Sunday, June 17, 2007

First Day in Nairobi

Hi everyone! Tonight is my turn to blog, and our first day in Kenya was certainly an eye opening experience, I think. After meeting our drivers (who are really nice) and arriving at the Guest House (which is really comfortable and nicely removed from the hustle of the city). We then drove into Kibera. Industrial buildings and upper-to-middle class residences shrunk to an unpaved slum of corrugated metal houses and dirty streets as we drove into the neighborhood. We stopped close to Mr. Okoth's family apartment, and were introduced to his mother and family, who welcomed us warmly. We then visited Mr. Okoth's old school and a girl's center that works with young girls (of about our age) to fight against AIDS. We talked, listened to their poetry, and played games with them, and then visited the Red Rose School, where we will be doing our service through Thursday. We were very impressed with the level of education that these lucky children are receiving, and are looking forward to working with the teachers and students in the coming days.

6 comments:

Amiri Family said...

What an amazing first day you've had - and how wonderful to meet Mr. Okoth's family! Keep those updates coming - and get some rest!

Anonymous said...

Hey all,
Sounds like you are ALL in Nairobi which is great - and already totally plunged into a new life that is completely different to life here in D.C. which goes on just as usual. We are thinking about you ALOT and liked Chris's posting because it gave such a sense of what it's like. Can't wait till tomorrow to see the next postings.

Ginger said...

Thanks Chris for the detailed description of your very first day in Kenya. To all of you, I can only imagine your first impressions. How kind of Mr. Okoth's family to greet you. I can't wait to hear all about working at The Red Rose School. Those children will be fascinated by all of you. Keep up with your rest, malaria pills and keep those blogs coming. It is all any of us live for here in DC these days. Thanks again. Ginger Black
PS Love you Caitlin. Thanks for the email. :-) Momo

Anonymous said...

Dear Ken,
Greetings from Georgetown! I'm glad to hear that you've all arrived safely. I've just recently applied for a job with DATA (Bono's organization) in Government Relations. Hope all is well with you, and please say hello to the Georgetown gang from me when you see them. Stay safe! Sincerely yours, Allison O'Brien

Anonymous said...

Hey gang! Glad to be following your journey with you from afar. I'll be flying in after you leave, alas. I hope you continue to wonder, think, explore, and relax during the rest of your trip. --

Ali Bhanji

Anonymous said...

Great to hear the first day news. We are all jealous! It is special when you have friends and family introducing you to Nairobi. Sure beats being a regular tourist! Your energy level must be high to have done so much the first day! We can't wait to hear about your impressions of the children at the Red Rose School...and their impressions of you all!!