Poa place for a swim. It was really hot today, and we’d both forgotten our Sun Protection, which was a mistake, as we both ended up looking like lobsters.

Met with Taxi Max who took us through the details of our trip to Masai Mara. I’m excited. Sadly, he won’t be our driver though, as he has another group going at the same time. I went to Sally Test Centre afterwards, and took along Frank and Caroline’s donation of clothes, and mum’s donation of stationary. They dressed Charlotte* in the trousers and strippy top straight away, and she ran off to show the others – it was great to see her enthusiasm for her new outfit. 

Patricia, one of the care workers kept saying “Look Charlotte, somebody loves you”. She held me and kissed me on the cheek. They were so grateful for the clothes, and spent some time looking through everything. So thanks so much to Frank and Caroline for your generous donation of clothes, and to my mum for the stationary!

I spent the afternoon with the toddlers. 

 

 

One of the girls kept grabbing at my camera, as she was so excited to get her picture taken. I chatted to Ben, one of the care workers at the end. We were talking about politics. He was saying how he was positive that the elections in 2012 would bring about change in Kenya, and help break the poverty cycle. He asked if we had poverty back in the UK, so I explained how poverty existed back home, but on a different level. The unemployed get help from the state, unlike here, and how we have the NHS, which doesn’t exist in Kenya. If people can’t afford an operation, they will involve a social worker. It was a really interesting chat.

Tess and JJ arrived back home from the orphanage, which sounded like quite an emotional experience for them. JJ’s going to take a volleyball for them tomorrow, as they were playing volleyball with a football. I disappeared to my room as shattered and needed to work on slides for statistical training tomorrow.

A bad experience which ends well

I took Tess and JJ on a mini tour of Eldoret today. We started with the Cheese Factory. Tess and JJ bought cottage cheese, morzoella cheese, and safari cheese (I'm not the biggest fan of the cheese here - you'd think after 4 months, it would've grown on me wouldn't you?!). Then we went on the hunt for Kitengue material, as Tess wanted an African dress made. We went to the dressmakers just opposite Robert’s gift shop, by the market. JJ actually found some material that she liked, and had a dress designed. Tess found some material – it was a great mustard colour, just across the road, and we were back at the dressmakers designing a dress for Tess.

So, we leave the dressmakers, and JJ puts her purse in her pocket. Suddenly, 3 men come up next to her and push up against her. There were a number of people milling around, but there was no reason to crush her. Suddenly she cried out; “You’ve just taken my wallet – give it back”. Everything happened so quickly at that point. She approached one of the men in a red fleece, but he’d obviously handed the wallet over to his friends. We turned around, and all the shop owners were approaching, it looked like there might be a fight. JJ was checking the back pockets of the boy in a panic, as she had everything important in that wallet, including her visa cards. It wasn’t there, however, a few seconds later, one of the shop owners held the wallet up high. JJ was so relieved. She said the adrenalin had really kicked in. When she went back to collect her kitengue on the Tuesday, the shop keepers told her that they had beat the robbers. When I told my colleagues in the office, they said the robbers were lucky not to be killed, as sometimes they can be put burning tyres around their necks and kill them.This shocked me! I know they've wronged, but really, do they deserve to die for that!?

We had lunch at hotel Klique, where JJ could get WI-FI. She explained that she realised it was wrong to put the wallet in her pocket, as she’d seen a group of 3 of them staring at her, but she had just become a bit more relaxed about security now. To cheer ourselves up, we took a trip to Zion Mall and bought some chocolate balls. JJ had put in some flip flops to be tightened, as she’d bought them at a local market, but they had stretched. JJ and Tess cooked me dinner when we got in – wow, I’m so spoilt. JJ made her amazing guacamole. We watched inception. I just found it so hard to follow and Tess fell asleep half way through after all the drama from today.

A new Kitengue, and braids that don't happen

Walked in with Tess this morning, and arranged to meet at 5.30pm by the blue billboards along from the Mother and Baby hospital, as she’s getting her hair braided tonight – exciting! Jane* called me at lunchtime to say she had some Nigerian material for me, so I went along to have a look. She’s constructing a shop in town (focusing on Nutrition, a bit like a Holland and Barretts shop back home), so I went to see how it is all progressing. I bought a couple of Kitingue’s. One for myself, and the other for my mum. KSH 6000  it cost (42 GBP), which I thought was a little expensive, but she said it was because it was Nigerian, and the colour doesn’t run. Hmmm – lets see.

Went to Margaret, the dressmakers in town, and asked her to design me an African dress. We got a free lunch in the office today, as they are holding interviews....my favourite... chapati's! I shall never get bored of them! As I left the hospital today, two pharmacy students from Nairobi approached me, and started chatting about Eldoret. They were talking about healthcare in Kenya, and how it costs 15,000 KS (100 GBP) to have a Caesarian Section here. If people can’t afford, then the social worker gets involved. JJ and Tess arrived at that point. The hairdresser, believe it or not, didn’t have the hair extensions that they’d promised to find (we weren't surprised, although JJ was saying how when they'd been in last week, they were very convincing, and seemed to understand what they were asking for, and would definitely have the braids ready for them today!), so we went out looking for suitable extensions. In the hair extensions shop, they had some interesting looking lotions and potions, including breast enlarging creams! JJ and I were intrigued to how it works!? They were also playing some Kukuya music, which I liked, so I got the bands name from the shop owner, and would try and find it in town.

It looks like we won’t get Tess’s hair extensions tonight, but the hairdresser was hopeful she’d find them in town tomorrow. We were supposed to be meeting Jesse at the hairdressers, to have dinner with him, but we had no means of contacting him, as he’s lost his phone. Speaking of phones, the girls told me they’d bought a mobile over here, thinking it was a NOKIA make, anyhow, it turns out the shop owner had stuck a sticker over the make, and it’s actually a cheap phone, and they’ve been having problems with it ever since! So we wait outside the arcade, and Jesse shows up about ½ hour afterwards. Had dinner out at Mama Mias restaurant. It was a nice evening.

*I've changed the name in this posting.

My turn to cook…

I met another statistician, who works on the floor below. She analyses the birth and death rates in the hospital. Already, there have been 83 deaths this month. Many HIV, and oncology patients. She also does audits. So spot checks on wards to ensure doctors/nurses are carrying out procedures correctly.

The Swedish nurses were comparing the equipment here to back home. Here it is more about using senses. For example, hands and touch and a stop watch to time the contractions to ensure that the lady has gone into labor. Whereas back in Sweden, they use a band going round the mothers stomach to monitor the contractions, and it is more about relying on monitors.

We all went out with Jesse again tonight. I ran with Jesse back to his student accommodation to get his laptop (just opposite Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)) Jesse has a small room, with an electric coil, that he cooks on, there is hardly room for 2 people to sit comfortable. He was so proud to show me his living quarters though. When leaving, it was pitch black, but luckily, the road was lit up by car head lights. Back at the guesthouse, I attempted to cook chapati’s for everyone, although they didn’t turn out how Evelyn and Judy had cooked them!

I tried adding spring onions and red peppers to the mixture, but in the end, we had to remove them, as they kept making holes in the mixture, and we couldn’t cook them properly. It took 2 ½ hours to make, – can you believe! Jesse ended up helping me! We didn’t eat until 9.30pm.

 

Everyone was starving by then…oops sorry guys! JJ skyped home as it was her eldest daughters birthday, so we all sang happy birthday!

Not a good start to the day, but one that ends well!

Ergh – not a good start. As I reach immigration at Nairobi airport, the officer asks what I’m doing in Eldoret. I’m half asleep, and not thinking straight after the long flight. I tell him I’m working at the Moi University (rather than telling him I'm volunteering for the Global Network NGO). He asks me for my work permit, so I explain awkwardly I don’t have one, so he tells me I need to go to the immigration offices in Eldoret, and get a “special pass”. He stamps my passport for a 1month stay. I don't get it though, why was it fine when I entered the country back in July? There's no arguing with the immigration officers though.

Chris is waiting to pick me up at Eldoret airport, and drives me to the immigration offices. The immigration officer in Eldoret can’t see a problem with my visa, as I have one lasting the entire year. I asked if he can stamp me in, until the end of my stay, but he refuses, and tells me to come back after a month. I’m hoping all will be ok when I go back in a month’s time, and they don’t deport me, or put me in jail.

I arrived at work, exhausted. I was sent home early, as all the travelling just caught up with me, and I was just falling asleep.

When I got back to the guest house, I was just about to fall asleep, when JJ arrived home! She explained she was going running with Jesse tonight (a Kenyan nurse student), who was looking after her and Tess during their stay. I couldn’t resist inviting myself along, excited to experience running with a Kenyan, the elite runners, and find a better route than the Ugandan road! 

We ran to the Eldoret club, where there was a field to run round. It was hard work. Jesse was keen to do some exercises after running 2 laps of the field…it killed me! I realised my fitness needs some work! It was starting to get dark, and the mossy’s were coming out, so Jesse knew a short cut back and JJ cooked for us all - pasta with tomato and morzella..was yum. Tess (my other house mate) had been out working with AMPATH in the villages, so didn’t get back until 7pm. Jesse stayed for dinner. We chatted about the Kenyan culture and how the Kenyan wife must cook for the rest of the family; the perception of African families, i.e. the bigger the family, the richer they are. Was a really nice welcome back home to Eldoret, despite the bad start!

Journey to London (1st October - 10th October)

Mum met me at Heathrow. How weird getting on the London Underground again..it’s been a while!

Spent the weekend in Brighton with Shane! Was awesome! Ate out at Terre a Terre, had fish and chips by the pier, went shopping in town. Loved it all!

On the Monday, I had a meeting with Shona and Steph (from Fast Track) at GSK House. Shona is keen to keep the Run for Good event small, around 100-150 people. She wants to see this run in Eldoret as a pilot run, and if it’s successful this year, hold another run next year on a bigger scale. They also suggested running the event in the High altitude training camp in Iten, as Shona has met the manager, Martin, and suggested that it would be less disruption than holding the event on the streets. She will look into providing 330ml bottle’s of water, and lucozade boost on the day. They can provide caps for the volunteers at the drinks stations. They also suggested inviting GSK Nairobi, and charging an entry fee for those participating, and for those watching. Shona has asked me to provide a summary paragraph, including the charity that we are raising money for (i.e. which villages), how many people will be participating, when and where the event will be held, and the key stake holders.

Steph will post me a sample goody bag, containing the t-shirt, wrist band, medal and race number to my UK address, so I can take back and show the team in Kenya.

They also asked about health and safety, so I’ll need to confirm this with the team back in Eldoret, and suggested selling the wrist bands, which they will ship over to us.

GSK are also happy to provide flyers to advertise the event. We will also need to draw up a budget of the predicted cost of the event. Was a good meeting.

Went to see the rainbows after, and we took them to the park. It was great to see how Vicky was leading the group competently. Felt a little strange to be back, as there were quite a few new ones, whom I didn’t recognise.

We had a BBQ in the evening with Shane, Mum and bro. Was great to be all together, I realised how much I’ve missed this.

On Tuesday, I spent the day with Amy H. It was great. We couldn’t stop talking, we had so much to catch up on. I realised how Skype really makes a difference. With people I’ve been able to Skype, it was just like I hadn’t been away, but with some of my friends, I haven’t had the chance to Sypke, only email, or Facebook, and with these friends, we just had so much to tell each other. Alicia and Liz joined us later on in the evening. We went to a restaurant in Brentford. The whole way through the evening, I was just thinking how nice it was to be back with these guys again! I’ve missed this so much!

Wednesday was hectic. Felt I was running round seeing everyone. I met up with Jo in Waterloo, it was such a shame though, because it felt so rushed. We only spent an hour together, and then she had lectures. I saw Emily in Holborn, and we went for Mexican food in Abobo. Talked loads and loads! She looks really well, and was wearing a little badge to say “Baby on board”. I guess the next time I’ll see her, she will have a little baby..exciting!

Travelled over to see Cara in West London. Again, loved catching up and hearing her stories about Denver, and Churchill, her adopted dog! 

On Thursday, I travelled out to see V in Uxbridge, and had lunch at Weatherspoons. It was too short again, as she had to leave for a meeting at 2pm, but she mentioned about the tickets for Isle of Wight going on sale this week….hoorah – I’m in :) Ate out with Shane at Amico Bio...ummm!

Friday, left for the wedding in Ireland with Shane. Was fun, although, struggled to understand everyone’s accents :) (Plus I couldn't keep up - an Irish wedding goes on all night..different from us Brits!)

On Monday, I met up with Louise in Welwyn Garden City. Was so nice to hear about her wedding. I felt we hadn’t spoken in ages! Managed to get shopping done for my colleagues at the Global Network as they’d put in a request for English scones and pot pourri. It was frantic when I got back home – I found a dry cleaners receipt, and realised I’d forgotten to pick up a dress from more than 3months ago! I had 2hours to pack, get to the airport, and get all checked in! My mum’s a star, and collected the dress for me, luckily they still had it! Did some frantic packing, as was taking back clothes that Caroline and Frank were donating to the Sally Test Paediatric Center, then rushed to Heathrow. I can’t believe the week is over so quickly. I feel sad, but also rejuvenated, to start the final 3 months of my assignment.