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.
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