Support for Cura

Hey Everyone!

So I wanted to give you all an update on what I've been up to the last couple days.

The biggest news so far is that I've sponsored Minnet! She won't know that I have because they don't want the other kids feelings hurt, but the people taking care of the children know. :) Yesterday morning I got to Skype with the children. It was a wonderful way to start the day! Minnet promised to have my bracelet for me when I return in September. She was so upset last Friday when she couldn't find it. I guess once she fixed it, she stashed it somewhere to keep it safe and couldn't remember where.

An update on the documentary. We've started capturing the footage and it's turned out so much better than expected! The audio quality for the spots I thought were questionable turned out well also! So far I'm one happy filmmaker haha. :)

I'm still going through the photos. I'll have a picassa link for you guys soon with the photos.

Now for an update on the support. So many of you have been coming forth with support for these children and it makes my heart smile! People are donating money (any amount helps!), people are donating school supplies, and some schools have even come forward with some computers to send to the children!!! Its very exciting. I'm still looking for leads on the football (soccer) supplies. If anyone had any suggestions on footballs, shoes, or shin guards, please let me know!

Reflections of my week at Cura part 2

It's a weird feeling, coming back to the luxuries I had before. On the plane, I was served a hot meal with seasonings and a cup of pudding. My stomach didn't really agree with it, making me a bit sick for the duration of the first flight. Stepping into air conditioning was also a bit bizarre after becoming used to the heat. Although Kenya was not miserable hot, there was just a permanent warmth day and night.

After speaking with Hayden, I've been approved to "adopt" one of the children in the home. Incase you didn't get to see the early posting about adopting, it's not adopting in the traditional sense. It's more of a sponsorship of a child. $850.00 USD per year to feed, house, and pay for education. Once it's all settled, I'll let you know who I've sponsored. :)

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for the support and well wishes you have been giving me! Some of you have even donated to Cura, which makes my heart smile! I've been catching a bit of hate mail regarding this blog and my travels. I never started this blog for self promotion nor did I ever expect it to become as followed as it has. Those of you who have supported me with words of encouragement, and have support for the children, it does not go unnoticed.

I can't understand why someone would stand by and watch as other people are suffering. I've been guilty of this! When I would hear of the atrocities in Africa, the problems in America, and the situations around the world, part of me would think, "oh that's horrible! I'm on the opposite side of the planet. What could I possibly do to make a difference?" I idly sat by and watched. The people at Invisible Children have braved the critics and continue to work towards bettering the lives of others. I applaud and admire the for being so courageous. The people who say, "Africa doesn't want their help," I'm here to tell you that's a lie! I've heard from the source that the people in Africa are thankful for the support. It's in their news, it's on their radios, and the people are talking about it. Just this morning on the drive to the airport, the radio was talking about how Kony has been driven out of hiding. The work of both IC and the people of Uganda is working! And that is something to applaud, not discourage.

When I was asked to be involved in Cura, I treated the project as a vacation. I didn't know any better. It wasn't until I stepped out of the car in that remote community an hour outside Nairobi that I realized this wasn't a vacation, but an obligation for me to help someone else in need. No I'm not the "mzungu" (white man) stepping in to save the day. I am the brother, the friend of these people who gives a damn if there's food on the table and shelter to reside. Life this week was colorblind; people of the community would just come up to me and say, "we are together." My wish is that by taking this footage back, it will inspire others to take action. Whether it be in America, Africa, or elsewhere in the world. Whether it be by donating time or donating money, any action to better the world would be a good action. I know once I finish up this project, I'll continue to work/travel to Cura, to spend time with the community that took me in and treated me as one of their own. I'll be posting photos soon that I took from the trip- nearly 1,000. You'll see why I've fallen in love with Cura.

CuraOrphanage.org

Reflections of my week at Cura part 1

I'm labeling this part 1 because I'm sure more realizations will hit me as I make my travels back to America tomorrow morning.

This evening I witnessed something that both upset me and made me realize where I am. Gilbert brought two 2liter sodas for the kids after football practice. Imagine. Fifty children sharing a fanta and a coke. Fights broke out (children fights), children were upset, it was very sad to see. I just think about how we have dozens of cokes for a 10 person birthday party. Earlier a child asked me for my empty coke bottle so they can carry water from the well with them. Every child envies having a water bottle like the ones we either throw in the trash or the recycling bin.

Scola asked me if I wanted to say bye to all the children. My response was, "they're my friends, my brothers and sisters. I cannot leave without saying goodbye!" We went into the home where the children were having their dinner (ugali). Scola collected everyone in the court yard and gave me a chance to say goodbye. After I said my goodbyes, she gave the children a chance. Many very touching things were said, but I'll point out one in particular. All week, my friend Simon (photo below) would wear a collared shirt and a tattered corduroy jacket. The collars would always be messed up, so I'd walk over and jokingly fix the neckline saying, "there are ladies around! You gotta look sharp!" at the goodbyes, Simon pushes through the crowd of children walks up to me, tears in his eyes and fixes my collar. I couldn't hold back the tears. This is just one of many goodbyes. After giving all 50 children a hug, I began to walk out. Minnet runs over and jumps into my arms crying. I told her it would be ok and that we could all Skype every week. A community without running water, yet they have 1 computer with Skype.


It's hard enough to see one child cry, let alone 50 at once. I'm not going to be shy about it. I'm still crying over the goodbyes as I write this. I don't really have much to say right now being upset, so I'll leave it with that.

CuraOrphanage.org

Cura - Day 6 (last day for this trip)

Today is one of those days you hate to see arrive. It's my last day at Cura. Luckily, the children have Skype and email (one for the home) and they've promised they will do both with me! I've captured footage of the children skyping with Hayden and Norm. It's possibly one of the most adorable things I've ever seen! 20 children all huddled around a computer talking to a friend half way around the world. :)

Will, Simon, and Moses have been working hard today. They have the diggers working to excavate the land for the school foundation (all by hand of course). Thank you to everyone who donated to build the school! You should have seen the smiles on their faces when people gave the speeches yesterday!

Gilbert has really taken the lead with starting a football club! Both one for girls and one for boys! The kids are very excited and have even scheduled out times when boys will play and girls will play. I'm working out a donation of football (soccer) jerseys right now. If anyone has any leads to where I can get a lot of footballs or shoes or shin guards, please please please let me know!

This afternoon, the first load of construction materials showed up. Lots of rebar and concrete. Also our first inspector showed up. Everything is still on track!!

Cura - Day 5 Ground Breaking!! (3/15/12)

"Everyone smiles in the same language."

Today was the day of ground breaking! Lots of excitement, lots of people, many different schools all over came to celebrate. The children sang three songs for the elders, then the children of the home gave a poem thanking everyone, specifically Evelyn, Mike, and Creative Visions for giving them a home. It was very touching; tears all around (myself included).

Before the ground breaking ceremony, the house mothers prepared an elaborate feast for the community. Very tasty! Unfortunately, I had to film all day, so I didn't get much to eat. But what I did eat was yummy!

After the ceremony, Minnet (earlier I had been spelling her name with one N) gave me some letters she abd a few other children had written for me. Below are photos of them. This is the kind of thing that makes you realize that just by being here, you're making an impact in their lives. Because she made me a bracelet, I felt it was important to give her one as well. I told her to keep it quiet but of course as soon as she runs out, she screams to everyone. Haha.

Tonight I'm staying at the orphanage with Will. We went in to wash up and oh boy. The kids went crazy when the saw me! They didn't expect me to be there. We all washed out hands and arms together, then we watched the evening news. It's one of the few channels that comes in through the television. Once that was finished, I had to go to each room and say "nzuri usiku tamu ndoto" (goodnight. Sweet dreams). By the time you read this post, it will be a day later. No Internet here at the home.

Tomorrow is my last day and it makes me very sad. :(

The children said they'll cry when I leave. I'm sure I will too. After interviewing Evelyn, I learned that it only costs around $1,000.00 per year to sponsor (adopt) a child. Adopt meaning pay for their housing, schooling and food for a year. I've requested to adopt a child. I hope it will works out!

CuraOrphanage.org

DEPOT and Cura Day - 4

Hey Everybody!

Today started out at DEPOT (The Dan Eldon Place of Tomorrow) with the Honey Care Bee Keepers program. Many of the bee hive managers showed up to discuss achievements and improvements for the future. Very fun day! The Rotary group in Stroud, England came to Kenya to start this program. The first Honey Bee Keeper program began in Cura and has expanded to many communities! Just one example of how the help in Cura and the surrounding communities is growing and making the communities self sustaining!


This afternoon on the way to Cura, I stopped by the local sporting store and picked up a soccer ball for the kids. It's nearly dark and they're still playing! I attempted to fix the soccer goal, but unfortunately it was broken off in the ground. William, the project lead on the new school building is going to try and place a metal frame, cemented for the children to play with.

Ending the day, I had dinner with Minet, Naomi, Simon, and many others (I feel bad I haven't learned their names :( ). Ugali and a spinach family vegetable. They had many questions for me about America, how many brothers and sisters I have, when I'm coming back, etc. The day ended with many hugs and a goodbye wave from the windows. What a wonderful day!

Tomorrow is the big day for the community of Cura!! Ground breaking on the new school. Watch for photos of the event. :)

Ps- below are photos from DEPOT team building activities, the children playing with the football I got them, Gilbert, Minet, and Simon, and dinner shenanigans!!! :-D

I don't want to leave :(

Cura - Day 3 part 2

Hey Everybody!

I wanted to do another post that's more about simple random stuff going on at Cura.

Update on Minet. She is still very shy around me. Still picks on me though. When I walked into her class today, she hid her face under her sweater laughing. She makes it too easy to pick on her. I have been promised to receive my bracelet tomorrow. :)

Yesterday we all went for a walk and was making the other girls jealous by walking next to me. It's quite funny to see them tease each other!

I also wanted to post some photos of Cura so you have an idea of what the place looks like. I wish I could write a caption under each photo, but unfortunately, blogger will not let me. So I'll describe some of the photos in here.

Below you'll see a wooden plank building. That is their kitchen. All the "mamas" and older girls from the orphanage cook the food there. It's separate from other buildings in case there is a fire. They use wood, split by hand to cook with.

The building behind the blocks is where the library and computer room is located. It was designed to be two stories, but unfortunately, funding ran out and the stopped at one floor.

Inside the orphanage you'll notice it is square with blue steel doors. The building is double locked once the children are in bed in order to keep then safe from potential outside threats. Two walls are dedicated to boys and two walls are dedicated to girls. Minet gave me a grand tour (which I filmed) of all the rooms. I'll post the edit once it's finished.

On a side note. My friend, Gilbert has been teaching me Swahili.

Jambo - hello
Jambo sana - hello to you

Asante - thank you
Asante sana - thank you very much

Karibu - welcome (you're welcome)

And most importantly for me:

Unaelewa kiingereza - Do you hear (understand) English?

Very fun to learn!

I just wanted to share these thoughts with you. More to come tomorrow!