As i sit here in my own bed, 3 wool blankets atop me, listening to a rainy day playlist and the hail hit the roof of Mama Catherine's cottage which, by the way is surrounded by greenery, Kenya is probably the last place on earth you were picturing me.
My team has deemed this month 'Ireland 1864.'
Our stay in Kenya is everything I never imagined.
Expectations
Sweltering heat
Sleeping in my tent
No showers all month
Only served training camp style Ugali; Starving
Everyone cramming into one tent to seek refuge from mesquites for team time
Dehydration from sweating
Surrounded by safari life- Zebra, lion, giraffe
vs
Reality
Living in a four bedroom cottage with my own warm bed
We have hot baths drawn at request
Delicious chef prepared food 3 times daily with tea time snacks
Enjoy team time around nightly fireplace fire and s'mores
Morning and afternoon tea time to stay warm
More farm animals than I ever saw in Idaho. Cows, goats, sheep etc
Although our cottage is more than I ever could have dreamed of on the World Race, I can only turn back and praise Jesus for it because He has been so good to us. As the Race continues my body is simply wearing down. My immune system is weak lacking essential vitamins, my back is constantly achy from sleeping on the ground, and my stomach more sensitive to food.
So the Lord out does himself yet again and spoils His precious daughters!
And that's only our living accommodations!
As soon as I walk about 100 yards from Mama's cottage, I walk right into the Africa I've dreamed about and seen in pictures. There are beautiful children running all around the school yard, playing volleyball, soccer and many other games.
In the distance I can hear the drum beat as children have turned anything and everything that can make noise into an instrument. Rising up with the beat, I hear the chorus of voices singing praise songs.
As I come into plain view in the school yard, I am rushed by the most beautiful children. They all grab at any available hand with their own tiny ones and escort me around to my classroom.
Upon arriving in my classroom, I am greeted by 12 smiling, excited faces. Madam, as they call me, has arrived! I get the privilege and scary opportunity to teach FORM 3 students- the top class before university, aged 17-19.
Needless to say, I am going to be brushing up on my calculus, geography, and chemistry this weekend, but the few days I have spent with my students have been awesome.
I play Shakira's "It's time for Africa" and they drum along on the desks creating what sounds like a dub step remix.
Then they gather in a circle and ask me about America's highest export and explanation of the reasoning behind the American flag.
Somehow we meet in the middle and all love each other.
This is Africa.
(With a hint of Ireland!)
So although it looks a little different than we expected, Kenya has been simply incredible.
Love to All,
Brittany
