Rural Week

I apologize for not blogging often, this past month has been very hectic. I also apologise for the long post. I was not sure what would be more appealing to the eye. More blogs to come about Hell's Gate, my internship field work, as well as my unexpected adventures on safari! 

Rural Week: Preparation for the week

We left early Saturday morning, and began out 7 hour travel from Nairobi to Kisumu. Kisumu is a city near Lake Victoria. After a tiring bus ride, we arrived at the resort we would be staying in for a night to physically, mentally, and psychologically prepare ourselves for the week. This time was also used for the public health students to prepare for the community health diagnosis survey we would be conducting during the week.  Upon our arrival, we separated into our rooms, some of us went into the pool, others read by the lake, and others napped. The resort was located right off Lake Victoria. If we wanted we could take a dip the second we left our rooms (not advised to do so). Around dinner time we all came together ate a delicious meal and went to bed. Before leaving, I was told that hippos lived in the surrounding areas and have been on the resort grounds, so be weary. That honestly worried me, on top of being in the dark, bats flying over my head, now I had to be concerned with hippos. Ha

Day 1: A New Home, A New Way of Living, A New Experience

The next day we woke up and had breakfast at 8am.  Today was the day we would be meeting our host families. Before that the public health students were to meet with our translators that would be accompanying us during the survey. The community we would be living with spoke Luo, a little bit of Swahili, and very little English. A translator was necessary. We met, discussed our survey, and became acquaintance with our translator. My translator was Caroline. She was 24 years old and married. She was very sweet and excited to help. I then found out that she would be another classmate’s host sister. We said our goodbyes and parted ways. We then had some time to relax before lunch. We had lunch, packed our bags and headed to the matatus (vans) that would take us to our host family.

After a 45 minute bumpy ride we dropped off Wyatt and Maddi with their families. I was next. I was dropped off at what looked like a market. My host mother Caroline was there to greet me. She was this tall, stern looking woman with no expression on her face. This made me very nervous. I handed her the bag of food and she carried my water. I waved goodbye to everyone and followed my host mother to the back of the market. She brought me into this small room and placed my things down. She left for a little which allowed me to observe intently. This small room was divided in half by a sheet. The side I was sitting on had 4 plastic chairs, a small table, and random things in boxes and crates. The floors were cracked and indented. Flies flew everywhere and the walls were filled with wasp nests. Behind the curtain there was a bed with several other random things. I thought to myself, “is this where I will be staying?” Caroline came back and sat down with me. I asked her if this was her home she said no. This was her house. I tried to ask the difference but she kept telling me to wait. She said “wait for my brother”. So I did not attempt to talk again. She realized I was hot so we sat outside. About 10 people surrounded me, shook my hand and asked me a million questions about myself, what I am doing here, etc.  So my host mom sat me inside again. I soon met my host uncle, Julius. (24 years old). He is married has one 2 year old daughter named Stacy and is excepting his second child. He spoke English well enough so we could have conversation. He introduced me to Caroline’s children, Austin (7 years old), Daddy (Joseph) (5 years old), and Jenifer (mam, who was 2 years old). They were all very afraid of me. Jenifer cried every time I looked at her.

We ate chapatti and soda and he escorted me to the home. We walked through fields, beautiful trees and greenery. We got to the compound of four separate houses. I soon discovered that I was living with a polygamous family. After waiting several hours, had an interesting adventure trying to find a bathroom (there was a different between bathroom and toilet…I asked for the wrong one).

            At around 7:30pm, I met my host father, who I call Bishop, and the entire family. He spoke English very well and introduced me to all 13 members of the household. I met his other wife, and his 10 children. Him and I spoke for the rest of the night. We spoke about his life, why he became a Bishop, his goals in life and his current project he is working on. He is the founder of Fresh Anointing Ministries. He is planning on opening up a nursery at his church for those in the community to come and start their education. Many of the children in the community do not attend school because 1. It is far and 2. They do not have the money for school fees.

 Soon, Caroline brought out dinner. We ate beef stew, ugali (a substitute for rice. It is very hard to explain), and sukuma wiki (kale). We ate with our hands, using the ugali as a spoon for the other foods. It was absolutely delicious. However, before arriving, our director told us that if we did not finish our plate, and a second or even third plate, it was rude. After my first plate I was getting full. But they insisted I eat more, and more and more. To the point I could not move. Once we finished eating, Caroline prepared me a bath. I then had my first experience with a latrine, and off to a basin bath I went. This experience I will never forget. Having absolutely NO experience in a rural community, I was not sure how a basin bath would work. So my host sister Linah Akinyi (daughter of the first wife) took me to the side of the house and put down the basin along with a plastic floor drop so my feet would not get muddy. She hands me soap and then looks at me. I look at her and am so confused. She said “go”. And I said ”what, here?!” She giggled and said yes! I looked around no one was there but me and her. So I said, “what do I do?”  She responded, “Take off”. (remember she does not speak much English). I looked down and said, “Everything?” She laughed and said “YES!” I then realized that I would have to removed every…piece of clothing I was wearing…in the open…in front of my host sister and her 9 month old baby. I took a breathe and began to remove my clothes, and with every piece I took off I kept asking, “Everything?” “Are you sure?” Soon enough, I was shivering splashing water onto myself as my host sister watched. I could not have bathed fast enough. I quickly dressed myself and went to bed. My host sister shook her head and laughed. So I figured this was normal here, to bath, not in private.

The first day was a bit overwhelming and frustrating since I had to jump into this new kind of living without being eased into it. These feelings fluctuated through the week. But for the first day/night, all it took was a little getting used to.

Day 2: A Day Around The Community

I was awaked at 5:30 am by a loud rooster, and banging of pots. Caroline was awake and already moving around for the days work. I got out of bed at around 6am and created my morning routine. Wake up, dress myself, make my bed, put my things under the mosquito net, put my contacts in and head for the latrine. Once I left the room I could clearly see the compound. There were cows, chickens, roosters and dogs all around. There was a cute little pond behind the house. The view was incredible. Hills of farms and crops so clear and peaceful. I got myself ready and realized breakfast was ready. Bishop greeted me asked me how I slept, I said GREAT! (In actuality I didn’t sleep at all. It took a while to get comfortable in a new bed). So we sat down and hate tea (chai) and buttered bread. The chai is milk based, which makes it extremely filling. So I was served not one, not two but three cups of hot chai.  And I could not have just 2 pieces of bread, but 6, 7 or 8, pieces of white buttered bread. I ate so much, I felt so sick.

Once we were finished, I grabbed my bag, and followed Bishop to his church. We met Julius on the way there. We saw the church, and one of the primary schools that was close by. I visited the classrooms and 100 students watched me and ran up to be to hold my hand, or simply shake my hand. Some of them even sang some of their songs that they sing at school. We then said goodbye to the children and began to walk to the market. Bishop had meetings to go to during the day, so Julius would be my guide for the day. We walked EVERYWHERE! He showed me the different schools, the river that divided their town from the next; I met the entire extended family, the dispensary, and some of his friends. We first visited my host aunt Christine. She was a young, lively, beautiful spirited woman with three children. She was the head of her household since her husband (one of Julius’ brothers was working in Nairobi most of the time). We sat and chatted for a bit as she served me chapati and chai. We then saw one of my classmates Lilly and her host mother walking outside. So Christine quickly ran to get her and invited her in. It was so nice to see Lilly. It was the first time I had seen anyone since we were dropped off. We talked about our first night with our families, the use of latrines and I then brought up the bathing situation. I asked her if she bathed in private. She looked at me and said yes, of course. I sighed and said ok. We chatted a little and soon she left. Julius and I left shortly after. We then met his mother and his wife and daughter Stacy. Everyone was so welcoming and so sweet. They were happy to see me.

After some small conversation, we left and headed to the schools. We visited three different primary schools, who were all welcoming.  We crossed the river and headed to the market for lunch. Caroline was there with the children, of course they ran away while Jenifer broke out into tears. Julius and I sat in her house and chatted. We had beans and chapatti for lunch. Now, I think beans are very filling. Chapati is a bit like a tortilla but a lot denser. Julius made me eat 3 full chapatis and three bowls of beans. Again, I could not move. Once we finished we headed to the dispensary where I learned about how they are under staffed with only two nurses, have no electricity, and do not have the resources to treat severe cases of malaria. Because there is so electricity, the dispensary cannot carry vaccines. There are specific days that the vaccines can be distributed. The nurse we spoke with was very nice and welcomed us to return. Once we left, we visited a polytechnic school, where students around my age went to learn how to have specific skills like tailoring, or construction. I met a boy named Daniel who showed me around a bit. He was very friendly and eager to show me his school. Everyone was so friendly.

            We soon returned to the market where Caroline was washing clothing. We sat and Julius and I chatted some more. Bishop came back early and I asked how his day was. He told me a bit about it and introduced me to a young girl name Diana. I learned she lived not far from the market. She was 17 years old, and loves soccer and math. She was just like my little sister Diana. My sister Diana loves soccer and math. Both even had similar personalities, shy at first until they are comfortable. We walked around the market a bit and bought water. She then invited me to her home to meet her mother. They were all so welcoming and sweet. I then returned to help Caroline cook.

Caroline taught me how to cook ugali, and sukuma wiki. She used a jiko, which is their kind of charcoal based stove. It was dark outside so we used a kerosene lamp to help us see where we were going. I really enjoyed cooking with Caroline. She giggled each time I got burnt from the jiko, or my arm was tired from sptiring the ugali mix. She was so strong, and had no tolerance for the heat of the jiko, which really impressed me.

Soon Bishop returned from his day and sat and chatted with me. He told me about his meetings and I told him about my day with Julius. Soon it was time to eat. We washed our hands and began to eat. The food as usually looked incredibly delicious. Of course, they made me eat two plates full of food. I noticed that the children, Caroline and Bishop were eating less than me. I then encouraged them to eat more, that I had plenty, but they would not budge. I had to eat it all. So I did, and in result, a big food baby. Concerned about the rain and thunder, I asked if we stayed at the market or go home. They laughed and told me we were walking home. So in the dark with only one flashlight, we walked home. When we got there, the security dogs came running barking and snapping at us. I was terrified. The boys took sticks and shooed them off. I was so scared. We finally got into the house and Caroline again prepared a warm bath for me. This time, she came out with me instead of my host sister. Before I bathed, I used the toilet. As I finished, I nearly could have fallen straight on my back if it wasn’t for Caroline. She held the flashlight, the door and grabbed me with one hand behind my back. I was so amazed. She laughed and said “clumsy”. Taken back by her comment, I just giggled. I thought it was funny too. Still being terrified of the dogs, Caroline took a big stick and swung it at the dogs protecting me. I felt so safe with Caroline. I quickly took a bath and heading inside. We chatted for a little and off to bed I went.

Day 3: Fustration, Patience, and A New Friend

I followed my normal routine of waking up, getting dressed, contacts in, to the toilet, wash my hands, and to breakfast I went. This morning, I was to meet with Caroline, my translator. It was the first day of the community diagnosis assessment. I was excited, yet a tad nervous. I had no expectations. After breakfast, Bishop walked me to the market as usual, and I waited for Caroline. We were to meet at 10am. Soon, Caroline, my host mom took me to the other Caroline’s home (hope you are all still with me). From there Caroline, Bailey and I started our way. We interviewed 4 household. I noticed that my data was all repeating and that Caroline was answering questions for the people we were interviewing rather than having them answer themselves. I did not notice this until my return to the market for lunch.

            After a filling lunch, I just sat, and sat, and sat! There was not much Caroline would let me do. So I sat and played with the children. There people staring at me, talking to me in Luo, and because no one had taught me any Luo, they laughed at my frustration and not knowing what to say. Today was the day when all the attention and the frustration of the language barriers hit me. Everything I did was not right. I tried to carry water, I apparently did it wrong. I felt like I was being made fun of all the time. I even felt bullied by high school aged girls who circled me looking at me up and down. It was a tough day. I went inside the house, took a breathe and said, “its ok, this is supposed to challenge you. You can do this”. This little pep talk helped very little.

 Soon after, I then met Madison’s translator. He came and asked me how my stay and survey was going. I asked him a couple of questions regarding the survey and showed him what I was concerned about. He agreed that the data looked skewed and would talk to Caroline for me. He then asked me to go for a walk. Being that I had been sitting for nearly 3 hours, I jumped at the opportunity to walk. So we walked and chatted about his culture, my culture, the US, Kenya, my family, his family, studies, etc. He then invited me to go climbing Kit mikayi. He said that Madison had not gone either! So he would ask her and come for me the next day. I was excited! We returned to the market, I helped Caroline cook sukuma wiki and ugali.

A bit later on, Duncan returned with Caroline and Bailey. She was confused and seemed a bit unhappy that I was not happy with the survey. After trying to clear up the miscommunication, I explained to her what was missing in the survey and what could be changed. They all then left and I returned to cooking with Caroline. Bishop came home, with a pastor and we chatted. We watched the news together. They translated everything for me. After we were through eating, we walked back to the house and the same night routine occurred. I went to sleep excited for my adventure for the following day.

Day 4: A Day filled with Adventure

Woke up again from Caroline moving things around in the room and followed my morning routine. After a filling breakfast, we walked to the market place where again I waited for Caroline. She came and we were off. We only interviewed 2 homes. The interviews went very well, the only problem was that I was getting a tad of sass from Caroline. Being that there was still miscommunication, I just let things go. Once thing I learned from this trip as a whole, patience.

After Caroline took me back to the market place I looked at all my data. There were several people who had very un-kept latrines, as well as little to no knowledge on malaria, one of the most prevalent diseases in the area. I finished writing a reflection on what I had learned through this survey and texted Duncan that I was about to help make lunch and would be ready to go whenever! I also texted Madison. She however, had no idea what I was talking about.  After that was clarified, I proceeded to help Caroline make chapatti and lunch. As we finished making lunch, Duncan and Madison arrived. Madison sat with me and ate. Soon after Shreya arrived telling us that she would be joining us. A little bit after than Andrew walks in to sit and greet us. We catch up a bit and eat. Soon Shreya, Madison, Duncan, and Bernard (Shreyas translator) and I were on our way. We made a couple stops and soon enough realized that it was going to rain. To avoid being stuck in the rain, the use of boda bodas were proposed. Being uneasy since this isn’t technically allowed (by technically I mean NOT ALLOWED AT ALL), we still used it, seeing it being the only option. We got there safely. This was both fun, but scary. We then climbed up! The view was beautiful! We took picture and hung out a bit. We then wanted to go to the other side so we climbed some more. This time, clumsy Angie came out and sprained her ankle. It was very painful. I then had to walk through a cave full of bats (not sawa), limping on one foot. I then had to climb down on one foot because it hurt pretty bad. It was so much fun though! Once we reached the bottom we walked to Madison’s host fathers work place and then started to head home. Because I could barely walk we had to take boda bodas back. This one was unavoidable. We got back, Caroline saw that I was limping and looked at Duncan. He told me she was upset with him. I laughed and told her it was my fault. She giggled and said, “clumsy”. I laughed this time and she shook her head and told me to sit. I sat the rest of the night, hoping my ankle would stop hurting. I helped to make dinner again as best as possible. We sat and ate together and I wobbled home. I went to sleep that night in pain from my ankle but more upset that tomorrow would be my last full day.

Day 5: Healing The Foot and The Questioned Filled Mind

I woke up feeling a bit better. I took some Tylenol and tried to suck it up. The plans for the day was to dig potatoes with Caroline, and wait for Julius to come to take me walking. So I did just that. With my ankle not being 100% digging potatoes was rough. I had never dug potatoes before; it makes you sweat like crazy! Even Caroline was exhausted! But it was fun! After we dug potatoes, I helped her clean them and she cooked them for lunch! I sat inside to ret my ankle. I then felt more pain than I did earlier this morning. That’s when I asked for some help from the staff staying in Kisumu and let them know what was going on.

            Throughout the day I was asked who I was, where I was from, how my day was and of course questions about the US. One of the men that talked to me before invited me inside Caroline’s store to chat. So I walked in and three men were sitting there looking at me. So I sat and my meeting began. These men grilled me with questions about the public health system, the school system, about banks, the government, the jobs, etc. I answered all I could. I realized that these men had a perception of the US that was not 100% accurate. They asked me questions like, if you go to the US and become a prostitute, will you be a rich person. There is no poverty in the US right? And there is no HIV/AIDS in the US right? I corrected all of this and their minds basically exploded all over the store. They were so flabbergasted that what they thought to be true was false. Soon after they began to try to get my name on a visa, and try to come to the US so I got a bit uncomfortable. Luckily, Duncan came with a first aid kit for my ankle. So I left and tended to my ankle. It felt so much better!

            I was able to walk a bit and move it. The rest of the day I played with the children in the dirt. I taught them some English words and they taught me some Luo words. It got darker and Duncan came back to chat a bit more. Once I noticed that Caroline began to cook, I excused myself and started to cook with her. It was my last night and I wanted to spend it with Caroline as she laughed at me for not being able to hold the jiko, or maybe messing up. I didn’t mind it when she giggled at me. I think it was bonding when I messed up. Since the town crier was in the store, I was basically cooking ugali and sukuma wiki by myself as Caroline jumped from cooking to listening to him. After we were done cooking, we set the table and ate without Bishop. He was in Kisumu, the city 45 mins away and was delayed with a meeting. So we had our last dinner together just Caroline, the children and myself. Caroline sat next to me, which never happened before since Bishop always sat next to me at the table while the children and Caroline held their plates. We cleaned up and started our walk home.

            Upon our arrival at home the dogs as usual barked at us and circled us. I was not afraid, Caroline and the boys had it under control. Caroline heated my water for my last bath. At this point, the whole situation of undressing myself in front of her was not a big deal. My clothes were coming off without hesitation. In the middle of my bath Caroline said something. I couldn’t hear here so I asked her to repeat it. She looked at me and said “Bishop is coming”. She said it in this tone that was extremely dramatic. It took me a while to figure out that the boda boda light on the top of the hill moving closer to us was my host father coming home and I was naked in plain site. So I rushed and prayed he would not see me. Finally I was clothed, but by the time I went inside, Bishop was already there. Did he see me….I will never really know. I don’t really want to know. So we sat inside and chatted a bit more. I told him about my day and told him about the men asking about the US. He then asked me about the US some more. He talked to me about his plan for the nursery in his church. He then gave me a proposal and background information on his church. He wanted me to help him in fundraiding money to help support the nursery. I told I would do my best. I plan on taking this into action when I return. I will keep you posted on what I do.

            I went to sleep and thought about my week and how upset I was that I was leaving. In the middle of the night I was awoken by rain hitting the iron sheet roof. I was so terrified! Caroline was also awake and told me to go to bed and that everything was ok. For the first time, I felt completely comfortable and part of the family.

Day 6: Goodbyes Are Never Easy

I woke up at 6:15 dreading the goodbyes that were to come. Before getting out of bed I heard crying. I realized it was Austin, my host brother. I thought to myself, today I will cry too. I got up, packed my things and got ready for breakfast. My final breakfast with the family consisted of nothing too special. Chai and bread. We all ate together which did not happen too often. The boys looked very upset. If Jennifer showed any emotion, I am sure she was happy I was leaving haha. We talked about how great the stay was and how we will all miss each other. Bishop then got up and told me to hurry up so we can take pictures. I had hoped that they would want to take pictures. I wanted to take pictures of EVERYTHING! I did not want to ever forget. So we took turns using our cameras. I took a picture with Caroline, then with Bishop then walked to the market and took more pictures there. Julius was there! He apologized for not showing up the day before. He told me his daughter Stacy was ill. I wished her a healthy recovery and told him to go take care of her. He asked to take a picture with me, so we did. He told me he would miss me. I felt so touched; I knew I would miss him too.

            After more pictures, it was time to say goodbye. I looked at Caroline, held back my tears and told her I would miss her. She told me she was happy to have me. I waved goodbye to my Luo family in hopes that I would return soon. I made a connection, a relationship with the people I met this week. I know that I will never forget this experience. I learned so much from leaving my comfort zone and putting myself in a situation where I would be challenged. I still miss my Luo family. We are in touch still. Every now and then Bishop will text me and ask me how I am doing. (Wow this is weird as I wrote that sentence, he just texted me). I text Caroline every now and then to tell her I am cooking like her, or just to ask about her day. I miss them terribly and cannot wait to return.

Post Rural Week Feeling:
Once we arrived back in Nairobi, everything felt so strange to me. The apartment looked and felt different, my room looked strange. I did not feel comfortable in my own home. I immediately fell into a sad, depressed state. I wanted to be alone, yet not alone. I was upset at myself, what I had, yet I wasn't. My emotions were fluctuating from one side of the spectrum to the next. I called my boyfriend up to ask his advice since he has had experience with reverse culture shock. He asked me questions that I could not answer. I tried to figure out what exact was upsetting me. Was I guilty, did I miss home, but home right now would not do well. Was I angry at myself. Did I feel helpless? I still don't know what exactly it was. All I know was that I was in reverse culture shock and I had to get up the next morning to go to my internship. Talking out what I experience really helped me gather my thoughts. This is why it has taken me a long time to blog about it. This month was filled with emotional challenges.

So stay tuned, there is more to come.

Love,

Angie