Week 5: what was this week?
The craziest week so far. Pari and I started the week pretty chill, waiting for Joyce’s return. Then, somehow, we ended up at the Tanzania border four days into the week, where we went face-to-face with cockroaches and centipedes. Only to come home on Saturday with the worst stomachache imaginable. Let’s dive in.
On Monday, a guy from church introduced us to a father and son from Tennessee! It has been so long since I last saw a white person in person I started forgetting what they looked like.
This was a story in itself, to be honest. First, a man we kinda forgot who he was came up to Pari and me at dinner. He said, “I brought visitors!”. We were so confused. Why was this man telling us this? It doesn’t mean anything to us. Then we remembered he’s from church, a super nice guy who often goes to America. We then were excited because his bringing visitors could only mean one thing… They were American!!! RAAAA. 🦅 🇺🇸
So we ran to meet them, they were people from our home how could we not be excited! It was so awkward. Typically, in Kenya, both parties are excited to meet each other; there are handshakes, even hugs. But there was nothing with these white people. Father and son. Just staring at us. We introduce ourselves, but oh my god, I can’t get the memory of the awkwardness out of my brain.
It was awkward, but it got me thinking, is this how we are in America. We aren’t excited or care to meet new people. Do we not care to know them? Why do we not ask each other questions and become friends with new people? Why, why, why? Why do we only care about ourselves? Why are we so individualized? Why can’t we be community-based? What happened to’ It Takes Village’? Is that just not a thing any more? Someone, please answer my questions.
After the awkward moment with the Americans, Pari and I realized how much living in Kenya for over a month has changed us. We like meeting people and are excited, too!
On Tuesday Joyce came back!!!! I am so freaking happy about this. I have missed her so much. She makes me so happy.
On Wednesday, Pari and I cooked in the Kitchen. We had a total Gorden Ramsey moment! AHHHH. It was so much fun. I miss doing basic things like cleaning my room and cooking my meals. I’m not saying I don’t like not doing it and am not happy someone is doing it for me, but it makes me feel incompetent. I like doing things for myself, and when I can’t, I am not really a fan.
Right before we cooked dinner, Matilda (our supervisor) told us we would have a 2-day field trip to Migory. I was so disappointed. I didn’t want to return to the field and gather more data. I feel like I am not getting the demographic I need, so why get more of those I don’t need. It was whatever, though. We still had a blast in the Kitchen. For our meal, we cooked fish, ughali, and spinach. Pari also made an egg for herself.
Thursday morning, we waited for the car for 3 hours. I was so tired and just wanted to go back to bed. But finally, it came, and we set out to Migory. We went straight to interviewing 5 farmers.
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One of the women farmers we interviewed gave us tea and many bananas. I was forced to eat 5 and a half. I don’t really like bananas, so this was a sad experience. But the farmer also showed us her whole farm! We saw goats and cows and bulls and puppies and sheep!!!! AHHHH
I loved this farmer so much. She was so lovely.
The last farmer we interviewed took care of orphans. She built an orphanage and a school for orphans. I loved that. It warms me to know others care about other people. Especially those who are less fortunate. Pari and I introduced ourselves to the school, and the kids almost trampled us because they all wanted to say hi and shake our hands simultaneously! I loved them so much! They were all so curious and lovely.
The farmer had told me she wanted to build a library for the school. I am seriously thinking about donating books to her once I return home. I am unsure how I will get this done, but I will ensure books are available to her students. Education is so important! So very important. So, kids without books make me sad. Books aren’t always educational, but it’s still so important to read because they bring critical thinking. If anyone is interested in helping me donate, please contact me! I have my Instagram linked to my profile!
Later that night, we went to a hotel close to Tanzania. I thought the hotel was clean until I was alone and noticed all the little things. Unfortunately, I took no pictures due to my disgust. I could not sleep when I was at the hotel. Everything grossed me out. I embarrassingly had a breakdown and cried to my boyfriend about it on the phone.
Friday, we had a farmer focus group. This was so boring, but we got valuable information. Halfway through the group, I started getting a headache, which only worsened. Once we were done, I wanted to cry because of how bad my head hurt. I waited in the car for an hour before leaving and returning to Icipe. Turns out we weren’t going to icipe but back to the hotel. I was so irritated. It grossed me out. But nevertheless, I got through it.
Pari had an encounter with a centipede that night. It was running around her room. She also found a cockroach in her bed. Then, woke up to a cockroach running at her face. Let’s just say she did not sleep that night.
Saturday morning, I woke up and was so happy it was the day we were leaving. It turns out we had to go to Kisumu, which is about a 4-hour drive from where we were. In Kisumu, we went to an agricultural show and the store!! Pair and I had a slice of red velvet cake, many fries, and good snacks. I was so happy. We drove back to Mbita that same day, a 2.5-hour drive from Kisumu.We did not get home till about 6, but it was okay.
On Sunday, Pari and I rested all day. Our tummies were also really hurting. I think it was the food, Pari thinks it was the Goat milk. But if you got cockroaches where people eat and in their beds, you got something in your food. We worked a little on our report but mainly enjoyed being back home. And yeah, I call icipe home now. I love the people here. They love me. I am happy at icipe. I am so sad I am leaving so soon, but I am also excited? It all feels so bittersweet. Makes me sad.
See you next week babes 💕
PS, I keep having dreams of a hippo. I think the hippo that lives in the waters outside of my room is calling me. But who knows! 🦛
