Grunting my way through

I just walked back from town and took the normal route passing through a housing compound. I greeted the people who live there as always. But this time they decided to respond and have a conversation in what I believe was Luhya (the local tribal language in Mumias). I believe what they were saying is how I go by foot alot to town. However this is just speculation as to what they were truly saying. But I was still able to participate in this conversation even though I only know a few greetings in Luhya. How did I do this you ask?... well by grunting my way through the conversation and of course throwing in a few eyebrow raises. If you are ever involved in a conversation with a Kenyan, expect to hear some grunts from them to show they are listening and if they raise their eyebrows at you.... no they are not hitting on you, they are just paying attention to what you are saying. And you can also expect this from me when I do return to the US because it seems that is now how I converse myself.
Well it has been awhile since I last posted. I guess I should stop making promises as to how often I will post. So to those who are still reading my blog and the mini adventures of my everyday life in Kenya, thank you :)

It has now been a year and a little more than a month that I have been in Kenya now. I made it through my first year of teaching!! Whew!! There were definitely some points that I didn't think it would be possible, but thankfully it was. I've been quite busy the last few weeks. I travelled to Loitokitok (where I had my training last year... and wow it is weird to go back after a year with new trainees there instead of you) with a few of my students to participate in model school (a week of practice teaching for the trainees who will be volunteering as teachers next year) It was a wonderful, busy week with 3 of my students and many other students from other volunteers schools', and it just got me rejuvenated for teaching next year. Every afternoon after the classes we had different activities for the students. One afternoon the activity was about condoms. After discussing how use a condom and some important facts, we asked for a volunteer from group of students to come up and show how to correctly use a condom. All students just sat there until after a few seconds my student raised her hand confidently to volunteer. Let me just reiterate this... it was MY student who is deaf and is only with 5 other deaf students and all 32 others are hearing... MY student walks up to the front of the class and demonstrates clearly and correctly how to use the condom. I was so proud. I was the one who taught her this information in Life Skills class. This was one of those moments in my service here in Kenya that just confirms as to why I am here. : D        On a side note one of the other activites that we had was a bondfire which included delicious 'smores! yes thats right, I got to have a smore here in Kenya.

After Model school, I travelled to Nairobi to have my Midservice Medical exams. It may not sound that exciting, but I was EXCITED! It meant I got to hang out with my fellow volunteers for 4 days and not only that... I got to eat delicious food, not just the typical ugali! We also discovered this amazing brew pub. When we walked into the place, it was like being transported back to the US. So least to say, we gave that particular place quite alot of business in the 4 days that we were all there in Nairobi.

I'm now at my site trying to keep myself entertained which has included washing my clothes, floors, walls... reading, and napping on the floor. So as you can see my life at this point is packed full and at times just not enough time to do everything that is needed to be done, haha. I do love my school breaks!

It is only 5 more days until Christmas... and you wouldnt even know it. I love it. There is none of the typical propaganda or holiday crap everywhere. Quite peaceful I must say. And since its only 5 more days til Christmas, that means there are only 4 more days until my Dad arrives!!!!! Oh how I cant wait!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!