Childlike state.

Mindset I've come from: In displacing ourselves into a new and unfamiliar milieu, old, unresolved conflicts often start asking for attention. When our traditional defense systems no longer available and we are not able to control our own world, we often find ourselves experiencing again the feelings of childhood. The inability to express ourselves in words as well as the realization that everyone around us seems to understand life much better than we do, puts us in a situation quite similar to that of a child who has to struggle through the world of adults. -Henry Nouwen, Gracias!

Mindset I've come into: Instead of running away from these scary feelings, we can live through them together and learn that our true value as human beings has its seat far beyond our competence and accomplishments. One of the most rewarding aspects of living in a strange land is the experience of being loved not for what we can do, but for who we are. -Henry Nouwen, Gracias!

This shift in thinking has been so essential to my growth and learning here in Kenya. Coming out of this period of fear and isolation, I have learned to choose to reach out to those around me. Although it is at times hard work seeking refuge in the Kenyans around me has taught me more than any book. This last week has held some major transitions in my thinking and the product has allowed me to find joy here.

At Mahali I began my field work this week. What an experience! I have been going to the kid's homes to gather basic information about their homelife from their parents. This has been very eye opening because I get the opportunity to see how the children live. This is a typical home of the kids I've been working with. One room, cement floors, tin roof and walls. This is Maureen and her mother.

Off to find another home!


Another discovery is the lack of responsible male figures in the homes. 75% of the homes we've been to don't have a father present at all. The few that did have adult men in the house I found knew nothing about their children. (One dad didn't know his child's age!) Fatherlessness is an epidemic that plagues the majority of Kenyan youth.

The joy the kids of Mahali is simply amazing and inspiring. After seeing what they go home to everyday I would expect low energy, depressed children. Yet the human spirit is so beautiful and it endures through all hardships. And it is my belief that as long as love is present in their lives, these children will continue to thrive. As I spend more time with the kids I realize how much I really love children and want some. (Don't worry Mom I'm not getting any ideas!) They just have such a wonderful way of looking at the world, they offer great perspective on life.

I also did a very tourist like thing this week, I went to a game park! Well sort of, it was closer to a zoo in the States but I did get closer to the animals than you would be able to back home. Jules and I saw crocks, an ostrich, and a giraffe. The giraffe liked me alot and I wanted to take him home by the end of our time together.
These guys were vicious.

I didn't enjoy this guy so much but he was alot bigger in person than you would expect, no wonder they can't fly.

He was quite the charmer.

Yes, that is his tongue, gross.

Isn't he beautiful..