Skonnard's Video of July 2012 Expedition

4 members of the Skonnard family and 3 members of the Guest family participated in the July expeditions.  With the help of their Hidden Springs neighborhood in Fruit Heights, Utah, they raised funds to build the classrooms at Bofu, which were dedicated during our expedition.  The Skonnards put together this great video with photos and video of the July trip.  It is a great overview of many of the activities the expeditions participate in while in Kenya.


Asante, Skonnards, Guests and the Hidden Springs community.  It is clear the joy those efforts brought to the villagers of Bofu.

Tracy's Cooking Adventures in Kenya

This is a journal entry from another July expeditioner.  Tracy volunteered her time and energy in the Koins kitchen, helping Emily with the food for our large group.  Tracy created some delicious new dishes for our expeditioners.  Expedition food has come a long way in the past few years.  With limited food options, and stores far away in Mombasa, being creative is key to providing a well rounded, tasty meal 3 times a day.  I personally am indebted to Tracy, as my kitchen skills are limited at best, and in Kenya are essentially non-existent.  The joy she found in working alongside the Kenyan kitchen staff, and presenting her food creations to the expeditioners was obvious to all.  With her help we enjoyed scrambled eggs, a delicious cornbread, birthday cake, and a variety of cookies, which were all new dishes for Kenya.

 

Tracy and Mama Emily in the KCC kitchen

Tracy and Monica work on dinner preparation

Tuesday July 17th, 2012
Written by Tracy Jackson

Today I woke up at 5:30am and made pancakes and eggs for everyone. Myself, Emily, and Ester are the three ladies that have been cooking here at the KCC, (Koins Community Center) and I LOVE it! I got to teach them how to make scrambled eggs for the first time.They had never seen how eggs can form if just heated. Random Africans surrounded the pan as I stirred. They all kept slowly saying over and over, "scrambled eggs!" Haha! They always have so much energy and we are even laughing that early in there. It just makes me want to do it even more the next day.

After a very loved American breakfast we all left to go milk the goats.When we got there they asked that we help water the shambas. (garden) About 15 of us went to the water to go scoop it up with our buckets. It was so muddy we had to let the one African woman scoop it for us while we carried the buckets out to the shambas. Each bucket waters about 2 1/2 plants and there was about 1/2 an acre of them. We finished about half the work, and realized we were out of time and couldn't milk the goats. :( It took us about 45 minutes to do that much)

Tracy and Heidi painting one of the Miyani classrooms

After we came back we went to the Albino school. It was nice to see they had a safe place to stay. They live at the school, and can do the other things they need to do there too. Unfortunately they can't go outside much. It's not safe. There is not a fence around and we were told there are some bad Africans out there who would love to swipe an albino child and sell them, or sell their body parts for trinkets. Ugh..so sad to talk about, but I am so happy that they are in a safe place. We gave them some hats, sun lotions and sunglasses. They were so happy.

Tracy painting a Bofu classroom

After we returned, I went back to the kitchen to get working on our next meal where we made potato balls. They are made from peeled, boiled then grated potatoes, formed into a pattie in your hand, then filled with chicken. We then rolled them into balls, and fried them. I like to learn how to make all these different foods.

Tracy running in the race to Bofu

Tracy teaching a kindergarten class

We also got a chance to to the Sean Michel's School today. It is a school for the children with disabilities. We painted nails, played ball painted faces, shot silly string,and had a great time meeting all the great kids.

Things I'll always remember about this trip:
*Pulling up to the KCC for the first time and seeing the African children surround the bus.
*Cooking in the kitchen and learning how to make all the new foods.
*Riding on a camel on the beach
*Almost convincing a handcraft wood salesman on the beach to buy my shells
*Listening to Benny sing
*Hundreds of children running towards our bus singing before the Zimmerman brother's dedication. 
*Carol Guest reading her magic book to the African teens.
*Listening to Buffalo's life story
*Feeding the monkeys mango
*Fighting a monkey for a basket of rolls
*Teaching Kindergarten
*Painting the schools
*Singing
*Finding jellyfish
*The safari
*Stopping at the mud hut when Cindy was there
*Learning to hold water on my head
*Shutting the door to the kitchen and dancing/singing with the women in there.
*Seeing elephants close up
*Shopping with crazy good prices
*Taking Sheryl to church
*Giving her my Book of Mormon
*Singing "Jerimiah Was a Bullfrog" for a class in the secondary school that didn't have a teacher.
*Shadowing Agnes.

Feeding a monkey at the hotel in Mombasa

Playing with the children at the Windridge school

Riding a camel on the beach in Mombasa

I love being here in Africa! The people here are amazing and I hope to come back soon.

Meeting in Vikolani, Bret's April Journal #3

This is another installment from Bret, who is in Kenya for a few weeks.  Next week another expedition group will join him, but for now he is introducing Leah to the community and doing all that can be done to prepare her to take over the position of Executive Director of the Koins board in Kenya. 

Technology is blessing we did not have available to us while in Kenya during the early years of Koins.  Now cell phones are commonplace, and the internet is available, although it is still sketchy, as is cell service at times.  So far this trip, I have been able to speak with Bret daily. I am always glad to receive his emails that share the activities of his days while in Kenya.  Hopefully he will be able to share some photos soon.  IVL

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Replacing the man who has been the face of Koins for the last decade, one of their own, one with childhood friendships and students that he taught as children now raising families of their own in the area is not an easy task.  Leah has been thrown into the deep end and is swimming like a champ as we travel around the area, meeting educational leaders, law enforcement directors, village elders, and everyone in between.  We have had no shortage of group assemblies, and I’m sure Leah is beginning to feel like a GOP candidate, but these are necessary functions as Koins makes their transition.

The billowy clouds coming from the west, with their soaring columns of ruffled frames, indicate a chance of rain.  The prayers on the ground implore that they find a home directly over us and pummel us with precipitation.  A cool breeze washes in with the late, gray afternoon, bringing relief to me and a bone-chilling 78 degrees to this cold-blooded community.  As I went for my afternoon walk over hill and dale, visiting the many family clusters dotting the dry hillsides, whatever items of clothing are available are placed on their bodies to stay warm.  I walk around with a t-shirt and safari shorts, looking to them like I’m going to a Polar Bear Plunge party.

I crossed the dry bed of the Mnyenzeni River and headed up the opposite side.  I was on unfamiliar paths, but children greeting me by name indicate that I’m still in my area.  The trodden path lead me to an uncharacteristic village, with tidy huts placed in organized rows, and many large stones placed in an orderly fashion for sitting in a variety of places throughout this tiny hamlet.  The children scurried around, afraid of their visitors, but announcing I had arrived.  Soon the village center was crawling with mothers and tiny babies, toddlers, children and the white-haired elderly.  As each exited their hut to come and greet us, they looked upwardly to determine the condition of the skies.  They systematically pulled their kangas around their shoulders to shelter them from the bite of the wind.  Million dollar smiles filled their faces as they greeted the first white man to ever set foot on their soil.  Although the children were dying with curiosity, their fear never allowed them to come any closer than a distant handshake.

A young woman dressed in colorful robes and headdress greeted us.  She knew me from the primary school where she attended until the age of 13.  Her education ended when her test results didn’t permit her into secondary school.  She followed the typical alternative - returning to the village, working the fields, and marrying someone from a neighboring village.  She announced she was 17, as she adjusted the bundle on her back, revealing the frail baby cradled in its wrap.  The infant’s beauty was astounding as she opened her coal black eyes to see who had caused her shuffling.  She was cold and searched to retreat back to the warmth of her mother’s back.  Winter is coming south of the equator, and small children who are already weak are often the victims of a mild cold or flu.  Combined with exposure to malaria and water-born illnesses, I could only feel hopeful that this darling child would someday be one of the children calling to me from afar. 

A stiff wind caused a visible shiver from the baby, so I told her mother to come to the Koins Center in the morning and I would provide her with a thick, warm, cozy blanket.  Since I leave my belongings here, my bags when I travel are always filled with needed supplies, equipment, or other goods.  My cousin Leigh, as well as my sweet niece, Katie, organized a multitude of blankets to be made specifically for this purpose.  We usually reserve the blankets as a small reward to the women who come to the safety of our dispensary to have their babies instead of remaining at home.  However, I couldn’t resist inviting this mother to come and collect a blanket for her baby.  There has never been a smile so wide when she realized I was offering her one of our well-known blankets.  She said that she was so excited that she would not sleep that night, and wanted to come early to the KCC, so I told her as early as she wanted.  I am fully aware that she’ll be there as I exit my bedroom.  I’ll have a blanket for her.

The District Officer in this large area is the top law enforcement official, but responsible for keeping order when dealing with disputes, land issues, community development, and alike.  Our D.O. is one of the few females with this steep position, and having Leah as her counterpart in the community was truly a treat for her ears.  She provided Leah with deep insight and wisdom from someone who came here from afar, a different tribe, and a woman placed in a leadership position in the middle of the Duruma people.  I sat and watched our green executive absorb the words of wisdom from this seasoned veteran.  They will be friends, and the relationship between her office and Koins will surely be strengthened.  The long road Leah will travel with Koins is being paved, thus far, by wonderful people like Madam Gloria, the District Officer.

The brawny clouds remained silent throughout the evening, without spilling a drop on our beckoning fields.  The churning of soil by hoe, oxen tillers, and the Koins tractor is the order of the day around here as everyone prepares for the rains.  It will be soon when the seeds will be going into the ground, and that’s when every single prayer from each individual mouth will be directed upwards pleading to heaven for their vital rains.

Mmmmm good, brown beans and rice for dinner.  A lukewarm glass of water as a chaser, and I’m off to the showers to scrub off anything that has attached itself to me during the day.

………………………..

With the assistance of a small, white Ambien pill, I finally enjoyed a full night’s rest.  The crowing roosters, gurgling he-goats, or noise of the village interrupted my slumber.  I am officially on Kenyan time.

Much of our objective for this expedition is to prepare for our summer activities.  Today we met with the village of Vikolani (vee-co-lawn-ee).  Yama, Buffalo, Tuku, me, and Edison (our agriculture specialist) made the trip on foot as a vehicle cannot reach there.  Leah came with us to be introduced and take part in the planning process we have specifically for this village.  We thought we were meeting with a few village elders and representatives from the women’s group.  Upon our arrival at the Koins-constructed primary school, a couple of hundred villagers had gathered to greet us and make us feel welcome.  With colorful dress, clapping hands, and songs of gratitude, we were seated under the sprawling branches of a Neem tree, one that has provided shade for weary travelers for over a century.

Our plan is to have a youth group come and live within the community.  They will build a hut similar to those where the villagers live.  A garden is being planted now that will provide harvest of native plants upon our group’s arrival, and our kids will rotate the garden and replant the soil.  They will serve this community and live amongst them, herding goats, fetching water, planting vegetables, and preparing traditional meals – side by side with the people from Vikolani.  We needed property where two huts could be erected.  It was happily given to us.  We need them to dig a pit where a latrine can be constructed.  We were promised a pit 15 feet deep since we will construct it near the school so the children will finally have a place to go.  Up until now……..well, let’s just say you had to watch where you were walking.  Land for a garden that would be dedicated for our use had to be donated.  No sooner was the request made that it was granted, and the location of the garden is in the center of the most fertile land in the village area, plush with coconut trees and green grasses.  These grateful people have been served by Koins, and whatever we needed to achieve our goals was given.  The fortunate young adults who will join our expedition in July will forever have Vikolani in their hearts, with memories that will last a lifetime.

We arranged for Leah to sponsor a lunch for all of the Koins staff, meeting each of them formally and addressing them as a group.  There is no question that she will earn their respect, and they will give it freely as she works at their side.  The laundry list of things to do seems endless, but the foundation stands firmly, ready for Leah’s blocks to be placed.  Her abilities will only improve our work to this point, making our humble organization even better than it is, and this community is getting excited about it as they see Yama standing so firmly behind her and cheering her on.  I asked the women’s group in Vikolani if they were happy about seeing a woman take over.  It was if I had announced the winning lottery ticket number and their group was the owner. 

Although I know the villagers love me, when I go for a run the children laugh out loud.  They’ve never seen me run, as I never have before over here.  Some of the younger kids will actually run with me, occasionally uttering jokes in Duruma, sending everyone that is with us into fits of laughter.  These are Kenyans, and they know how to run.  However, the men near my age group have quite a different reaction, and although they wonder why I’m working so hard, they encourage me.  Here is today’s conversation that I found so funny:

Villager – “Baba Bret, you are running?”
Me – Ndio (yes)
Villager – “Are you in a hurry to get somewhere?”
Me – Apana (not really)
Villager – “Then why do you run?”
Me – (Blank look and a shrug of the shoulders)
Villager – “Baba Bret, walk and enjoy the day.”

I felt like taking their sage advice, but since my bride is back home killing my times at altitude, if I don’t run here I’ll never be able to catch her.

Night falls like a thick blanket here.  It’s quick, and becomes dark in just a few minutes time.  There are no light poles that kick on to illuminate your way, or solar walkway lights that provide some sort of direction.  It goes black, and you had better have excellent vision in the dark or a flashlight, because there are no options.  Tonight the frogs have started singing.  Why now?  There were no rains today.  I guess another Ambien is going to be required.

BVL

Another Kenya Blog to Follow

We have had a bit of a lull in reporting activity in Kenya.  Bret returned home in early February and recuperated from his motorcycle accident and concussion.  There has been much activity going on behind the scenes, with an April expedition heading to Kenya in 2 weeks.

There is a family going to Kenya with Koins in July, the Skonnard's, who are keeping a blog about their experience.  You can follow it here: http://kenyakronicles.wordpress.com/

They also have a facebook page you can follow and "like": http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kenya-Kronicles/259326427494021

It should be an interesting perspective, as the adults will be with the regular expedition group, and the teens will be part of the Youth Leadership expedition, which I expect to be an amazing and incredible journey for all involved.

Asante sana!

IVL

Rachel Fitzgerald's Kenyan Experience

A recent group of expeditioners to Kenya has returned, and this blog post is from Rachel Fitzgerald, a recent high school graduate.  It is always good to get a young person's perspective on their experience. 

Rachel and a new Kenyan friend

Going to Kenya was a life changing experience, and it was only possible through the Koins for Kenya foundation.  There is something about seeing the world that helps you to realize what life is really about.  I no longer looked at my small scale problems as the end of the world, instead I viewed what it was really like to have to fight to survive every day.  I was no longer worried whether or not I had the latest clothes or technology, I was gratefull to have anything at all.  I came to the realization that maybe road construction and speed limits in Utah were not such a bad thing, that I'd much rather take that than unsafe roads.  I found that maybe, just maybe, going to a full day of school was a blessing, not a curse. I was able to see that I would much rather spend a day at work, than spend a day walking under the hot sun to fetch muddy water.  

Rachel in Kenya

I still cannot explain to people exactly what it was that I learned and saw in Kenya.  They are all in the same position I was six weeks ago.  Its one thing to read about or listen to the stories, and its another thing to live them.  To most people they are just stories, to me the stories are real experiences continually happening every day around the world. Going to Kenya has changed me because I will never be able to forget whats really happening beyond our comfortable borders.  Before it was so easy to see just my life in Utah county through a funnel.  After seeing what I saw and doing what I did  I will never be able to forget the world. I will never be able to forget that it is a much better use of my time changing THE world, rather than changing MY world. 

I am so gratefull for Koins and everything they do.  I have seen first hand the hundreds of organizations that pull at the heart strings of people not to make change, but to get personal gain.  Koins is absolutely not one of these!  Koins for Kenya is changing the world, and doing it because their motivation is love not greed.  Not only is Koins assisting in education, nutrition, and health, they are spreading hope.  I would encourage anyone to help with the Koins cause because they truly are making a difference, and doing it the right way.

Rachel Fitzgerald

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Thanks to Rachel for her comments and photos.  My experience has been that the best way to develop a young humanitarian is for them to experience life in different circumstances than how they have been raised.  It is impossible not to leave a changed person.  

Asante, 

IVL

Bret's Kenya Journal, October 2011, Part 1

Bret is in Kenya with a small expedition.  This is potentially the most important, life changing expedition ever, as far as the Kenya people we serve.  The focus for this expedition is on agriculture and dam building.  Bret has written a summary of his first few days, in the way only Bret can.  His many trips to Kenya have given him an understanding of life in Kenya that few Americans can fathom.  The nuances of his perspective are touching and worth sharing.  I hope you enjoy.
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The preparation for this expedition has been many years in the making....and I'm convinced it wasn't my plan.  With each passing day I become more convinced that the hand of my Heavenly Father has guided me and Koins to this point, placing opportunities in our path, bringing talented individuals to our doorstep, and lighting our way.  The divine hand that continues to manifest itself in our work has coordinated this work, and especially this trip, from the very beginning. The week in Italy prior to my departure for Kenya made the transition a lot easier.  I'm sure I can convince others to join me for a similar trip in the future if it includes a week in Europe just to get "acclimated." Walking off the plane in Nairobi feels as natural as deplaning at SLC International.  I know the fast way to the passport counters, I am familiar with the luggage handling, and tonight said hello to one of the customs people that actually recognized me from previous trips.  We have probably had a run-in at some point since to the Kenyans all white people look the same. The flight to Mombasa was less than an hour.  Anthony greeted me as he has done so many times before.  This time he was alone, having driven a car by himself to pick me up.  He handed me the keys as we loaded the car and I gladly snatched them up and took my place on the opposite side of the car from where we normally drive. The rains have devastated the roadways here.  I haven't seen the main artery from Mombasa to Nairobi this bad in almost a decade.  It's truly sad to see the commerce of this country choked by the inability to get the small things right.  In just a few hundreds yards I felt comfortable driving on the left hand side of the road.  The pot holes kept me busy and awake, and within an hour (due to it being one o'clock in the morning) we were pulling into the KCC.  Emily and Esther both arose from their beds to greet me and I had to stop them from preparing water for a shower and a hot meal.  It's grand to be home. I don't mind the crow of a rooster early in the morning, but this dude has got to die.  I don't think that 4:50 is when any chicken, on any day, should begin making their racket.  A great thing about Kenya is that if I identify that rooster, I simply buy him, give him to Emily in the kitchen, and his fleshy parts will help flavor my pilau rice dish tomorrow. Yama and I met and got the day organized.  After a few brief meetings of the mind with some of our staff, we got together with the SRA boys.  These two men are extremely gifted and highly trained in crops and animals, and have the ability to train others on better methodologies that will ultimately assist themselves feed their families better.  We walked for over an hour under a scorching sun, exploring the Koins plots between Mnyenzeni and Vikolani.  They never knew the boundary until today, and had never discussed my visions for it in depth.  With everything we discussed those two grown men were actually giddy with excitement. Galla goats being traded for the traditional African goats, chicken give-a-way, and the tilapia starter kit, the rotational garden partnership program, and others were all discussed to their delight.  It is only possible with them overseeing the entire project, so I am ecstatic with our SRA Partnership at this point. Stones continue to be collected for the dams, citrus trees, banana trees, papaya and mango trees are all being ordered.  They will be planted throughout the "garden" area of the demonstration plot so everyone can see how easy it is to raise these valuable and nutritious trees.  So much is in store, so much to do, so much to plan....... Our trip to Mombasa had us visiting with the President of Steelmakers, Inc. the largest steel products manufacturer in Eastern Africa.  He had not been responsive to Yama over the last month, so I dropped in on him.  He was nervous at first, but with a lot of reason and excitement about the drills being constructed locally.......and dozens to be completed monthly (hopefully with his steel), he saw the light and began helping us. Once in town we visited the bank, then a hardware specialty company for some items we need to make gabbion wire stone boxes for the dam, along with some "geotextile" product that is VERY difficult to locate.  These pieces need to be in place before my engineer shows up and wants to build a dam, so we're busy as beavers......yes, a pun. Went to the Blue Room for some internet connection and dropped some emails.  Although separated from Ingrid for only 36 hours, it was fun to hook up with her through a video conference and see her early morning smile and eyes.  No matter what time of day or how flighty her hair might be, those eyes are like looking at a pair of blue-green sapphires with spotlights behind them.  Her peepers are second to none and they were good to look into, even if it was just a few minutes. Shopping for the expedition ended our stay in town.  Although we made fast decisions and walked quickly, the process still took over 90 minutes.  Where are Jami and Sue when you need them? The outdoor showers are a marvelous end to a sweaty, dusty, tacky day.  With the fan on full throttle and an ambient down my gullet, I hit the sack and dream of big Galla goats filling our pastures and milk containers throughout the area.  So excited!! The rooster has to go!  At 4:10 this morning that early-rising cock-a-doodle-doer decided I needed to get up.  He's going in the pot as soon as I can identify which of the three rooster he is.  The unfortunate part is at that hour it's still too dark to see, and by the time I can see, all of them are crowing and they all sound similarl. Anthony, Patrick, Emerson and I all departed for Kilifi after breakfast.  Due to road conditions we didn't want to go through Mombasa, so we decided to take back roads for the 50 mile ride.  The SRA boys were raised in the area where we would make our shortcut, and as it turned out, it was shorter, quicker, and a lot easier on the eyes.  There were beautiful sites all along the way, some wonderful little villages, and a dirt road much better than the main road. We visited with the staff at Pwani University for a couple of hours.  They were glad to show us their goat and dairy operation, fish farm, chicken ranch, and mushroom-raising activities.  Although they provide a lot of academia with their projects, our application in the real world will end of benefitting them more than what they'll provide us.  However, both spectrums together will make us all a lot better in our agricultural endeavors. Upon our return Yama headed back to Mazeras for a funeral.  I opted to remain here, spending time with the SRA boys going over what we had seen at Pwani and going more into depth.  We spent more time at the "shamba" going over details of our plans for this beautiful piece of ground, and our ideas are really coming together.  Once we have Kevin here to make a final decision on the dam placement, we can swing everything else into action.  We had our usual entourage of village children following us the entire time, calling out to me and asking for  magic rather than candy.  A couple of cheesy tricks later they had all been satisfied and filled with laughter, checking each other's ears for additional coins that might be hidden. Buffalo came by and we went to discuss the block making for the dam.  We came together quickly making strides in our goals that should allow us to meet our timelines.  Moses and a teacher friend of his also came to visit and ended up eating dinner with us.  While sitting together Kendy called from America and I surprised her by answering his phone.  I could hear the confusion in her voice when I answered, and when she figured out it was me, her tone went to shear jealousy, knowing that I was with her beau. Early evening, showered, hit the sack. The sun was extremely heavy today, crashing down hard all morning, causing everyone to walk a little slower.  The shade only made it bearable, but in direct sunlight the temperature was 20 degrees more.  Simply put, it was oppressively humid and uncomfortably hot. Thick, billowy clouds formed to the south in the afternoon........ I met with Emily this morning about the arrival of our other guests, shopping lists, how many meals per day she needed to prepare, etc.  Since my scheming session with the SRA Boys late yesterday, they prepared an outline for moving forward.  These guys are on fire with excellence, and with each passing day we make great steps in our agricultural agenda. I visited the dispensary and was greeted by dozens of baby-toting mothers patiently awaiting their turn.  I don't know how Naomi does it, but she is a super star when it comes to this area's health care.  We went over the agenda for our small expedition, focused mostly on the coordinated activities of Grace Quesenberry.  It appears as though Grace will spend several days next week walking around the villages administering polio drops into the children's mouths.  That, along with delivering dozens of baby blankets to area dispensaries as gifts when mothers have their children in our facilities instead of at home. Somehow I brought up the issue of HIV/AIDS and mothers.  We delved into this heavy topic because I saw several babies in the waiting line that appeared to be woefully sick.  Since I don't fully understand the "how's and what's" to this deadly disease, I have to ask a lot of questions.  I wasn't aware that babies born to an HIV positive mother wasn't necessarily infected with the disease.  However, I learned that the baby has a very high potential of getting the disease if it nurses from the positive mother.  I was floored to hear that many mothers are faced with starving their babies, or passing along their deadly disease......and therefore the disease continues. Our goat milk program just got a new curve in it with this enlightening discussion.  Our plan is to provide the schools with milk through a small herd at each facility.  They will care for the animals and milk them daily, placing the milk into the children's porridge.  It won't provide much to each child, but when they receive nothing now, each drop counts.  With my conversation with Naomi, we will implement a similar program at the dispensaries, providing clean milk to the babies where their mothers are HIV positive. We had the Fitzgerald's arrive today from Watamu where they have spent the last three weeks.  Their experience of "Humanitarian Work" so far has not been stellar, so coming to our village area will surely light them up.  The Koins Center is a change from the posh, seaside hotel in which they were staying before.  To their credit, it is a welcome change, and one that has them both excited, as they really are interested in lending a helping hand. I met the Fitzgerald's in Mombasa and they helped me do some shopping for our group that will be arriving tomorrow.  We had a couple of errands to run on the way to meeting them, the first being in Mazeras.  I was standing in front of the butcher shop on the main road waiting for Anthony when a gentleman came up to me and began shaking my hand profusely.  He was rambling in Duruma and I could only catch a small percentage of what he was saying.  Thankfully, Yama came out of the shop and explained what I was missing. It was a few years ago while I was walking through a local village when I found a pair of twins, barely alive and looking more like small birds than children.  Their mother was extremely sick and could not nurse or care for the baby girls.  Koins rarely takes a position of helping one person or family, especially with medical issues, because everyone has genuine needs.  But in this instance I could not ignore the ugly situation, and I ended up taking the babies and their mother to the hospital where they stayed for a couple of weeks. I was saddened at the news that one of the babies didn't make it, but happy that the other had, along with her mother.  Two years passed when a lady that I did not recognize approached me at the Koins Center.  She had walked from Mazeras, some 12 miles away, because she heard that I was in town.  She was bouncing a chunky little girl in her arms when she told me, through a translator, that she was the mother of the twins.  I couldn't believe me eyes and then barely held back my tears.  When I asked to hold the toddler, she gladly handed her to me.  As I stood hugging the baby, the mother swung the kanga that was wrapped around her to her front where I could now see her twin sister.  She had not passed on, and, if fact, was fatter than her sister.  It was a happy moment. The man who saw me from across the street today and ran to greet me was the father of the twins.  His eyes were still filled with gratitude after almost fours years since that fateful moment.  Why did I stick my head into a strangers house to see why a baby was crying?  Why did I decide to take steps, when normally I probably wouldn't?  I may never know, but I'm willing to guess that why it happened will reveal itself at some point. On the way from Mazeras to Mombasa there was a huge traffic jam on this two lane road.  It is treacherous in normal conditions, but due to the traffic and aggressive drivers, it is near insanity to go out there.  I was behind the wheel trying to make progress in a way that can only be explained if you experience it.  But, in almost a moment where nothing was going on around us, a large 18-wheeler smacked the back corner of the car.  We pulled over to check out the minor damage, but the truck driver had no inclination to stop, and kept on going.  I looked at Anthony and asked, "what do we do now?"  He stated simply "T.I.A." - This Is Africa.  This small catch-phrase can really sum up a situation like this, basically stating that there's nothing you can do about it, so roll with it.  The estimate on the car repairs in the U.S. - $2,500.  Actual costs in Kenya - $60.  Hey, T.I.A. I think I've identified the rooster who has consistently caused me to open my eyes at zero dark thirty since I arrived.  He crowed one too many times when I was near the side of the building and I saw which one he is.  On one hand I want to eat the flesh from his skinny bones, but on the other hand he's the only African that is timely every day.....so, I'm conflicted. The morning was overcast with rain falling in the distance.  The Fitzgerald's were up, and Chakaya needed passage to Bofu, so I loaded everyone into the van and we went for a little ride.  Once we dropped Chakaya in Bofu, he continued to Dzendereni on a piki-piki (motorcycle taxi).  We backtracked a mile and went to Gona, checking on our final projects from July.  The Tingey School is the best looking classroom we've constructed to date.  Surprisingly, because it is Saturday, it was filled with students when we arrived.  Their teacher was there and the instruction was serious.  When I entered, the students, in their usual fashion, stood all at once and stated in complete unison, "Good morning, Sir!"  I returned the greeting and asked them to be seated.  The teacher was happy to have visitors and asked if I would take a moment and address his students.  I took the opportunity to make them laugh, make them ponder, and hopefully try a little harder.  It was a great interaction. We took some back roads through the real African bush so the Fitzgerald's could see what living in Kenya is all about.  The clouds were breaking up and the heat would soon be oppressive, but village life was unfolding in front of us, and for a novice, it is striking.  Riley stated that he had been present in-country for over a month, but this was his first real day of being in Kenya. We passed by the Sean Michels School to say hello to the special needs kids.  As we pulled up, those that are mobile ran to greet us.  We hurried down to the other children and all greeted each other.  We have a couple of new faces, but the ones I have known for a few years were all there in ear-to-ear smiles.  I threw Beja around, making him squeel to the laughter of everyone.  One of the wheelchair kids got a zippy ride around the compound in her carriage, chasing the other children in circles.  The SMS is a special place. Lonny Ward is arriving on a 12:45 flight from Ethiopia.....well, that's the scheduled time anyway.  As I was about to leave to pick him up I received his text about a mechanical breakdown and probable two hour delay.  As I had a meeting planned for the afternoon with a possible replacement for Anthony Yama when he begins his politicial career next year.  Our faithful driver, Johnson, picked Lonny up, and without further delay was here at the KCC. The rest of the afternoon was spent talking shop with the SRA Boys, Lonny, and I.  Lonny pulled out some photos from his dairy album and showed photos of his 80 liters a day cow.  Those are big numbers for me to digest, but to the Africans they were borderline fairy-tale.  Their cows generate an average of 6-8 liters per day around here when things are good, so numbers like Lonny produces has them all shaking their heads in amazed disbelief. Rachel prepared a nice dinner, and several plans were made for tomorrow, including several contingencies based upon whether or not the delayed flights for our next group of arrivals causes problems in Nairobi.  I'm going to bed and wait for the news from Johnson, who has departed once again for the airport. _____________ I am looking forward to more updates from Bret.  This will be a full and busy expedition, with much happening and opportunities to help the Kenyans in our service area see real change in their lives. Watch for updates. Asante sana, IVL

Youth Leadership Expedition in Kenya - New for 2012

If you would like more info on this expedition, you can contact the Koins Expedition Leader, Jami Quesenberry, at jami@koinsforkenya.org 

Go here to download an expedition application. 

Asante! 

IVL

Halloween Hustle 5K Run in Kaysville, Utah

Monica Woodland, a participant in the July 2011 expedition to Kenya, is hosting a Halloween Hustle 5K run on Saturday, October 29 at Barnes Park in Kaysville, Utah.

There are lot of fun activities planned, including adult and children 5K walk/run, a costume contest, pancake breakfast and raffle prizes.

All proceeds from this activity are tax deductible, and will go directly to Koins for Kenya, for the building of a large community water cistern in Mnyenzeni, Kenya.

You can register online at: http://halloweenhustle.regtix.com

Come join this fun family event, and help Koins for Kenya build a cistern.

Asante sana!

IVL

Michel's Family Dental Trip to Kenya

After the Koins July expedition departed Kenya, there was a group that came in, organized by Lisa Michels, the mother of Sean Michels, and the one responsible for the idea and the funding of the Sean Michels School for Special Needs Children.

Lisa and her family have made several trips to Kenya, but this trip had an entirely different focus.  They brought dentists with them, with a plan to set up a dental clinic on the porch of the KCC and take care of as many dental patients as possible in the time allotted.

It was a stunning success.  There were many, many Kenyans who had fillings done, teeth repaired and pulled.  Most of those had never been to a dentist.  Many came to the KCC in desperation, having dealt with tooth pain for months, and sometimes years.  With no access to a dentist, the villagers have no option but to deal with the pain and sometimes even resort to pulling out their own teeth.  We hope this is the first of many dental trips.



Click here to read about their trip and to watch slideshows of their experience.

Asante, Lisa.  Your organization and planning paid off in a big way for our villagers.  Many are sleeping better, feeling better and looking better, thanks to your dental group!

IVL

Best Senior Trip Ever! (Morgan's Reflections on Kenya)

This blog entry was written by Morgan, one of our younger expeditioners.

Morgan and a young Kenyan

As you all know, during the summer after your senior year of high school, a lot of kids go on a “Senior Trip.”  My parents had been making arrangements to take me on a European tour - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, etc.  As the school year came to an end, classes got harder, AP tests started, and I complained about school more and more.  One Sunday during church, a lady in my ward named Sue Tingey mentioned that she went on a humanitarian trip to Kenya.  My dad confronted her about it, and asked if her and her husband would come over the next day and tell us more about it.  At this time, we were just interested with no intention of actually going.   They came over with a slide show presentation, and it hit home.  They showed us their pictures, and told us about their experiences.  Before they left that night, I knew that I needed to go.  Two months later, I found myself in a place of beauty, poverty, and utter amazement.

Morgan and her dad, Burt, during layover in Amsterdam

The last flight of the trip, flying from Nairobi to Mombasa

After a long journey of flying and layovers, driving through streets of poverty and extremely bumpy roads, we finally arrived in Mombasa, Kenya where we would spend our first night.

Bombolulu worker making jewelry

Wheelchair and hand-pedaled bike workshop at Bombolulu

Once we arrived, we went to a place called Bombolulu, a community where disabled individuals work in workshops to make merchandise so they can earn their room and board.  We went through the workshops to find blind, deaf, people without limbs, and others with miscellaneous disabilities.  Although they were disabled, they were making beautiful things - woodcarvings, hand pedaled bikes, jewelry, clothes, handbags, and various items.  As we went into the workshop where they made hand pedaled bikes for those who couldn’t walk, Bret informed us that if we wanted, we could buy a bike for someone in need.  Everyone in our group insisted that they wanted to help by giving bikes to individuals in need, with an understanding that they wouldn’t meet the person who received it.  My dad and I decided that we would buy one for someone.  Soon after we started the paperwork, we noticed a young man crawling into the workshop on his hands and knees.  We asked if we could give our bike to him, and we did.  We presented him with the bike, and he was ecstatic.  Although he didn’t speak English, we knew how grateful he was.

Morgan and the recipient of the specialized bike

It is obvious the need this man has for a specialized bike for mobility

The next day we drove on miles and miles of bumpy dirt roads to the village of Mnyenzeni; our home for the next week and a half.  Upon arrival, we were greeted like rock stars.  Any feelings of loneliness or rejection vanished.  In a matter of seconds, I had fifty new best friends.

Morgan, Tara and students from the secondary school

Walking to the school in Vikolani surrounded by students

Morgan makes a new friend at Miyani Primary school

One of the highlights of my trip was really getting to know the people.  We didn’t jump from place to place sightseeing, but we lived in the village, and I got to watch and experience their everyday life.

Several of our group after teaching at the Windridge school

Every morning at 7:00, the children run to school yelling “Jambooo!” as they pass with a bucket of water on their head, a stick to give so they can build a fire to cook their lunch - if they are lucky enough to get lunch, and a small plastic container so they can put their lunch in something if they get it.  The women do their chores, which would consist of making breakfast - they have to peel the maize (corn), pound it, sift it, dry it, and then grind it.  They then boil dirty water and stir in the corn flour until thick to make the staple food of Kenya, ugali.  They take numerous walks to the watering hole so they have enough water for cooking, laundry, and cleaning.  They go to their “shamba” (garden) and weed and till the rock-hard dirt.  They walk miles to chop down branches with dull machetes so they have fuel to cook their food.   And, they hand-wash all the clothes. This is their day… everyday. 

Morgan and her grandma, Claudia, spent a day shadowing Betty

Girls from the expedition became friends with Koins sponsored university students

I had the opportunity to go to the Secondary School and play games with them, and talk to each other like we’ve been friends for years.  I learned how differently we live, yet how similar we are.  We all want the same things - we want to feel beautiful, to feel loved and accepted.  One thing I learned is that school is precious.  Primary school in Kenya is free of charge, but once you get to secondary school (high school), tuition is $300 per year.  Many children don’t make it to secondary school because they can’t sacrifice the money. In some cases, an extended family will save their money to send one of the many the children from that to school.  And only a fraction of those who make it to secondary school will make it to the university level, which is $1,500 per year.  None of those students can afford to pay a university tuition, and are completely dependent on sponsorship to go to university.  I will never complain about school again.

Morgan and Burt and the secondary student sponsored by their family

Morgan and her dad teach about airplanes and rockets

Our main project while we were in Kenya was teaching in the in the primary schools.  My dad and I taught the seventh and eighth graders about airplanes and rockets.  We showed them how to make paper airplanes, and they were amazed.  We brought a simple rocket launcher and a rocket, and they we so excited!  Everyone would gather in a circle, count down from ten, yell BLASTOFF and everyone would scream as the rocket flew into the air.  Not only did the whole school come to watch, but also all the teachers would gather around.  We went from shooting into the sky, to shooting their headmaster in the behind.  I was amazed at the things they knew, and didn’t know.  They knew the whole solar system by heart, but couldn’t make simple folds in a paper. 

A student prepares to launch the rocket

The rocket takes a different trajectory

Words cannot describe the experiences I have had, before I had seen pictures and heard about it, but you have no idea what it is like unless you experience it first hand.  In the words of Anthony Yama, “You have no idea.”

Simply Happy! (Ann's Reflections on Kenya)

This comes from Ann, another of our July expeditioners.

Monica, Sarah, Ann and Madie in Kenya

I’ve been home now for a week, having just experienced an incredible trip with my daughter Madie and a two very dear friends of mine, Sarah and Monica.  Many times I’ve been asked how the trip was and what the biggest thing was that I took away from the experience.  My first response and quickest to relay is the fact that “We”, all of us here in America, are so blessed!  We have so much to be grateful for!

Madie holding a baby at the dispensary

You all know this, I understand!  But I’d like to give you some more insight into what it was that I saw in Africa, that really touched me and has made a “Life Changing” impact on me. 

Teaching in a crowded Kenyan classroom

That first day in Myenzeni, we were introduced to those involved with the Koins board at the community center.  Anthony Yama gave a quick little intro and ended his words with, “THIS……… IS………… AFRICA”!   Maybe you’ve all heard this phrase spoken By James Earl Jones, with that deep voice.  This phrase still sticks in my mind as I reflect on the culture and the ways for these amazing people.  I’ll never forget those first scenes of the woman at the water puddles, carrying a 5 gallon jug of water on her head, baby wrapped on her back and a couple more kids in tow.  There the young boy pounding rocks, making gravel for mortar and a ways off another young boy herding cattle.  The beauty that surrounded them, the palm trees, the rolling hills, the riverbed that was once flowing, now dry.  It was as if the ground was meant for a resort!  Gorgeous!   I looked around, wondering where the stage directors where, the filming crew.  This was unbelievable to me.  I had no idea that people actually lived like this today.  It was if we had stepped back in time.  I felt so ignorant. 

Woman gathering water at Mwache river

What is it that I might be able to offer these people?  I have been blessed beyond measure is so many ways.  I wanted to make a difference somehow!  The need for clean water I would say is the greatest need for them all.  And then schools to educate all these beautiful kids running around, happier than any kids I’ve seen in America.  That job is huge.  So many kids!    They need help with agriculture, micro financing, job skills, solar lights so the students can study after dark, medical care, medicine, and ambulances.  The list goes on.  So many needs!   What could little ole me do to offer any hope for the future to these people?  This question was a constant in my mind as I prepared to go and even when there, I still was not sure of my purpose.  But I had planned to teach English to the 1^st and 2^nd level classes with Madie and then help out wherever any help was needed.  

Ann and Madie teach in a Kenyan classroom

I spent some time in the dispensary, logging in the patients name, complaints, and treatment advice with the strongest woman I think I’ll ever met, Naomi (the village nurse/mid-wife).  I played volleyball and basketball with the secondary kids after school.  So fun!  I can now say that I’ve played basketball on a dirt court.  Madie and I painted with the kids, played games at the KCC with the little ones who seemed to always be there, painted and prepared the newest building built by Koins in Gona, in preparation for the opening ceremony.  

Jessie and Madie at new Gona school and cistern

Painting the new Gona schol

Madie shared candy with the kids everywhere she went.  I did yoga one morning out in front of the KCC and had several kids join me.  I loved it.  But the thing I felt was most beneficial to these little ones in Kenya was sending them unconditional love, by making eye contact, winking and just smiling at them.  That was the most enlightening experience for me in Africa.  Those young little faces were looking to us for some hope.  We had so much to offer them, all of us.  But if they could feel my love for them, then my purpose in being there was good.   I hope they felt that love, and remember that feeling.  It was awesome to get a smile in return after that wink.  I’ll never forget the "Jambo's" from all we’d pass, in the van or  walking around the village.   My favorite was the Jambos and comments shouted as Madie and I ran 7 miles to Gona Saturday morning. This image will be burnt in my mind forever.  We had a great time. 

Little girl waving and shouting Jambo as Ann and Madie ran to Gona

Ann and Madie on the road to Gona

The entire 10 days, the emotions where there, mostly shock I think.  But none of them surfaced till I left.

Madie works with a Kenyan baby on her back

As we made our way around, teaching the kids, meeting with the teachers, becoming better acquainted with all the people in the villages, I fully enjoyed every moment, learning from them!  Amazed at the happiness and the simplicity of their ways.  Honestly, simple maybe is not how we would describe their way of life.  If I had to walk miles, every single day to fetch filthy water, and then spend hours preparing ugali, (corn mush) to provide meagerly for my family, simple is probably not the right term.  However, after spending a day with Betty, shadowing her for just a few hours, that is the way she made it all seem.  Betty made life for these people seem so simple and enjoyable. And this woman and her family really seemed truly happy.  Lots of singing, and dancing.  Big smiles with loud “Jambos”.  There was nothing that seemed too complicated!  No busyness, No competition, no need to be in a rush.  No Worries.  Hakuna Matata!  African time!  They all seemed relaxed and at peace with the life they where living. 

Ann grinding corn at Betty's house

Now this was my perception of them all.  Not knowing them intimately, I could be way off.  WE, as expeditioners, came with lots to offer and left them with all our things.  I’m sure it’s much like Christmas for them as we go, knowing they might receive a pair of shoes or a new shirt, toys, balls, books, bedding, or whatever is left behind.  Maybe most are just putting on a happy face for us white people.  But I’m pretty sure that is not the case with the children!

Ann teaches a group of schoolchildren a song

These kids where beautiful and happy!  Simply Happy!  It’s my hope that I will always remember this.  That life need not be so complicated and difficult.  We are much to concerned about things that just don’t matter.  Water, food, and shelter, are what those in Kenya are concerned about and that is it!  When those needs are meet, happiness is theirs!  Simply! 

Visiting the school at Boyani

I love these people I briefly spent time with.  I’m still dreaming about them every night and think about them all day long.  It’s been a tough adjustment for me, coming home, learning to live a “New Normal”!  I’ll never be the same. I’ll never complain about water, or bad roads, food, healthcare, education, electricity, or anything.  We have nothing to complain about.  We are spoiled!  I will give back, because I have been given much!   I will simplify my life!  I have every reason to be “Happy”!   “Simply Happy!  And so do you!