PCV in Kenya: Week 46

Monday

I had a slow morning around the house before going to the market. I took my time visiting all my favorite vendors and found some final additions for my vacation wardrobe. I may have stayed outside longer than anticipated because I got sunburnt ☹ On my way out of the market, I picked up a plastic table and set it up on my porch when I got home. Now I can relax outside with my plastic chair and table and enjoy the breeze and the shade. I ended the day by making dinner and eating it on my porch.

Tuesday

I started the day by writing some things for Mathews, our communications person at Peace Corps Kenya. We then had a virtual safety meeting with the Peace Corps Kenya safety team about our upcoming trip. After this, I headed to school to give Selen, our school security guard, a friendship bracelet lesson. I really enjoyed this and she is a really quick learner. I also got to talk to many of my co-workers before going home. About half of the staff is still working because the Form 4 exams begin next week. At home, I made humus for dinner before calling it a day.

Wednesday

This morning was prayer day for the Form 4 students. I wore my purple kitenge dress for the occasion. This prayer day was meant to encourage the students, parents, and teachers of the Form 4 students before they begin their exams next week. It was held at the local African Inland Church. There were speeches, songs, and a sermon. I also said some words 😊This event lasted about five hours. After, Cosmas, one of the board members and one of my neighbors, drove me home. I did a workout before eating dinner and watching “Law and Order S.V.U.” to end the day.

Thursday ~ Happy Halloween

I left the house early to go into Kisumu. My first stop was the yarn store to pick up what I needed so Selen can teach me the basics of how to crochet tomorrow. I then walked to the Jumia collection shop to pick up my package before heading to the immigration office to see if my resident card was ready – it was not. After this, I went to eat lunch at Java House and had a relaxing few hours here. After lunch, I walked to the veterinarian office to pick up Nala’s flee/tick spot treatment that she will need in December. They often run out of stock and since I’ll be gone most of November, I wanted to go ahead and get it. I also found a cat collar for Nala, so I’ll attempt to get her to wear it this week. It was earlier than when I usually go home, but I had nothing else to do, so I got on a matatu for home. At the house, I talked to some friends then did a workout. I then went to the local duka to pick up a few items and Nala walked all the way there and back with me 😊 Back at the house, I had Java House cake for dinner then talked to my parents to end the day.

Friday ~ My Dad’s Birthday

I had a chill morning around the house before going to school. At school, Selen gave me a crochet lesson and it was so much fun 😊 I had to go home after a few hours because my hands hurt. I went home and ate a late lunch before working out and watching “Law and Order S.V.U.”.

Saturday

This morning, I paid my neighbor to wash my clothes and then I spent the rest of the morning cleaning my house. I then made lunch and worked on two new bracelets. In the afternoon, I collected and put away my dry clothes then did a workout. I had mac and cheese for dinner then worked on making care instructions about Nala for the time I will be away on vacation.

Sunday

I woke up and began packing for my trip 😊 I took a mid-morning break to eat breakfast then continued on. When I finished, I spent time putting my house back together. I then went to chat with my neighbor a bit and to inform her I would be gone for a few weeks so she can occasionally check on my house. Back at the house, I did a workout before making shakshuka for dinner and ending the day.

Monday

I spent the morning making pancakes before heading to the market. I was looking for a bag big enough to fit my camera, water bottle, and umbrella for my trip. I was successful! I also took the time to talk to all my market mamas since I won’t see them for a few weeks. Back at the house, I used the new nail polish and nail decorating tools to make my nails vacation ready. I then did the final workout in the series of workouts I’ve been following on YouTube for the last few months. My goal was to finish this series before vacation so I was happy to get it done. I then made dinner and showered before double checking my packing list and heading to bed.

Tuesday

I left for my trip today! I spent the morning ensuring my house was organized before I left. I also moved all of Nala’s things to Sammy’s house because he will take care of her while I am away. I was sad to leave her. I got on a matatu and headed to Kisumu. In Kisumu, I met up with Marissa and we had lunch at Java house. It was a great start to our vacation. We also did our snack shopping for the bus and flight tomorrow. We then got on a tuktuk to go to Elsie’s house. At Elsie’s house, we ate dinner and chatted before calling it a night so that Marissa and I were ready to meet up with Savannah for our trip tomorrow! 

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