Tacos

I realize I've been less than diligent about my blog postings these days. And I would say I'm sorry, but I'm not sure who I would be apologizing to since I don't know who reads this crap anymore. Well, somehow the second term is almost over already. Just 3 weeks left! So here's just a few of the things that have been going on the last several months... salsa dancing with my dad in Nairobi, starting a health class with my students at night, losing a tug-o-war, finding a great place to get tacos, and purchasing a space heater.

So, my dad came in early May and we had a great time. The only thing that sucked was that I had to work and was suddenly aware of how very boring my life is at times. Not much for entertainment in my village. But, I was proud of my dad... he did everything I did. He slept at a noisy hostel in Nairobi, rode in uncomfortable passenger vans all over Kenya, took bucket baths and even went to class to see me teach.

The health class is always one of the highlights of my week. I teach classes 7 & 8, boys one night and girls another. So far, I've taught about reproductive organs, menstruation, consequences of early pregnancy... things like that. I never thought I could get so comfortable teaching teenagers about sex, but it didn't take long. The very first night I taught the boys, one asked me... if a boy has sex with a goat, will he die? As I was trying to think of an answer another boy volunteered that he was sure that the goat would be the one to die. How can argue with that? Lately, we've been doing some dramas involving saying "no" to sex or sex without a condom. The girls got really into it and wanted to compete with the boys for who gave the better responses. Of course, the girls won. I'm pretty sure there is something ingrained within a boy's brain which makes it very difficult to even pretend they don't want to have sex. Either way it was fun for all.

Our 4th of July party was last weekend and was amazing! Hamburgers, hot dogs, keg beer, American music, free prizes, a mechanical bull and as mentioned earlier... a tug-o-war. Which we lost. But, in our defense, it was against Kenyans in military uniforms and combat boots. We were in flip-flops and had been given large quantities of free alcohol prior to the competition. It's the American way, right? Sure, we know we can't win, but we might as well drink and remain in denial as long as possible until we lose!

Not sure I really need to go into detail about the tacos. It's TACOS! In Kenya! Enough said.

Regarding the seemingly ridiculous purchase of a space heater, I assure you it was money well spent. I wear trousers (sometimes with tights under them), 3 shirts, a jacket and a scarf. And I'm still cold. Luckily, the majority of the year I enjoy perfect weather, so I can't complain as much as I would like to.

Well, I have to get home. I'm in Nairobi right now and it's getting late. Last time I left late from Nairobi I got home in the dark and my supervisor gave me a huge hug when she met me... as if she was sure I wasn't going to make it back alive. I prefer to be naive and wander around pretending I can blend in, but I don't want to make her worry. :) That was a joke, mom. Take care, all. Libby