On our way to the village

Hi all!



Trying to catch up as we just now have internet access again....here's what we wrote before we reached the village...




Saturday....July 5th.
Glenna's Thoughts:
We traveled on Friday afternoon to the Savora Lion Hill, which is about 7 Km into the Lake Nakuru National Park. As we were getting there at dusk, it was critical for us to get to the gate of the hotel before dark. In the morning, we found out why......the hotel is surrounded by the National Park.......thousands upon thousands of acres of forest and plains with all species of animals around every corner! We needed to be within the hotel compound prior to dark to reduce the risk of running across some wild beast!
On Saturday we spent the morning on the safari.....seeing the wonderous animals in their natural habitat....but not getting too close!! I had never seen a rhinoserous so close and still shake my head at the enormity of size!!! To finish the morning wonderfully we even found a pride of lions resting under a tree away from the heat.
Having the day to rejuvnate was spectacular.....and much needed for what was to come. Following lunch, we began our 5 hour on/off road journey to Kisumu, where we were to spend the night before getting to the village on Sunday.
As we journeyed along, it again was overwhelming how there are so many impoverished people waiting, standing, sitting, sleeping, walking....yet ready to smile and wave at us. Going through the town of Mojo, I couldn't hold back my tears.......when I saw a small child pulling himself across the dirt because he could not use his legs. Kilometer upon kilometer of desolate shacks, barefoot and sometimes clothesless children, cattle and goats walking amongst the shelters and the people........I became dissapointed in myself that I'm not doing more.....and disappointed in our world community for allowing these people to exist like this. When there are so many riches in the world...why is it these people are forgotten?
We had an opportunity to pass by the tea fields......thousands of acres of tea bushes........mostly picked by hand by laborers........huge factories drying and producing tea to be shipped around the world for all to enjoy. I couldn't help but think of the executives who must come to check in with their factories and wonder how they can pass by the shanty towns surrounding the factories and not find a way to help? How does one ignore such pain?
It was an emotional day......the disparity was overwhelming. To end the day we arrived at the hotel in Kisumu.....Koboko Bay Hotel which is located on Lake Victoria. Our rooms were tents with thatched roofs over them and multiple layers of mosquito netting. We feel like we are getting prepared as we travel closer and closer to the village.
Robin's Thoughts:
Overwhelmed how we went from luxury to the depths of poverty. The resort that we stayed at was remarkable in every way...the scenery, accommodations, and hospitality were wonderful. The safari was a once in a lifetime adventure. We saw almost 20 different kinds of animals.....including lions. Fabulous food and a very nice massage to top it off!! Then.....the adventure began...
It wasn't long after we drove out the gates of the wild game park where the real Africa surrounded us. Thousands and thousands of people walk the streets, stand by the side of the road, bicycle....with nothing more than the clothes on their back. As we drove further and further we continued to see the great depths of the poverty, I became embarrased, humiliated, disgusted and saddened at what we Americans complain about. I had heard before we arrived from someone else how they had heard someone say "It's amazing that Americans have 'houses for their cars' " and now I know what that means. We spend more on a night's dinner than most of these people earn in a month.....and yet the problem is so large...it overwhelms me to think what can we do? This has been a constant topic of conversation as our mission here is "Let Your Life Speak".....I think for me it is to use every bit of influence I can possibly muster too encourage everyone to give back, however you can, at all times, to whom ever you can.
The sad thing is, our journey is just beginning. We have yet to arrive in the village. Anticipation is high, yet it is completely unknown as to what we will face. I can only hope that we continue to see the smiles on the faces of the few children we've been able to meet so far. It's amazing how with so little, the children continue to find ways to smile. How much better can their lives be if we can just give them a little bit of ourselves. Let your life speak.......any way it can.
Bart's Thoughts:
My anxiety level is really high as we approach the village................how can we really help these children by offering them communication skills when their basic needs have not been met.
The poverty has all of us moved to silence as we travel accross the country. I don't believe our words can describe it. The pictures we have taken will show it. The emotion of gratitude and thankfullness is only something you can understand if you personally experience it. This may be the very thing that changes each of us the most!!! Time will tell for each of us.
Each night we have been playing HIGH/LOW! This has been one of my highlights. We have learned about each other. We have also learned about ourselves. Yesterday was a day of extreme highs and lows.
.>MY HIGHS!
I have grown up watching wild animal shows. To stand in their presence is inspirational. We saw the full cycle of life. From young antelope, monkeys, giraffes and wart hogs............to full herds of zebra. The cycle being complete with the hyena comsuming the remains of a water buffalo. The pride of lions was an awesome site. Having been at the home site of Joy Adamson (Born Free) earlier makes me realize future children my never see this in the wild, even before we reach the village
the other high for me............Is the TEAM- glenna, mattteo/mathew, robin and griffin. each of them have given me so much . I couldnt imagine doing this trip alone. I have a deeper understanding of why God always sent people out in pairs.
MY LOWS!
One person could spend their life here...................you could make a difference in a small group of people. It will take ALL of US!!! The poverty and existence in which these people live is incredible. They literally have nothing! We have everything! We complain..... they do not. We frown. They are constantly smiling!
I know that the next 5 days are going to be amazing............................................I have no expectations. I only hope we can somehow help these students steer their destiny
If you read this........................... think about what you have complained about today?

On their way to Nairobi

Just received a brief message that the group was out of the village and waiting on their plane to Nairobi. Everyone is well and I understand it was a very emotional day for each of them as they were saying their good-byes in the village.

More to come later!

Chad

Saturday July 5 - Overnight in Kisumu

The trip has been amazing. The group is now in Kisumu and gearing up for the trek to the village on Sunday. Today was heartwrenching, some of the things they saw, it was an emotional day for some as they drove along. I understand it was rather chilly for them most of the day because of traveling through the mountains, but is getting a little warmer as the get closer to the village. It was a long day for the group, but they did manage to stop at a tea farm. Their accommodations for the night were in a hut by the lake.

That's all for now. I'll keep you posted as I learn more.

Chad

What an Incredible Journey!!!

What an amazing day!!!

We left Nairobi en route to the village early this morning. On the way we stopped at the homestead of Joy and George Adamson.....the couple behind the story of "Born Free"....we enjoyed lunch at their home and learned much about their lives......it was an amazing experience!

Following lunch we took a boat ride to an island that is also a National Game Park where we toured, walked, and experienced first hand the giraffe, wilderbeasts, hippos and much more......it was incredible to be walking where they walked....taking pictures of them without fences separating us.....learning about their habitats, and more....whew!!!

As we tried to proceed to our lodging in Naivasha we soon learned that the main road was closed and we had to take a detour....thus we experienced first hand the back roads of Kenya.......I think we may have rattled a few fillings loose however our driver Joshua managed to get us to our hotel safe and sound where we enjoyed a lovely dinner. Tomorrow we tour the wild animal park within which the hotel sits.....it will be incredible to be sure!!

On our way here we saw many sights......it is so very sad to see the extreme poverty of the people of Kenya......children with no clothes, adults standing by the side of the road begging, everywhere you see people trying to make the best of their situation..........we have been honored to receive such a wonderful welcome from all we encounter.....

En route to Naivasha today we even saw a train run into a car at an intersection.....the people running to help from all directions simply pointed out the generous hearts and love of the people of Kenya for each other.....we have seen many things during our time here and consistently we witness the care of the Kenyan people to each other......

Tomorrow we travel to Nakuru and then on Sunday we will arrive in the village to begin our work there with the children. We missed celebrating the Fourth of July in our country with our families......yet look forward to sharing our adventures upon our return!!

Tonight is the first night we sleep with mosquito nets around our beds and mosquito repellent incense in the rooms....a new experience! As it is after midnight here we must be off to bed!! Until tomorrow.....

Happy Fourth of July to our families and friends!!

G

Speaker Bootcamp....Nairobi Style!

We've completed the first official Nairobi Speaker Bootcamp!!!

Three days of communication training resulted in a successful Speaker Bootcamp.....Nairobi Style! It was interesting that while the communication concepts, fears, concerns, and skill sets were universal, the topics that these students were working on were truly amazing! While they all had fun with the random topics we gave them to practice with, when it came time to develop their individual roadmaps around thier professional topics the mood became much more serious. These students are all working on topics that truly will change the course of history in Kenya.

For example...Barasa worked through the topic of Affirmative Action. Diana was focused on Sexual Violence. Joy's work revolved around Gender Equality. Stella devoted her time to a topic on Children's Rights while Josephine spoke on Women's Leadership. John did a wonderful job formatting his topic of Political Mentoring. Peter spoke solidly about Women's Regional Assemblies. Purity and Lillian....two Christian pastors who spoke about their faith.

At the end of the third day, all were exhausted yet excited about the graduation ceremony where they all received certificates and a lapel pin that reads "Let Your Life Speak"....these individuals truly exemplify the concept of letting their lives speak as every one of them lives daily their focus. They are determined to make Kenya a better place for all to live.

Our team was surprised and honored to receive gifts of thanks from the group....each of us received a woven basket....a symbolism of life in Kenya where baskets are used daily.....a tee shirt and hat with the Women's Political Caucus logo.....key chains which are considered of extremely high value here.......and umbrellas to protect us from the sun once we arrive in the village. It was humbling to receive gifts from them as we truly feel this experience we are sharing is a gift to all of us....to be here with them....helping them on their missions.

At the end of the day we celebrated at a local "must see" restaurant....Carnivore...with some of our hosts. What an experience it was!!! Carnivore boarders a game park and they roast and serve ostrich, crocodile, giraffe, lamb, turkey, beef, chicken and more......what an experience!! We all tried a little bit of everything!! There were some new beverages as well....our favorite was a drink called "Dawa"......YUM!!! What fun evening and a wonderful way to end our time with this group!

On Friday we begin our journey of 2 days travel to the village of Wikondiek....we will stop at Lake Naivasha then to Lake Nakura/Kisume to spend the evenings. We are excited to see the country-side!!

Until later!

~Glenna

Day Two of Training in Nairobi Done!

Hey Everyone!



Completed our second day of training today in Nairobi....will finish up tomorrow. The group is doing a wonderful job and appear to be enjoying the training.



The driver and car picks us up at our hotel and we brave our way to the training facility (a converted garage) through amazing traffic and people walking. We are so thankful that the group here organized for a car for us as we'd never be able to navigate the streets with the success he exibits at every moment!



Today we all chuckled as one of our students, Barasa, struggled initially with the skill sets until he started having fun with it all! He did a wonderful job! His focus for his work and his continued studies for his PhD is Affirmative Action. With a booming voice and a beaming grin, Barasa soon had the entire classroom following his every word and move!



The weather here is a bit cooler than anticipated....because Nairobi is actually in the mountains, it gets pretty chilly at night and remains about 70-75 during the day.....this is Kenya's Winter Season. Here's another interesting thing....when you order coffee and ask for cream, you receive a little carafe of warmed milk.......when Griffin ordered a glass of milk to drink, it came warmed.....we are delighting in experiencing the different culture! Something new around every corner!

~Glenna

TRUST THE PROCESS AND THE SKILLS!

Fighting DISPARIETY (what the listner experiences and what the communicator experiences) seems exponentially harder here!) the differneces here are huge! The commonalities are even greater!!!!!!!! For all of us............ we saw the tranformation of each partiiciant from ums and ahs to clear, simple, concise, and powerful sound bites of information. I still have to be reminded, after all the times I have taught this class, that the process and the skills work!!!

As I listen to them share their thoughts and feeling about their beliefs and political stances................you realize for them................this is a matter of survival..........econonically and socially............ It is THEIR LIFE! They are truly changing lives, communities and their country.

For us back home it is a matter of choice...... not a matter of survival.

Think how different it would be for all of US...... if communiction was a matter of survival............not something we consider option or a business function!!

~The Bartman

THOUGHTS FROM ROBIN.....

I find it fascinating the many similarities we Americans have with our fellow brothers & sisters in other countries... the importance of family, work, desire for laughter and support. Yet, the differences in how we live our lives can be vast.

Here in Nairobi you see people scurrying around in the early morning, many walking 3 and 4 miles to work, just to find themselves doing mundane jobs. But they do it with a smile on their face and with a mild manner. Everyone seems very interested in what's happening in their country's politics, education and reform. And the seem very content as to who they are and what they are about. They are very aware of American politics and look to the USA as the land of milk & honey, but don't seem to be jealous of what we have. They just acknowledge it and accept who they are and are proud of it. Yet we Americans sometimes forget how blessed we are to live in a country of abundance & total freedom. Myself included! I must remember this and change my attitude to be more proud and appreciative of my country!

Yesterday was our second day in training. Bart and Glenna did a fabulous job. Glenna took the rains for part of the day and lead the group through delivery and gestures. She had some good candidates and they all learned a great deal.

I love hearing the laughter and support of the group for their fellow speakers. It is so funny to see them laughing WITH their friends, versus laughing AT them. The whole experience is very supportive of each other.

Gotta go now, but more later.

Robin

Day One Training Done!

Today we finished Day One for the training of the Political Caucus group in Nairobi. It is amazing to watch the process and realize that regardless of where this communication training is conducted, people around the globe crave, desire and benefit from the skill sets.

When asked about their challenges in regard to communicating in public, this group listed the same fears as groups have listed in the US, in Malaysia, Europe or Canada......the challenges of how to communicate effectively truly are universal.

By the end of the day, following much discussion and practice around the skill sets of effective delivery, once again the group proved that by using the techniques, their messages become more clear, more concise, more effective and more powerful!

Robin noted how welcoming the group was to learning new skills and to our team. He felt that within the first two hours, they would have been pleased......yet as the day continued and the one-on-one experience with benchmarking and "hot seats" happened, themes that may have seemed abstract became reality. They became "Bartified" as they experienced first hand the transformation from common communication obstacles to more powerful communication through the gentle guidance and encouragement they received as they were coached through the process. The anticipation for tomorrow is high!!!

Griffin and Mathew did a great job of being "right hands" to anything that was needed throughout the day. Griffin enjoyed watching and learning about effective posture....the do's and dont's as he and Mathew participated with the entire group in a group exercise. Great information for a 13 year old to learn!!

We were treated to a wonderful Kenyan lunch and enjoyed Kenyan tea which is made with hot milk instead of water......it is delicious!!

The City of Nairobi awakens early walking in to work......often times with a 2 hour walk to/from their homes. We learned today that Nairobi is a city of approximately 3 Million.......it seems much larger as the streets and sidewalks are filled with people walking from before sun rise to after dark......traffic abounds in what seems like complete chaos...yet no accidents have we seen! Heavy smog fills the air and the country waits for rain.

On our way back to the hotel where it will be time for an early dinner than off to bed as we start early in the morning!!!

Photos are of Griffin in the morning at the hotel having breakfast....a photo of Bart training.....and of one of the students today practicing the new skills. Thought you might enjoy!

Hello to all back home!!

~Glenna