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. :)