Our Latest Adventures

Yesterday, Peter the music teacher led our crew through the Mathare slum near the Mercy Care Centre. We were met by crowds of toddlers bouncing out of ramshackle houses shouting “wzungu!” (white people) and “how are you!” Between smoking garbage piles and barbed wire fences were street vendors selling fruits, roots, and assorted other goods. Peter and our other guide (‘Other Peter’) taught us the Swahili words for ‘rabbit,’ ‘soccer field,’ ‘kale,’ and other things we came upon. One highlight of the walk was the poignant but beautiful view of the entire slum from an apartment balcony. – Will R.

Last night we feasted at Carnivore, a restaurant that specializes in exotic meats. We were served chicken, turkey, beef, pork spare ribs, lamb, ostrich, crocodile, ox heart and ox testicles from arm-length double-pronged skewers and intimidating swords. Finally, according to Carnivore custom, we waved a small toothpick flag in surrender, signaling that our bellies could hold no more meat. Because Carnivore was the most touristy place we’ve been and because the meals were so large, the final bill was quite hefty. However, we all enjoyed the chance to relax and talk amongst ourselves about the day’s adventures. – Katherine

Today was our last day at the Mercy Care Centre school. It was full of excitement and final moments, and as we said goodbye I could not believe that the past week had gone by so quickly, and that my time at the school was over. Every student poured out of their classroom to hug us, tell us goodbye, wish us a safe trip, promise to miss us, and insist that we return to visit the school again. I will never forget the friends I have made and the fun I have had at the Mercy Care Centre. – Hailey

Once upon a time in a room far, far away, three girls sat in quiet wonder of the week they had just experienced. It had been a week full of dust, traffic, smiles, and enthusiastic children that had taught them to appreciate the love that can be shared around the world…especially through song.
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Good ole Fanny Pat (aka Mrs. Worsham) was the motivation for our melodious debut. She was also the subject of our second number, but soon we ventured on to another member of our growing Kenyan tribe – Skinny Joe, the van driver. In a glowing comparison of Skinny Joe to the other, more rotund Joe (aka Fat Joe), we highlighted their attributes with our resplendent, angelic voices. There will be many more jingles created on our safari, and we shall certainly report back. Goodnight world! – Sarah, Gina, Meg

It is amazing to be in Kenya in a time when the world is brought together by a sport that is so significant here. “Football” has drawn us closer, there is no doubt about it. Being able to give the kids jerseys and soccer balls to use rather than their tattered shirts and makeshift balls of trash-bags and string has enabled us to enrich their lives but has been almost more rewarding for us. Seeing them in E.C. Glass soccer jerseys that we once wore brought smiles to our faces that were comparable to the grins on theirs. – Gina & Meg : )=