It simply can't end here

These past few mornings I’ve been waking up to either memories created in Kenya, or me speaking the little Swahili I learnt while over there. Despite me physically being in Texas, I have not yet landed in North America - and rightfully so, as Kenya was truly an eye-opening and life-changing event for me. This is not say that I am now living my life completely different, because I am not – or at least not yet; rather, I have never experienced travel like that, nor have I learned lessons such as the ones I experienced.

Since being back in a consumerism capital, I’ve felt overwhelmed by all the redundant choices that surround us all. While being in a bike store the other day, and looking at all the smallest parts in packages from all different name brands, I caught my self asking: why do we complicate our lives so much by having all this ‘stuff’? I was thinking about how the many Kenyan’s we spent time with are content with their life just as it is, and without all the ‘stuff’ we so easily take for granted. Although they may change some circumstances surrounding the safety of their daily routines, their smiles and hearts are just as big as ours, if not bigger.

This world is complex, and as Emily G. said it best at one of our first group meetings, the lottery of birth is perplexingly unfair. How did I end up with the privilege of being able to come and go to countries at my leisure, while always returning to my comfy home of abundance and ease?

It’s the lottery of birth that drives me towards a life of service. I partly feel as though I, as someone who has won a fair share of that lottery, should dedicate time and action to those who occupy the bottom part of that lottery. The truth is that this world is extremely interconnected and global – we share everything from the burden of financial debts and crises, and the need for love, family and true connection.

Kenya reinvigorated this picture for me, and has realigned me with my passion for people. Kenya also taught me that real solutions come from listening to those in need, and from there, working towards appropriate sustainable long-term solutions with locals and link-minded people is the way forward. The power of many is indestructible and Kiberia now has a new Community Centre to prove it.

With each person I speak to about my experiences, I find myself explaining many different events and all the many ‘take-aways’ that I am finally filtering through. Kenya is still unraveling itself in front of me, and with each day that passes me by, I am learning more about my self, my future and my realities – and it is with the help of those I met on the Seva Safari trip, that I am growing into a more experienced, more aware and more intentional person. Thank you from the bottom of all that I am for the Seva Safari 2011 trip, and for all friendships made.

It's Not Goodbye; It's "See You Soon"

Emily G.: After 12 days of work, exploration and warm welcomes, the first set of AYP Seva Safari participants have packed to depart Kenya. We'll take with us a strong sense of how impactful yoga can be on communities and individuals and the importance of personal action. A common theme of the experience was "if not us [leading the change], then who?" And it's one that will continue to be asked in our home communities.

As flights leave for everywhere from Ottawa to Austin, I'm especially excited about the opportunity to:

• Practice with Baptiste-trained AYP instructors in their local neighborhoods and homes;
• Learn how to mud and cement with the best of 'em to create a safe Kibera community space with Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO);
• Play "Yogi Says" with students at the Kibera School for Girls, another SHOFCO project;
• Dance with acrobats and yoga teachers at a Saturday AYP class at Sarakasi Dome led by Paige and Wapi Wapi crew choreographer Billy;
• Pick abandoned elephants to adopt at the Shedrick Wildlife Trust;
• Practice yoga under the stars in a Masai village in Amboseli Park;
• See the reactions of Bead the Change women when they learned that AYP was giving them their own motorcycle for deliveries and medical care;
• Acknowledge group members' contributions on the work site and our adventures with the very Kenyan "Ugali Awards" (because, just as a meal isn't a meal without ugali, the trip wouldn't have been the same without each of the 17 contributors).

The trip closed with us discussing our gratitude toward AYP teachers, seva safari organizers, and Paige as a leader. Contributions to AYP--whether they be in the form of administrative help, funds, or airline miles--are still needed. The power of non-violent communication has only begun to be realized in Nariobi thanks to AYP, and I couldn't be more excited for what comes next. Until next year... 

Dinner and Yoga with the Masai

Cait: I learned early on that having no expectations when entering a new situation/place/event or event meeting new people is always best. That doesn't mean that going to a Masai village didn't excite me. I'd been looking forward to this part of the trip since I signed up. How many people get to spend the night with the Masai? As friends?

After the long drive to Amboseli the excitement in our van could be felt as we drove up to the Manyata. Jackson the chief and Shedrock his right hand man and translator were waiting for us. We were welcomed by a song and dance from the women and men. We were also invited to join them. I tried my best to sing along with the music (although some of the noises from deep in the back of my throat sound more like gargles than music) and jump to the beat. I found that to make my head bob properly to the dance, the movement needed to come from my knees, not my head or shoulders (just in case you ever end up dancing with the Masai, you'll know what's up.)

It was very overwhelming for me. I was in the middle of a desert surrounded by beautiful people dressed in vibrant fabrics and stunning beadwork. I was with the Masai holding a woman's hand singing and smiling. I never would have thought I would experience anything like this and I could not have expected the sense of joy I felt.

We toured the village. I was surprised to see how small and dark the homes that the women built were. Then we went on a game drive. We saw many beautiful animals but I was anxious to get back and have dinner. When we returned to the village it was dark and very cold. 

We spread out mats out in a circle and Jacob, a Masai AYP teacher, led us in a practice under the stars. It was fun. Local men practiced with us and the stars were clearly visible and very magical. 

Then we headed to a beautiful dinner around a campfire. We sang songs, danced and told stories. We made friends too. I met Benson, who whipped out a cellphone and added me as a friend on Facebook. (The Masai don't have electricity, so he charges it at a nearby lodge.)

It was also my first time camping and I was a little nervous about sleeping in a tent in the middle of a group of cattle. When I finally climbed into my tent, I was too tired to notice the bovine brigade outside and worke up to see the sun rise the next morning. It was cold and breathtaking on our second game drive and we saw lions, which Jackson said he prayed we would see. 

We had a meeting with the women who work on Beads for Change, a foundation supporting the Masai. We learned that part of our fundraising was used to buy the women a motorcycle so that they would not have to depend on and pay men to help transport bead, milk and medicine. If the men want to use the bike, they will have to pay the women. I wish you could have seen the smiles. Masai women are treated like second class citizens in many ways and this motorcycle is really empowering them.

Afterwards we ate and shopped the women's wares. I was sad to go. The Masai were so gracious, warm and welcoming. 

Shining Hope + AYP Community Center Completion

Acacia: The last day at the worksite began with an invigorating practice with Irene and Khadijah. At the end Irene shared her inspiring story with us which displayed a lot of courage. I felt very inspired by her willingness to be open with the group. After class we enjoyed our breakfast on the terrance. Breakfast was prepared by Cosmos our fantastic chef and host. It was very satisfying as always.

Next we headed off to the worksite to complete our task. As we approached I was filled with a feeling of accomplishment. The progress was almost unbelievable, a shell of a building had taken shape. In the morning we continued to mix and cement the walls. There wasn't as much work to do but the work that did need to be done was completed efficiently because we work so well as a team. Lunch at Shining Hope For Communities was prepared with love by the women from the women's group and then w headed back to the site. At the site we hauled soil to complete the project.

Once the hauling was completed the entire group engaged in a celebration on the top floor of the building we had built. One by one we talked about our experiences and what we would take away from this trip. A sense of unity, love and transformation were the general themes but I think Gord said it best..... "No matter how much mud I pack or how much cement I mix, I feel like I can never give back as much as I am getting from this life changing experience." Kennedy gave an inspirational speech and then the gifts for the Fundis were dispersed. The smiles on their faces were priceless. To close out or celebration there was an acrobatic performance by Sam, Richie and Vincent. It was amazing!

Our walk back up to the bus was filled with smiles but I was a little bit sad that our project was over and we wouldn't be working with the Fundis any more on this trip. As we departed the worksite Todd gave us a reminder that we are very privileged to be able to leave the site.

Back at the house we celebrated Emily's birthday, whom we love very much, with cupcakes and a Sanskrit song. To close out our last day at the worksite we had a bon fire and some time to reflect on everything we have experienced. Keeping all that we have learned in our heart.

Upgrading - Mud to cement

Bre and Rebekah:  To be completely honest, when I woke up this morning, I thought there was no way I would make it through the day.  Yes, I know, lack of optimism but it was tough getting out of bed this morning.  Class was taught by Vincent and Samu and all things considered, they kept it pretty light for us.  We got to practice handstands - little treat to start the day.

Breakfast was amazing.  Krissy hooked it up with some peanut butter - thanks Krissy- and Cosmos cooked some delicious eggs with veggies and lots of avocado.  Bellys full and water bottles loaded, we took off for the work site.

The day started off slow.  We had to begin by creating the cement.  We added water to piles of dry cement and dirt mixture....yes, you got it, more dirt! And just as before, we were instructed to throw the cement at the wall.  So throw we did.  This time, however, we used trowels or "spoons" as the fundis called them.  We were shown the wrist flicking method, which the fundis have down to an art.  I, however, not so much.  It's amazing how the fundis do everything using traditional, manual methods.  Mixing the cement compound for the walls was tough as the dry cement, sand and gravel were dusty and blowing in the wind...so, another day for dirt in every orafice!!!  Lots of throwing ('flicking') cement today and tons of shoveling...we'll certainly all be sore tonight and tomorrow!  Our evening meeting is surely to be quiet.

Lunch was once again made by local Kibera women at the other Shining Hope community centre.  We ate another traditional meal which might sound familiar - ugali and skuma.  Ugali is so fun to eat, you get to use your hands.  Thanks ladies for brightening our day and helping us get through the tough work.

Our buddy Sampson showed up in the afternoon to help us out once again.  Several of us were caught transfixed by his ability to 'flick' the cement mixture at the walls.  Maybe it was incredible or maybe we were all so tired and sore that anything would have been amazing.  But, high five to Sampson for being a  super star!  And to Bruno for continuing to be the machine that he is!!  

Saving grace for the last few days  has to be the crazy banter and wild singing that goes on during the work days.  It feels so good to know that we all came here as strangers, but will leave as a family :)

On the way back to Dreamfish, we were stopped trying to get out of Kibera by some men who apparently wanted money to help pay for a funeral for a friend.  They were quite irate and demanding...tensions got a bit high as we felt a little trapped on the road in the slum.  We had our windows open and had to close them quickly as some of the men approached and I had a hard time with the idea of closing the window on the men's faces.  Our driver managed to explain that we were a group of service workers and the men didn't seem to like that the driver was carting a whole bunch of mzungo's around.  We eventually moved on to these same men banging on the side of the bus.  Bus ride was fairly somber and pretty quiet....lots of sleeping going on.

We are now back at Dreamfish and getting showered while trying to keep each other awake.

As an aside to the specifics of our day....one of the things that we had done when we arrived as a group was to start a gratitude wall to remember all the people who supported us on our journey to this Seva Safari and to express our gratitude to those who have been amazing while on the trip.  It has taken the shape of a fish which is appropriate considering where we are staying.  While the wall continues to grow as the days progress, we find peace and warmth as we walk by and review the names on the wall on a daily basis.  It is refreshing, after a hard days work, to be able to walk past the wall and be reminded of all that we have.  We truly are all grateful for our friends and family back home who have been supportive and helped us to find our way to Africa - we couldn't have done it without you!!  Love You  :)

Day Three at the Work Site and Elephants Galore

Cait: Today started a little differently than usual. Yoga was at 7:15am this morning and our mats were set up in a different pattern, instead of facing the front of the room, we faced one another. I welcomed both changes, the extra fifteen minutes of sleep and our new set up was fun. Our AYP teachers really went straight lighting a fire in our  bellies. The practice began with an ab workout, followed by a practice filled with wonderful assists. I feel truly blessed to be able to practice with such wonderful people and gifted teachers.

   I feel so spoiled at meal time.  Breakfast today was fresh fruit, toast with plum jam and rice pudding.  I washed my meal down with some chai tea and then got ready to go to the worksite.

   As per usual, the drive in to Kibera was bumpy and fundis (workers) must have stayed late framing the roof. I was elated to find out that we were not playing in the "mud" today. First, we met Kennedy the founder of Shining Hope For Communities, or SHOFCO. He told us about his motives, saying that is only goal is "To not be rich or poor, but that when I die, when I lay down my head on my pillow, and I have one last thought it is that I did my best. That I did all I can do." Or at least something very close to that. After her spoke to us, I was inspired and ready to work.  

Some of us went back up top to work on framing. Others worked on the floor and some of us, like me hung chicken wire around the base of the building. Like I said, It was great to be away from the mud ( well at least not ankle an elbow deep in it!) and I enjoyed the sun.  Today was a hot one, much warmer in the mornings that it has been the last few days, but don't worry Mom and Dad, I regularly  reapplied sunscreen!

    Lunch was great. We went offsite to another community center and had cabbage and ugali.  I enjoyed talking to some of the fundis and learned a great deal about how much the members of Kibera appreciate our work!  

    After lunch I volunteered to do some painting at SHOFCO's girl's school.  Again, I really enjoyed a change of pace and had a lot of fun. I even read to two of the little girls. We had a great time.  Then we headed back to work.  Upon arrival I noticed that there were huge carts of cement sacks on ready to be carried down to our building site. The sacks were reusable and plastic, and filled from a place with truck access, then brought down to us as far as they could be via cart.  Then, we (usually in groups of two) had to carry the sacks down hill, empty the cement into a cart, and bring the bags back up to be pulled back to the refilling station.   THis process went on for quite some time.  It was pretty heavy and very dusty. I was incredibly pleased to see how well we worked as a team and I heard zero complaints. We even got a quick soda break! Score! 

    Then it was time to pack up and head home...or was it?! We were surprised with a trip to the Elephant Orphanage. It was an awesome surprise!  We paired off into groups of two and were told that in pairs we would get to adopt an elephant.  Chris and I paired up and headed into the park.  Once inside, warthogs were roaming around and we learned about the Elephant Orphanage.  It was amazing to hear about all the great work done, saving and rescuing the orphans.  Then, the elephants walked from the park into their sleeping places. They passed right in front of us!  We then were able to go and visit elephants and choose the one for adoption.  Chris and I decided to adopt a small baby (Modongo) who had been cut by a machete. In a magical moment the little guy sucked my fingers and let me pet him! However, due to his ridiculous cuteness factor everyone wanted him and Chris and I decided to adopt a "less atractive" but no less cute elephant, Kalama. She is very cute and we even go to sign paperwork. It was very official.   Small side note:  Demi Moore also fosters our baby girl!  :)

   We jumped back on the bus, headed back to Dreamfish and now I am snacking on Bananas (which are sweeter here than in the US) and typing this.  I am looking forward to a shower to rid myself of dust, dinner and our evening meeting. :)

Day Two at the Kibera Work Site

Ryan: Construction in Kenya is unlike anything I have ever seen! Having previous knowledge of construction is a double-edged sword. On one hand, I do not have to play in the mud, but my carpentry skills are in demand. The work is physically challenging as everything is done by hand. Today we started to build the roof trusses. It took us all day to cut and assemble seven trusses. Unfortunately we did not have enough time to help the Fundi (construction crew) set the trusses on the center. I am looking forward to seeing how much is done when we return tomorrow. It has been amazing to see everyone working so hard and how much progress we have made in such a short time!

Hey Good Lookin'

A look at the AYP Seva Safari participants. Not too shabby...

Mud, Mud and More Mud

Pauline: Today we began with the most authentic and real yoga class taught by Basilio and Walter.  What a perfect start to kick off our work project!  We all headed over to Kibera, the largest slum in Africa with over a million people.  There is no where for people to dispose of their garbage so the streets and alley ways are littered.  There we met Jessica, one of the founders of Shining Hope For Communities.  It is her foundation that AYP has partnered with in the construction of the community centre. 

Jessica gave us all a tour of the community clinics and all girls school that they had built previously.  We were also shown where the new school would be built to service all the other girls that want to attend along with the brand new water tour.

Following the tour it was off to work we went!  And boy do they build differently then we do in North America.  The frame had already been put in place by the Fundis (construction workers) so we began to build the walls with mud.  It was dirty and fulfilling all in the same breath.  The community gathered around and watched as we continued hitting our daily milestone.  We completed all the walls on the lower level, window & door cut outs and are ready to put on the roof tomorrow.

We all sweated together, sung together and worked together to achieve our common goal, phase 1 of our project.  Even some of the AYP teachers popped in to help.  Now we all looking forward to a shower and resting up for some more work tomorrow.  When we had begun our day everyone stated their commitment to the group, Jessica of Shining Hope For Communities promised to make sure amazing things happened in the community centre long after we leave!

On Outreach, Faith and Kibera

Day Two of AYP Seva Safari began with a trip to Karen's giraffe sanctuary and included visits to three AYP instructors' local outreach classes and homes, which a few Seva Safari participants describe here:

Gord: "It is better to live in one room with my kids and have peace, than a big house and be unhappy." Those words were spoken by Faith, an AYP instructor on the opening day of her studio in the Huruma "Estate"; which in Africa means "slum". We were at her home, a 7 by 10 foot room, for some biscuits and Fanta after a heart warming class at her new studio.  The class was led by an 11 year old future AYP instructor, who commanded our attention by firmly stating "one more wheel, and hold for 10!".  We ended the class with some introductions, animal charades and special song with dance. The children were so amazing and happy to see us...we even got the chant of "Mzumgu" as we walked down the street which means white person. 

Faith had recently separated from her husband and moved with her two children to her one room home.  The big house she referenced was near the studio she opened, and was a slightly larger 2 level cement block/mud structure.  This was a community effort project to gain some subsidized housing in Huruma.  To meet Faith on the street you would never know she came from the slum or still lived there.  She is a confident woman in both her speak and her carry of herself.  It is amazing to see how much she is able to share that with the people in her community and break them out of themselves to give them hope.  Faith represents hope for us all, and has taught a valuable lesson that it is not what we have on the outside, but what we have on the inside.  May we all be as fortunate as Faith to find the peace she has embraced.

Oh...by the way...does anyone know what a "flying toilet" is? 

Lauren: I am having difficulty wrapping my head around all that went on today as we experienced so many different aspects to Kenyan life, and what the Africa Yoga Project is all about. As we will be doing every morning, we woke up to take a yoga class taught by a team of three yoga-loving men: Moses, Francis and John.  Through their stories they reminded us of our common connection: our love for yoga as, for so many of us, it is yoga that inspires change within. And when we change within we can then radiate out. The teachers that we’ve met from AYP are shining examples of just this.

Following breakfast, we packed into our vans and drove to the nearby Giraffe sanctuary where many of us shared the love radiating from within with the Giraffes. Lots of juicy (and scratchy) kisses were shared, while some stuck to more traditional ways of expressing their love through a few pats and a handful or two of food pellets.

After saying good-bye to our long-necked friends, we were taken to a lush venue for a long-table lunch. We gathered around and enjoyed the warm sun above as we sipped on mango and passion fruit juices while deciding on either the buffet or a la carte.

After lunch and schmoozing ended, it was time to split up and visit some of the AYP teachers in action.  We piled into three vans and headed to areas known as the "slums."

Our group visited Wanjii, Irene and Khadijah in Kerabungi slum. Wanjii and Irene co-taught a class consisting of 8 women and 2 children in a small, shared space. Some of us Seva Safarians assisted the flowing and sweaty group, while others took up spaces on the dirt floor and practiced. Afterwards, we were invited to Wanjii’s house for some Tea and potatoes. As we munched together, we swapped stories about yoga and change. Amongst our group was the director of Youth transformational Communities, which is a grass-roots group that aims to inspire criminal youth to change their lives. Some big ideas and conversations were had in Wanjii’s welcoming, yet small 12 by 12 space.

As we said our ‘bye for now’s’ we swapped hugs and smiles, and despite our questionably unsafe surroundings we all felt safe as we knew without a doubt that we were protected by our new family. And our main commonality that sews us all together is our love for the noble practice of Yoga.

Krissy: Although it was not my first time venturing into Kibera--one of the surrounding slums of Nairobi-it was my first time leading 5 newcomers to this place not many foreigners set foot in. Debates around whether or not Kibera being the largest slum in the world became pretty irrelevant as our van rounded the bend to overlook the backside of Kibera. All of a sudden it was a reality for everyone.

Crowded streets, loud music, matatus speeding about, butchery’s with meat hanging in non-refrigerated windows, goats on the side of the road, children scattered about, along with trash everywhere all provided a sensory overload for each and every person in the van.

As we drove up to the main stage (bus stop) I think that everyone was overwhelmed with what was surrounding them; clearly, it was like nothing they had ever seen before-but that is the beauty of it and an experience I was happy to facilitate.

Benta and Salome, our 2 lovely Africa Yoga Project teachers, met us and guided the way through twists and turns where we were greeted with many ‘How are yous’ from little children in the street  until we finally arrived at Benta’s house to find a cleared space filled with about 12 students ready and eager to practice yoga. The room was small but the energy was bursting through the walls-it was hot, dark, packed, and beautiful. The little yogis were so attentive and remained under the instruction of Benta even with all of us crazy visitors participating and assisting at all times. From the warrior series all the way to the back bending flow, the children remained fully present and completely on board for whatever was to come. Even with such little space and the amount of maneuvering we had to do, nothing could stop the contagious laughter and joy that was produced in this yoga class.

Aging from 4 all the way up to 19, the class flowed continuously for about an hour and ended with all of us sitting in a circle sharing our names as well as pineapple juice and some bread. The warm feeling of being welcomed into a home couldn’t have been more graciously done by none other than Benta herself. She did such a wonderful job making each of us comfortable in any way she could while also introducing us to all of her siblings as well as her mother.

After a quick photo shoot with the whole class and Benta’s family, we made our way back towards the van but stopped at Salome’s house first. She was so excited to show us her house as well as have us meet her brother-we had a great conversation based around family as well as some of the Kenyan culture while enjoying the comfort of her couch seeing as how most of us were tired and needed a seat at this point in the day.

Not the typical day for most but I would say that we all took away more than we could have imagined and left Kibera glowing. 

Cry Freedom: On Creating Space

The official day one of the inaugural Seva Safari included a breakfast of tea and mango; a vigorous practice; vegetarian lunch; and get-to-know-you games with AYP instructors. Moses and Paige co-led a 90-minute class at the top of Sarakasi Dome with the theme of freedom—meaning lots of backbending, reaching and lifting one of our 50 fellow students’ legs for increased extension.

For someone who wasn’t used to such frequent assisting, having 30 instructors roam the class and help deepen the practice was a treat, even as Moses called out “Goodbye one pack, hello six pack!” during core work. As the mirrors heated up, the sense of shared breath was extraordinary.

It had me ready for a big warm lunch at Hari Krishna in what had traditionally been an Indian neighborhood in the heart of the city. I’m quite convinced that breaking bread (or chapati) with yogis from all over is the best welcome and one that provokes gratitude.

After our delicious lunch we returned with full bellies to the dance studio and came together with just the AYP teachers for some fun team building exercises! Whether it was attempting to untie a human knot, or all standing on a yoga mat and trying to flip it over without falling off, we came away from the afternoon feeling a strong sense of unity and community with AYP's teachers! The energy, laughter, and strong communication that filled the room made it seem as if we had all known each other forever!

If you’re near Nairobi, come to next Saturday’s class for an after-class market that will feature the work of many AYP artisans.

Imagine this space with 80 of your closest friends: warm and welcoming.

Seva Safari, Skuma & Sarakasi Dome

Now that 17 project participants have arrived in Nairobi (with yoga teachers, practitioners, fundraisers, and lovers of life among them), the 2011 Africa Yoga Project Seva Safari has officially begun. Twelve days of service, sweating to AYP teachers’ yoga classes, and Kenyan exploration have begun with Dreamfish House Nairobi as home base.

We’re the first group to stay at the bed and breakfast in Karen, which AYP founder Paige and volunteer extraordinaire Krissy chose for its “intentionality." The concept behind Dreamfish is creating space for relationship building between individuals and the wider world. Margaret, a Baptiste-trained AYP instructor, welcomed us with a class the night of July 1 before we shared a dinner of traditional Kenyan food. We filled out plates with vegetarian organic skuma, ugali and potato stew while learning a bit about the work we’ll be doing over the next two weeks.

We’re excited for the first full-day today, which includes a 90-minute hot yoga class at Sarakasi Dome (to work off jet lag, of course).