Jambo!!!

Hello dear friends!

In 2 weeks (and 2 days) we will be on our way to Olasiti, Ngong Hills in Kenya. This is where we will spend the majority of our time working within the community. Our group will be the first group this year and as such we will set the pace for the groups that follow (no pressure right?). Our main responsibilities, apart from the day to day helping in the schools and with the families, will be organisational.

We need to make sure that there are enough books and cutlery to share among the students in each class so that we will purchase some more if need be. We will also be working on a water storage system to make sure the water is kept sanitary, away from animals and mosquitoes that may contaminate it; taking measurements for a cover and filter and also taking water samples to be tested so that we may decide if the water is fit for human consumption and if other water sources are fit for fish farming. Needless to say, we are mega excited.

Unfortunately we did have some very sad news. One of the community's young adults passed away in his sleep at the age of 20. This is by far very somber news and brings us back to the reality that this is not an experience we are taking on lightly. The people here have little to no access to medical help and most illnesses would go undiagnosed and untreated. We are sorry we will never get to meet Sitat, we are sorry for his mother and 3 younger brothers. Sitat was the man of the household, having lost his father at a young age. His mother raised all 4 of her children alone, providing them with food, shelter and education against no help.

On our journey there, Sitat's memory will stay with us, keeping us grounded and sure of our purpose. Reminding us of our goal.

RIP Sitat.