It is nearly impossible to put into to words what this experience is like and what it means to me. I am so absolutely blown away by these kids, by this place, by these people. How is it possible for such joy to come from people who live in such deplorable conditions?
July fourth was a fun day at Red Rose School... we had an extended break in the morning followed by a school-wide lunch provided by the parents and school, then a field day on a patch of dirt adjacent the railroad tracks where we had face painting, sack races, relays, Kenyan tug of war (no rope!!) and a couple epic games of soccer (during the first game of Americans vs. Red Rose School faculty, I played goalie and blocked two shots!). At the end of the afternoon we sang "God Bless America," "America the Beautiful," and the "Star Spangled Banner," all of which the Red Rose students learned. The experience of staring into the beautiful faces of 250 Kenyan students with red white and blue face paint singing American patriotic songs was surreal to say the least. I must say that the Red Rose kids sang the American national anthem way better than 75% of Americans ever will!
These kids are SO eager to learn new things. Even simple games I play with my American kids (who I'm sure think they're pretty lame) bring such joy to these kids. During the extended break on July 4, I taught a group of students "Yonder Come Day," the song I always teach my choir kids on the first day of school. Today all morning I heard it echoing through the walls of Red Rose. They love singing. They love dancing. They are free and uninhibited. They are wondrous.
We have also spent time at Kibra Academy (public, third tier) high school and Olympic High School (provincial, second tier). We also visited Olympic Primary School, the largest public primary school in Kenya. It has 3,300 students and 28 teachers. Class sizes are as large as 110 students.
We have also spent time at Kibra Academy (public, third tier) high school and Olympic High School (provincial, second tier). We also visited Olympic Primary School, the largest public primary school in Kenya. It has 3,300 students and 28 teachers. Class sizes are as large as 110 students.
Today we spent some time at the Giraffe Center and Kazuri bead factory after our morning at Red Rose. Tomorrow we are off to Lake Nakuru to go on safari!
Class 4- My class!
Meeting and greeting students from Kibra Academy
Leading an impromptu singing session on July 4
For me this picture sort of sums up what this trip is all about...
Josh I love reading all of this! I am so happy for you!!! I relate to what you are experiencing. Its so beautiful! xoxo
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