Midway Through Kenya Camp

Jambo Sana from Kenya UYCamp—

The last two days of activities have gone well. We have had rain each day (we’re hoping that today we can get by without any further rain!). Yet, each morning we have had some nice sunny weather.

The Kenyan teens are a bit timid to use their English skills when we first arrived, however as we get to know each other—the exchange of greetings and talking has increased dramatically! Each morning, about 5am—6-7 ladies (wives and widows) arise to begin the process of preparing to cook for about 100 people. I can hear the light sound of pots and pans clashing about that time as the ladies ready for another day. Each morning (and prior to each meal, for that matter) one or two dorms of teens have KP duty! Unlike teens from the west, these teens do about everything to help the ladies with cooking—from the slaughter and plucking of chickens (no joke!)—to the making of butter and bread sandwiches and millet porridge for the breakfast. This happens for every meal—and truly works like a well-oiled machine!

Yesterday during the Bible class I was teaching under the acacia trees near the “kitchen” tent—several Colobus monkeys were playing. The largest of the monkeys decided to steal a huge carrot from the preparation bowl the ladies were using to prepare the evening meal! Then, decided to run over and plop himself down to each is booty about 10 feet from me. What a sight. It offered a good laugh for all of us.

Our 5 United Youth Corps participants are busy with teaching activities of various kinds: Matt Kerilies is over Ultimate Frisbee and assists with Cycling, Jennifer Pennington assists with Volleyball and Hygiene, Beth Isaac teaching Hygiene and Campus Improvement, Becky Horchak taught swimming and Journalism/Newsletter, Jeremy Hongerloot is over Cycling. All of the participants have also helped with food preparation when the time allows and have remained very involved…which is great.

Well, that’s about it for now. Two more day of camp, and then off to Lake Nakuru and the Elbergon for services on the Sabbath. Next blog I’ll try to get Mr. Tim Waddle (Associate pastor for Kenya and UYCorps Kenya project mgr this year) to write a few words. Keep the Faith and spread it!

~Doug Horchak