Walking a mile in Lucy's shoes...and other news

Hey everyone, sorry I haven't been online for awhile...the internet cafe near my house hasn't been open and I've been really busy with school and family.

It's been about two weeks since I last posted and I can't believe how fast time is flying by.

Last week, a group of my friends and I decided to go to the Nairobi Show - basically it is like a state fair. Once we got there, we ran into my friend Megan at the gate. Megan works with an orphanage in the slum and decided to take 50 kids - ages 2-18 to the fair. 50 kids! We decided these were too many kids for her to keep track of so we spent the day with them. I carried a little boy who must have weighed ten pounds, he didn't speak a word of english but was the most precious human being I have ever seen. He clung onto me with all of his might, I didn't ever want to let him go. I spent time holding this 13year old girl's hand, her name was Lucy. She asked me where my parents were, when I said America, she said, "My parents are dead." I looked down at her shoes and noticed they were women's high heels. A few sizes to big and heels so high I didn't know how she could walk in them. As we were leaving, I traded shoes with here. I could barely walk in those shoes! I asked her why she was wearing them, I guess that was a stupid question because they were her only shoes. I told her before I leave Nairobi I will come back and give her my old sandals. They fit her perfectly.

Last week I also went to a cousin's graduation party. She graduated from College and will be going to law school. The family was huge and so so so nice.

That is one thing I love: the people and their extreme kindness, even in times of what I see as extreme poverty, challenge, unfairness, oppression, hopelessness, etc. The people just get you everytime...their so amazing.

I also spent this past weekend with my cousin's Freddy and Linda. I had a blast. I stayed at their house and it was the hugest relief to spend time with Kenyans who are my age. They were so fun...we laughed so much I though I was going to die. They taught me some African card games and some dance moves...they made me three huge meals a day, took me around town, and paid for everything. They gave me their guest bedroom, the little hot water they had, and brought me home. They promised to visit me in my internship and made sure to give me their phone numbers in case I ever needed someone my age to talk to. When anyone at the bars looked at my weird or said something rude or annoying (believe me, when there are 100 black people and one white person, it is bound to happen) I thought Linda was going to beat them up...she would yell at them, "This is my cousin, leave her alone, she is white, but she is Kenyan!" After attempting to show my how to dance, her biggest compliment was that I was learning how to feel the beat like an African and that I was a lovely girl. I wish I could fly Freddy and Linda back to the USA just for a week or two.

I came home on Sunday to 5 little girls. After explaining to them that I was a part of the family, and that my freckles are not goosebumps and that yes - my hair is real, we had some girl time. We took a million pictures with my camera, and then they picked out some clothes for me and took turns braiding and brushing my hair until it was time for church.

I love church - the singing and dancing always puts me in a good mood. This time at church, the worship team was made up of 50 kids from the rift valley. Many of them lost their homes and families during the post election violence. A little boy came up to the microphone and thanked the church for helping them during the violence. Then they sang and danced. Church here goes at least 3 hours.

After church - we went to a place called Ngong Hills where my mom's parents live. We visited with them and the Grandma showed me around their farm. It was beautiful.

Now, I'm just concentrating on my last two weeks of school before I head over to Kisumu, near Lake Victoria and Uganda for my internship.

This coming weekend - a group of 15 of us are going rafting down the Nile and camping in Uganda...I'm so excited.

Not much else to report, I know this is a long one.

Ps - Thanks to everyone who emails me, sends me things, calls, comments, etc...I really do miss everyone at home and the luxuries of living in a developed country, whenever I get homesick I read over emails/comments/letters and it always makes me feel better - so thanks so much for being so thoughtful.

Love you all!
Chelsey