Not sure what witty things I am going to come up with in this post. I have been introduced to a few difficult things in Kenya the past few days. A few days ago when I was at the hospital visiting an HIV/Aids support group I was actually able to understand parts of the conversation, which was entirely in Kiswahili! It felt like such an amazing accomplishment. The group then showed us to the room where they perform HIV tests and the doctor in the room invited us in. Of course there is no such thing as HIPPA (the rules that keep your medical information confidential in America) in Africa. So our group of 4 enter the room where the doctor is sitting with a small child. She appeared to be 11-12 years old and the doctor explained that this "mother" was raped a few weeks ago, is now pregnant, and getting tested for HIV. Words can't even describe the sad/distant look on her face and we were all at a loss for what to do next... other than leave the room with tears tugging at the corner of our eyes. On our way out of the hospital an expectant mother was being rushed in from an ambulance about to give birth. This "mother" also couldn't have been over the age of 15 or 16. I think we all had heavy hearts that day.
We have met several serving peace corps volunteers throughout training and I met one yesterday who is from Seattle! I don't think I have ever felt homesick before, but he showed me a Blue Scholars music video filmed in Seattle and I found myself with damp eyes for the second time this week! I got a photo album in the mail from Adam with pictures of everyone at home and I know I expected to miss people at home, so I felt more joy than sadness with those pictures. I think it was something about the views of Seattle that made me so sad because it was a depiction of my LIFE in Seattle and in America. Even my hardest days in Seattle seem insignificant compared to my bucket-bathing-pooping-in-a-hole-without-any-cheese-or-coffee life in Africa.
I think Africa must have known I missed Seattle, because its cold and cloudy today. Hehe. On the brighter side of things, i'm not sick of it yet! There are small victories and moments every day that make me happy to be here. I cook dinner over the fire for 2 hours with my host mama every evening and her limited English is as good as my limited Swahili, but I feel like we are finally able to have meaningful conversations about life. I also feel completely Kenyan because I ordered Githeri and Chai for lunch today (beans and corn mixed together and a cup of tea). I can't wait to show you all pictures of what I do and where i've been. I miss you terribly, but I will continue to miss you from my new home in Kenya!
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