September 10, 2011

I am really hoping – but not hopeful – that I will be able to post this blog one day!!!! I have internet – well my computer says I have internet – can I keep a connection for more than 2 mins – NOOOO!!! I have forgotten how much I love the Kenyan way!

I arrived last night after a really lovely flight (did I say that!) and spent the night in Nairobi with my lovely friend Mary. We travelled into Nakuru this morning.

We thought it would be a good idea to visit Play Kenya’s new project ‘Rafiki Mwema’ on the way in. This is the therapeutic centre we are setting up for sexually abused young girls. On all my visits I am aware of the need for a more specialised support for these very vulnerable young girls and their families. Our aim is to safely reunite the girls with their families, support them all through the trauma of the court system, and work with the emotional trauma that has happened. The girls we will be supporting will be between birth and 12 years old.

Anisha has found this house for us – and we have taken it on trust that she has done a good job – and boy has she!!!!

A lovely house with a great family feel in a good location – I could almost imagine the first girls arriving and sitting on the sofa – eating at the table – cooking in the kitchen – I say ALMOST because all those things were happening – except it was the family that should have been moved out 3 weeks ago that were doing those things – in OUR HOUSE!!!

We have said they must be gone by tomorrow night – but TIK (this is Kenya) and I’m not holding my breath!!! It really is a great house and I so want to start getting everything sorted – and start helping these young girls – GET OUT OF OUR HOUSE – please!

There is so much to do here – not just buying everything for the home; finding and employing staff; arranging the right training for them, meeting with government officials and getting our licences and …. The list is endless!!

Having left Rafiki Mwema I then went with Mary to MIA – Mary has been away for the last 3 months and the kids literally bowled her over – except my Lucy who started telling me not to go again BEFORE she had said hello!!!! Those children really know how to do a greeting!!!

It is Lillian and Gracie’s birthdays’ today so there was the traditional ‘washing’ of the lucky birthday person – more like drowning!!! I hope I can get the photo’s up on this blog – they are priceless!!!

I am so excited to be back so soon – and with a real task to do – Lots of work and meetings but I’m sure we’ll do it!

I will try again to post this – and maybe some photos – that might be pushing it! Please Internet Angel – bring me a connection soon!!
Day 2

I was all set to go to see the children in town today when Anisha arrived to say that Mercy had been taken really ill and we needed to get her to the hospital quickly. We drove to her village, which is in the middle of no-where, down unmade roads with potholes as big as Brighton – not ideal to transport a sick lady. And she is really really sick. Anisha carried her to the car as if she were a feather. We arrived at the hospital where they saw and admitted her very quickly. She is in terrible pain with her head and cannot see. I am so relieved she is in hospital.

It is really really harsh here – if you have no money you don’t get treated. I asked Anisha what would happen if friends in the UK and Australia didn’t help Mercy – she said she would be dead now. She is a young mother of 26. Play Kenya are happy to do what we can to help her.

Everyday in Kenya brings different dramas – today I was supposed to be interviewing staff but have had to change plans midway – thank goodness that is how the Kenyans expect things to be!