So much to say!

I finally have a substantial amount of time to use the internet, so I can actually create a proper blog entry! I really feel like it's going to be impossible to translate my thoughts and feelings into written words, but I'll do what I can to bring you into my brain for a few moments.

Over the past few days, we've been meeting at BLISS in the morning for Swahili lessons. I won't bore you with a bunch of grammatical constructions, but I will add a special message for Kendra and Aysha: we learned that the word "nyanya" means both "grandmother" and "tomato." I am not kidding. Those of you who understand the reference can probably imagine that I had to stifle my laughter as the rest of the class practiced saying that word. ANYWAY. I've been happy to learn more about the language, and I feel a lot more capable of making my own way here in Kenya now that I'm equipped with basic speaking knowledge. Brenda (my host sister) has also been helping me learn both Kimeru and Swahili, provided that I teach her a bit of Spanish!

Speaking of my host sister, things here at my homestay have been rather amazing as of late. I can really say that I have gained a new Kenyan family-- I know that I will always have somewhere to stay in Meru, and I love feeling like part of a brand new unit. When Mo and I arrive home from BLISS each evening, Lucy comes out and exclaims "Oh, my girls! My girls are home!" It is both heartwarming and hilarious. She took us on a tour of the school buildings a couple of days ago, and we were introduced to everyone as "my daughters." During our tour, we stopped in for a cup of tea with the principal of the school, and that was the turning point at which I realized that I have gained a real appetite for Kenyan tea. I have never been a fan of anything other than water, but I can now say with confidence that I need Kenyan tea to properly jump start my morning routine. Last night, the power went out throughout the town, so our family dined by lantern light. As usual, we shared laughs, conversation, and cultural comparisons... but something about the shadows being cast on the walls and the dim lighting created a new sense of closeness that I will never forget.

Yesterday, I taught a geography class with Natalie-- more specifically, a Form 2 (sophomore) level course on geographical photography. I was nervous at first, but Kenyan students are nothing like American students because instead of texting and obnoxiously chatting during class, they demonstrate respect and attentiveness. I felt appreciated and it was wonderful to know that my lesson was actually being absorbed instead of ridiculed. After geography, I taught my first photography workshop, which went more wonderfully than I could have hoped for. The students were broken up into two small groups, and I explained the basic features of the digital camera and photography. Next, I took a nice portrait of each student leaning up against a pretty blue door outside of the BLISS laboratory. I couldn't have anticipated the excitement the students showed when they were told that I would give each of them a copy of their own photograph. Within moments of printing the first picture, groups of students gathered around to admire the results. Students who hadn't even signed up for the photography class created a large crowd around the printer, calling my name and asking me to print a photo of them. My only regret is that I could not print a picture for every student at BLISS.

Today was our last afternoon teaching at BLISS, and I sat on in a female sexual education class taught by Ixchel, Johanna, and Kyra. After reviewing some of the basic questions asked by the BLISS students, I found myself shocked... the lack of knowledge on topics that many Americans consider basic took me by surprise. I don't want to make this too uncomfortable for my blog readers, but I would like to give an idea of the types of questions the Kenyan girls asked. Questions ranged from "How many times can a condom be reused?" to "Is there a medicine that will prevent pregnancy?" However, the girls were already very educated about HIV/AIDs, which surprised some of us. In any case, I was intrigued by sitting in on the sexual education class.

As we left class today, we were literally bombarded by BLISS students who wanted to hug us, sing with us, ask us questions, and inquire as to when we will return. For some reason, many students remember my name, so it's not uncommon for me to hear "Sophie!" from someone whose face I don't even recognize. I have to admit that it feels pretty good to be in such high demand. :)

I could type for hours about how awesome Kenya is, but I need to help my host family prepare for dinner tonight. Did I mention that we eat dinner at about 9 PM here? Well, we do. I think my consumption patterns are going to be so warped when I get back to Michigan. Oh, and we saw elephants yesterday! We were driving back to Thiiri after a tour of a local university when I saw an elephant tusk peeking out from behind the bushes on the side of the road! I quickly yelled out and Loyd let us stop the car to take pictures. I'm getting more and more anxious for our safari each and every day, but I also want to cherish my last couple of days with my family in Meru.

I'll update again as soon as I can. I've decided not to share ALL of my stories on this blog (as if that was possible anyway) because I need to save a few tales for when I see all of you at the giant country-wide welcome home party you're throwing for me... right? ;)

- Muthoni (that's my Kimeru name, as decided by a couple of students at BLISS!)

Pictures:

Me and a few nursery school students in Meru.

Teaching Form 2 geography and photography at BLISS.

Some of my photography students with printed pictures of themselves!

My Kenyan mama introduced me to sugarcane... YUM.