March 17, 2013
It’s the middle of March
and I finally find myself back at site after a long but very fun consolidation
period. As you may or may not have known the Kenyan presidential elections were
held on March 4th. Due to the post election violence that occurred
during the last election period in 2007-08, Peace Corps brought all the
volunteers together in a safe location in case anything were to happen this
time around. Fortunately the elections were a peaceful process, and although
there were some delays in counting, violence was minimal and not significant
enough to send us home. For the volunteers this consolidation period, although
racked with uncertainty till the end, was also a great time for us to get to
know everyone from all sectors and training classes. We were able to all come
together in a way that is not common for most Peace Corps volunteers. We had
sessions with Peace Corps, but also were able to plan activities for ourselves,
such as an Olympics, trivia night, talent show, and Peace Corps Kenya prom! In
fact during the talent show my friend and lovely roommate Cassidy took second
place for our rendition of the Cups song from the movie Pitch Perfect, which I
hear is a big hit in the states right now haha! All in all it was an awesome
couple of weeks, where we got to know the other volunteers better, the staff
better (and let me plug here we have an AMAZING country director), as well as
remained safe from an uncertain issues during the election process.
Now I am back at site, and
although it has taken a couple days to get back into the swing of things I have
started a list of what I want to do next and am planning activities both for
work and play. I am looking into writing a grant to get funds to do an outreach
for jiggers as well as having another HIV/AIDS day. World Malaria Day is also
coming up at the end of April and myself along with Breezie, Joy and Lori are
looking into doing an activity for that.
I am excited for things to come and hope that everything goes smoothly
work wise, but I am keeping my expectations low, as you should when you live in
rural Africa!
Unfortunately the elections
are technically not over, because of a judicial process going on regarding a
petition that on of the candidates has put in place, asking for a review of the
process and a potential recount or revote. The courts will be hearing the case
in about 9 days and then we will see where the process will go from there. I
hope and believe that whatever the outcome the Kenyan people will remain
peaceful. Afterwards, hopefully this issue can be put to rest for the remainder
of my service. I have really come to love my home here in the village, and will
no doubt be saddened if I am unable to remain here.
On a happier note, Happy
St. Patty’s day to all back at home! I wish I were there to share a green beer
or two with you =). Also, some shoutouts are in order. To my littlest sister
who’s birthday is in three days, Happy 18th! Don’t go too crazy, which goes for Rach
too, who will finally be 21 on April 6th! And of course Happiest of
birthdays to my amazing grandmother on the 21st of March, and cousin
Brooke who happens to share the same awesome birthday date with my sister Rach!
And last but not least sending a big “Break a leg!” to those in the production
of Hello Dolly! who I know (which is
really just my sister and her friends haha.) I know it’ll be amazing, and I can
not tell you how sad I am that I can’t see it in person! Honestly, ask my
mother, I was renting the film version (with the amazing Barbara in it) since I
was about seven years old from the library.
TV fix: Consolidation gave
me new episodes of Glee, Homeland, and New Girl. No worries, they’re all
completed now, but I wish I had more!
Reading: Just finished
reading The Girl in the Blue Beret by
Bobbie Ann Mason. And by just finished I mean actually two hours ago.
Thinking of reading Night Circus
next, but the choices of a nook can be overwhelming!
For now all is good in
Chebukaka, Kenya. I hope the same for you all wherever you are. As always,
missing you all, and sending you sunshine and love from Africa.
Xoxo
Lindsey Rae
P.S. Snail mail is always
welcome! And I’m sorry if you’ve sent something and I haven’t responded yet,
with the whole consolidation thing it was a bit hectic here. I promise to get
back on track! <3
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