PCV in Kenya: Week 22

Monday

Today finally began Term 2 of the school year! It was also a significant day because instead of keeping Nala in my house all day, I let her outside all day while I was gone. She LOVES to play in the farm, so I am seeing how it goes this week to let her have some more freedom because she is a bit bigger. We began school with a quick assembly. We received four teachers in training this term which is exciting. In Kenya, teachers in training have to plan and teach actual lessons, which means all of the teachers will be teaching one less course than in Term 1. I spent my first day back to work reviewing my upcoming lesson plans and preparing lab materials for them. No one taught today as the students were busy cleaning up the classrooms and the school. We had a staff meeting after lunch and then I began working on a grant proposal for our school science laboratory. When school was over, I headed to the market for market day. I got a pair of pants hemmed that I found last week at Anitah’s shop. I made sure to purchase vegetables before walking home. At home, I did a Pilates workout then ate dinner while watching “Game of Thrones”. While I was getting into bed, I located an enormous lizard already in it. Thank goodness for Nala. She helped get the lizard off of my bed and I was able to trap it and release it outside. It was quite an eventful way to end my night 😊

Tuesday

School began with the unboxing of the books from Darien Book Aid. A representative from the primary school came for this so they could collect the books pertaining to the primary school. We got some great books that both schools can use. One of our teachers even used one of the history books to add to his lesson today which was very encouraging to see. We also received a new kitten at school! I named it Remi and he will be the kitchen cat to keep small animals away. Tuesdays are the days with the greatest number of lessons that I teach, so I was teaching from morning until lunch. After lunch, I walked to Elma’s office and we reconnected and had our first language lesson of Term 2. It went very well and it was nice to see Elma again after so much time apart. I walked home and made dinner and watched “Monk” and “Game of Thrones” before calling it a night. Again tonight, there was a lizard for me waiting on my bed. This one, Nala took for herself for an after-dinner snack. I could hear her crunching on its bones as I tried to go to sleep.

Wednesday

I was halfway to work today when Nala ran in-between my legs. I hadn’t realized she had followed me all the way from home, so I had to turn around and take her back. I handed her to Sammy so he could hold her until I was out of sight so she wouldn’t try to come to school with me again 😊 I taught my three lessons for the day then worked on the grant proposal. At lunch, a traveling salesman came to show us his products for pest control. They all seemed interesting but I don’t think anyone purchased anything from him. I lesson planned after lunch and then headed home. Nala snuggled with me for the first time in a long time when I got home and it was so sweet. She might be feeling a bit more snuggly because I believe her adult teeth are coming in. When she yawns, there are a lot more teeth than usual. I did some yoga, heated up my dinner while watching “Suits”, then called it a night.

Thursday

I had my early lesson today and it went well. I was able to play some videos using our projector. This is always a fun addition when I have the opportunity and time to add it into class. I spent the breaks in my day working on the grant proposal and an application for National Book Project. I taught one more lesson and then ate lunch outside because it was HOT today. I stopped at the market on my way home then tidied up. I was able to talk to my mom, Marco Polo Aunt Susan, and do yoga before eating dinner. I washed dishes then watched the first episode of Season 3 of “Bridgerton” to end my night.

Friday

School went extra well today because my students and I enjoyed our lesson today. Some lessons are just difficult to teach, but this one was fun for everyone. The school day went by very quickly and before I knew it, we were planting our 300 tree seedlings at school. This was so fun and we took lots of pictures. This took most of the afternoon, so when we finished, I headed home. At home, I did some yoga and heated up dinner. While I was getting ready for bed, I went to find Nala to get her to snuggle with me. It was dark and I didn’t have my glasses on, so instead of picking up Nala, I picked up the bag of potatoes that was sitting on my chair 😊 Nala was sleeping under the chair. This gave me a good laugh 😊There is a funeral happening next door, so for the next few nights, I will be hearing house music and speeches all through the night.

Saturday

I headed to Baba Charles’ house this morning so that I could meet some of the relatives that were coming to his home. Since I wasn’t staying for lunch, Reagan and I made a quick snack of chips, rice, and dengu. I met one of Baba Charles’ sons, all three of his sisters, and his two daughters. I had spoken to them all at various times over the phone, but this was my first time meeting them in person which was nice. Back at home, I finished Savannah’s birthday bracelet then made popcorn for dinner. I ate my girl dinner while watching the final 3 episodes of Part 1 of season 3 of Bridgerton. It was a great night 😊

Sunday

I woke up and finished a new friendship bracelet this morning while watching “Suits”. Around 10AM, I walked to Obaga Primary School, one I haven’t been to before. When I arrived, I sat with my coworkers and Principal Richard and we watched the events. Lunch was delicious. We had pilau with vegetables and nyama choma. Pilau is seasoned rice and nyama choma is grilled and spiced meat. Our students performed their songs and dances after lunch and they are improving every time. They also add a new style of song or dance every time. I got home around 3PM, so I could sweep my house and do the dishes. For dinner, I had ramen and eggs because I was not in the mood to cook and reclean a lot of dishes. I worked on a new bracelet while watching “Suits” before calling it a night.

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