29 november 2012
More to come - 2013
In 2013 Ben and I hope to be able to travel to Kenya again...and the Netherlands. And maybe...maybe a mini-belated-Honeymoon to Malaga! On this blog the Kenya experiences will be posted. Stay Tuned!
23 december 2010
Visit to Melvin - Dec. 7th, 2010
Only a year later, I had the privilige to visit Kenya again. December 7th was scheduled to see my amazing sponsorchild Melvin. I am truly blessed for being able to sponsor such a wonderful boy and be part of his and his family's life. Older sister Lucy (14) came along on the visit. After visiting the project Mlango Kubwa in Mathare-slum, we walked to his house. A different home than last year. I met mom, Lucy and younger sister Rita again. The girl who giggles non-stop. During lunchtime we took a taxi to Village Market to join lunch together. Melvin was playing around with my camera and unfortunately erased all images up to this lunch-point taken on the camera. Woops. :) Luckily I cary those memories in my heart & mind.
30 mei 2010
KE-301 New Roof & Watertank provided
Room to be fixed with a new roof (Before):
New roof and renovated classroom:
New roof and renovated classroom II:
Construction site of new watertank:
New watertank:
A word from the project-director:
"Thank you so much for the above gifts. They will go along way in improving the status of our project. The tank will provide safe water for drinking to over 257 project children. The classroom will be used during Saturday program and as library in the course of the week by the project children.
On behalf of KE301 fraternity, we are so grateful and may our loving father continue to bless you mightily."
New roof and renovated classroom:
New roof and renovated classroom II:
Construction site of new watertank:
New watertank:
A word from the project-director:
"Thank you so much for the above gifts. They will go along way in improving the status of our project. The tank will provide safe water for drinking to over 257 project children. The classroom will be used during Saturday program and as library in the course of the week by the project children.
On behalf of KE301 fraternity, we are so grateful and may our loving father continue to bless you mightily."
14 februari 2010
www.theplaceswelive.com - Kibera Kenya
One of the hardest parts having been in a complete different culture is to explain that very different culture to someone back 'home'.
"Hi, I am Stef, I've been to Kenya for a total of 7 weeks in my life, I've walked through some slums, I've hung out with locals and listened to their stories and yeah- now I can tell you what Kenya is like."
No way. I am Stef. I've been to Kenya but I am and always will be the Mzungu peeking into a different land and culture with my own framework or either my own known culture or background.
But, people seem to be interest in my time there.
To me raised the big question then: "How do I explain something of an experience when only I was the one experiencing that?".
It's like me trying to explain you what I dreamed last night, it very most likely won't make sense in the first place but also, your imagination of my dreamed story will be coloured different than how really I dreamed it.
Powerless and frustrating as it is sometimes - I'd like to look at it as something I (and as I believe God) can use for whatever, whenever.
His will be done.
Through a co-worker I got to see this website: http://www.theplaceswelive.com/
PLEASE check it out if you can. It's beautifully made, first of all.
But it will give you quite a good idea of life in some of the biggest cities in this world through good pictures of, for example, life in Kibera.
I can try and describe you a home in Kibera, how tea is made, pots and pans look in a kitchen area, newspaper-decoration will show cockroaches on the walls, smells and sounds of an average slum-home...but I can't. Never fully. This website though will give you quite the realistic look inside of 4 homes in Kibera. 4 stories of people living their daily lives. It's really worth checking it out.
"Hi, I am Stef, I've been to Kenya for a total of 7 weeks in my life, I've walked through some slums, I've hung out with locals and listened to their stories and yeah- now I can tell you what Kenya is like."
No way. I am Stef. I've been to Kenya but I am and always will be the Mzungu peeking into a different land and culture with my own framework or either my own known culture or background.
But, people seem to be interest in my time there.
To me raised the big question then: "How do I explain something of an experience when only I was the one experiencing that?".
It's like me trying to explain you what I dreamed last night, it very most likely won't make sense in the first place but also, your imagination of my dreamed story will be coloured different than how really I dreamed it.
Powerless and frustrating as it is sometimes - I'd like to look at it as something I (and as I believe God) can use for whatever, whenever.
His will be done.
Through a co-worker I got to see this website: http://www.theplaceswelive.com/
PLEASE check it out if you can. It's beautifully made, first of all.
But it will give you quite a good idea of life in some of the biggest cities in this world through good pictures of, for example, life in Kibera.
I can try and describe you a home in Kibera, how tea is made, pots and pans look in a kitchen area, newspaper-decoration will show cockroaches on the walls, smells and sounds of an average slum-home...but I can't. Never fully. This website though will give you quite the realistic look inside of 4 homes in Kibera. 4 stories of people living their daily lives. It's really worth checking it out.
7 januari 2010
You in your little corner and me in mine
Kenya is a culture on it's own and also carries numerous diversities when it comes to tribal variaties. You might think 'old news', but being here for a month, observing many details, absorbing impressions, talking to numerous citizens...more and more I come to realize this culture is in many many ways very different than what I am used to.
I find myself, daily, in this conflict of thinking: Yes, the cultural habbits are different and the backgrounds of people's lives make Kenyans the way they are (just as my background made me who I am today) but there seem to be certain core-lines of "being" where any person is the same. Wherever in this world. Right? Everybody prefers a smile over a nasty face, everybody wants to be seen for who they really are, everybody wants to be heard, everybody wants acceptance, appreciation, love and affection. Everybody needs to sleep, eat healthy, take care of themselves etc. Doesn't matter who or where. The aborigonal in the bush or the businessman on Wallstreet. The warm- and safely raised teenage girl or the 10-year old gang-member from a broken home.
Every individual is different indeed and their past has made them who they are today.
I wonder sometimes if I'm thinking straight when my aim seems to be to try and have every person (including myself) end up being the same. Balanced out. It's almost as if I think in the end, when we're all in heaven, everyone will be that same image of Christ.
"All should be in balance", Nothing should carry the word "too" before it. Too much, too rich, too poor, too quiet, too loud etc.
Who makes the rules when something is "too"...something?
I wonder a lot how some people seem so confident about themselves. They speak and it sounds like music into my ears. Good music. All they say makes sence and they seem to be able to explain very well. I envy that for I feel I lack there.
Opinions or the strenght or certainty of an expression or even a look can shake me and make me doubt my own convictions.
I am raised to rationalize. To bring feelings into words. To deal with true emotions by talking about it and having the freedom to do so.
The other day I had a conversation with someone here from the Kenyan office and he explained to me that Kenya is somewhere still suffering from the impact of Daniel Arap Moi's presidency (1978-2002). Due to his dictatorship Kenyans weren't allowed to speak their minds freely. Results of doing so were tricky (to put it lightly) and so I can understand why now even Kenyans seem to fear to be blunt, up front and straight to the point. They hardly confront. And that's where I become confused. Because it goes against my 'nature' so much.
I count myself priviliged to be raised in a land where there's freedom. I think of Anne Frank who knew about different times and still found the guts to speak her mind in her diary. I think about Barack Obama and ask myself how he pulls it off to always look good at all times, carry a charme and speak (almost) perfect to the nation. I wonder where the corruption hides, anywhere.
The world is a big and dangerous place. Perhaps only something small needs to happen and people snap and go nuts. Where to find sanity and peace in your heart again then?
I think of Louie Giglio's sermon about 'Hope, when life hurts most', where we learn that even in the most difficult times in life we are adviced to 'take heart' for IN HIM we will find peace. I thankfully embrace every single word here.
Conditions for creativity are to be puzzled; to concentrate; to accept conflict and tension; to be born everyday; to feel a sense of self. (Erich Fromm)
I find myself, daily, in this conflict of thinking: Yes, the cultural habbits are different and the backgrounds of people's lives make Kenyans the way they are (just as my background made me who I am today) but there seem to be certain core-lines of "being" where any person is the same. Wherever in this world. Right? Everybody prefers a smile over a nasty face, everybody wants to be seen for who they really are, everybody wants to be heard, everybody wants acceptance, appreciation, love and affection. Everybody needs to sleep, eat healthy, take care of themselves etc. Doesn't matter who or where. The aborigonal in the bush or the businessman on Wallstreet. The warm- and safely raised teenage girl or the 10-year old gang-member from a broken home.
Every individual is different indeed and their past has made them who they are today.
I wonder sometimes if I'm thinking straight when my aim seems to be to try and have every person (including myself) end up being the same. Balanced out. It's almost as if I think in the end, when we're all in heaven, everyone will be that same image of Christ.
"All should be in balance", Nothing should carry the word "too" before it. Too much, too rich, too poor, too quiet, too loud etc.
Who makes the rules when something is "too"...something?
I wonder a lot how some people seem so confident about themselves. They speak and it sounds like music into my ears. Good music. All they say makes sence and they seem to be able to explain very well. I envy that for I feel I lack there.
Opinions or the strenght or certainty of an expression or even a look can shake me and make me doubt my own convictions.
I am raised to rationalize. To bring feelings into words. To deal with true emotions by talking about it and having the freedom to do so.
The other day I had a conversation with someone here from the Kenyan office and he explained to me that Kenya is somewhere still suffering from the impact of Daniel Arap Moi's presidency (1978-2002). Due to his dictatorship Kenyans weren't allowed to speak their minds freely. Results of doing so were tricky (to put it lightly) and so I can understand why now even Kenyans seem to fear to be blunt, up front and straight to the point. They hardly confront. And that's where I become confused. Because it goes against my 'nature' so much.
I count myself priviliged to be raised in a land where there's freedom. I think of Anne Frank who knew about different times and still found the guts to speak her mind in her diary. I think about Barack Obama and ask myself how he pulls it off to always look good at all times, carry a charme and speak (almost) perfect to the nation. I wonder where the corruption hides, anywhere.
The world is a big and dangerous place. Perhaps only something small needs to happen and people snap and go nuts. Where to find sanity and peace in your heart again then?
I think of Louie Giglio's sermon about 'Hope, when life hurts most', where we learn that even in the most difficult times in life we are adviced to 'take heart' for IN HIM we will find peace. I thankfully embrace every single word here.
Conditions for creativity are to be puzzled; to concentrate; to accept conflict and tension; to be born everyday; to feel a sense of self. (Erich Fromm)
5 januari 2010
Reflection on Mombasa
High time to give an update on the past Christmas break.
But, first of all, to all of you: A very good New Year! I can't believe it's 2010... My wish and prayer is that all you loved ones find breezy, airy open windows that allow you to achieve the new years' resolutions. That peace of God overrules every step of the ways it takes to meet the fulfillment of your desires and dreams.
I had the honour to be accompanied by three handsome Kenyan men to Mombasa; Silas, Isaac and James. The more I think about how thankful I am for these genuine dudes the more my love grows...sometimes on the edge of my heart exploding. :-)
We left on saturdaynight the 26th for the 8 hour busride.
Any Western mindset would be nervous for that lenght of a ride. "How will survive a full workday in 1 bus?!"...
But, for anyone who tasted a little bit of a country like Kenya...8 hours is very do-able and feels like 2 hours really.
Mombasa is HOT as in H.O.T. The heat smacks you in the face but after about 1,5 day I noticed I had gotten used to it. The way of life is a little more easy-going anyway and esspecially for us (as we were there to celebrate holiday) there were no deadlines whatsoever.
Monday the 28th we visited Fort Jesus; located on the edge of a coral ridge overlooking the entrance to the Old Port of Mombasa, Built by the Portuguese in 1593-1596 to protect their trade route to India and their interests in East Africa. It was designed by an Italian architect, Giovanni Battista Cairati.
Tuesday the 29th we rented a car and drove to Malindi. We first drove to the Gedi Ruins. Played around and pretended to be living in those days, walked through the jungle surrounding the ruins, ate a VERY sour wild 'tamarind' fresh from the forrest there (My goodness that was sour!) and took off to the coast.
We decided to find a swimmingpool (at some fancy hotel) with the ability to also take a jump in the Indian ocean if we wanted. (What do you think I wanted?!)
I had craved to jump in the Indian ocean and taste the saltiest water ever since I entered Mombasa!
This very day was exceptional. I enjoyed every single moment of everything. Finally a feeling of freedom and no worries.
It's fun to see these historical sights but the stuff that will stay with me are other things. The fresh fruit they sell on the side of the road, the very first ocean air blowing in my face, the idea of painting me black so save on entrance costs, the African art-expositions and wondering how it would look in "our future mansion", seeing Kenyans struggle to keep their heads above the water (most can't swim), the slimy seaplants surrounding your bair feet in the ocean, realizing I am the only white 'mzungu' in te midsts of all those black Kenyans...etc.
After a long day of an undescrible amount of fun and joy in Malindi, at the coast and of each other - we headed back to Mombasa. (About 1,5 hour drive).
Late in the night we arrived. Then, the weirdest thing happened. Silas had driven the last part and got out of the car. Apparently he was told by two men (coming towards him) to lay down on the floor. I slowly got out myself but within fractions of seconds I was told by Isaac to get back in the car. I saw a weird shade of a policeman or guard coming at me with a gun-looking-thing.
It looked fake...
We were actually robbed.
The guy started searching my pockets and whispered all these things in Swahili to his co-thug. I stayed very calm, luckily - because afterwards realizing what all could have happened...well...let's not even go there.
Most pissed off I am about the fact all those wonderful pictures were taken away. Memories in our minds and hearts is now all that we have left.
So, an unfortunate ending of that very day and a change it made in our further plans of our trip - but truly Thanks to God for our lives. We we're all unharmed, 'just' robbed from many personal belongings.
As you can understand I am experiencing way too many things to write out on paper.
For me the little things count. People and my friends count. A quality conversation is what sinks into my heart and inspires me. The differences in the look of things, the scents, the ways of expression. It's what makes Kenya it's own culture. It's a joy to me to try and adapt to the fullest and learn about those differences.
But, first of all, to all of you: A very good New Year! I can't believe it's 2010... My wish and prayer is that all you loved ones find breezy, airy open windows that allow you to achieve the new years' resolutions. That peace of God overrules every step of the ways it takes to meet the fulfillment of your desires and dreams.
I had the honour to be accompanied by three handsome Kenyan men to Mombasa; Silas, Isaac and James. The more I think about how thankful I am for these genuine dudes the more my love grows...sometimes on the edge of my heart exploding. :-)
We left on saturdaynight the 26th for the 8 hour busride.
Any Western mindset would be nervous for that lenght of a ride. "How will survive a full workday in 1 bus?!"...
But, for anyone who tasted a little bit of a country like Kenya...8 hours is very do-able and feels like 2 hours really.
Mombasa is HOT as in H.O.T. The heat smacks you in the face but after about 1,5 day I noticed I had gotten used to it. The way of life is a little more easy-going anyway and esspecially for us (as we were there to celebrate holiday) there were no deadlines whatsoever.
Monday the 28th we visited Fort Jesus; located on the edge of a coral ridge overlooking the entrance to the Old Port of Mombasa, Built by the Portuguese in 1593-1596 to protect their trade route to India and their interests in East Africa. It was designed by an Italian architect, Giovanni Battista Cairati.
Tuesday the 29th we rented a car and drove to Malindi. We first drove to the Gedi Ruins. Played around and pretended to be living in those days, walked through the jungle surrounding the ruins, ate a VERY sour wild 'tamarind' fresh from the forrest there (My goodness that was sour!) and took off to the coast.
We decided to find a swimmingpool (at some fancy hotel) with the ability to also take a jump in the Indian ocean if we wanted. (What do you think I wanted?!)
I had craved to jump in the Indian ocean and taste the saltiest water ever since I entered Mombasa!
This very day was exceptional. I enjoyed every single moment of everything. Finally a feeling of freedom and no worries.
It's fun to see these historical sights but the stuff that will stay with me are other things. The fresh fruit they sell on the side of the road, the very first ocean air blowing in my face, the idea of painting me black so save on entrance costs, the African art-expositions and wondering how it would look in "our future mansion", seeing Kenyans struggle to keep their heads above the water (most can't swim), the slimy seaplants surrounding your bair feet in the ocean, realizing I am the only white 'mzungu' in te midsts of all those black Kenyans...etc.
After a long day of an undescrible amount of fun and joy in Malindi, at the coast and of each other - we headed back to Mombasa. (About 1,5 hour drive).
Late in the night we arrived. Then, the weirdest thing happened. Silas had driven the last part and got out of the car. Apparently he was told by two men (coming towards him) to lay down on the floor. I slowly got out myself but within fractions of seconds I was told by Isaac to get back in the car. I saw a weird shade of a policeman or guard coming at me with a gun-looking-thing.
It looked fake...
We were actually robbed.
The guy started searching my pockets and whispered all these things in Swahili to his co-thug. I stayed very calm, luckily - because afterwards realizing what all could have happened...well...let's not even go there.
Most pissed off I am about the fact all those wonderful pictures were taken away. Memories in our minds and hearts is now all that we have left.
So, an unfortunate ending of that very day and a change it made in our further plans of our trip - but truly Thanks to God for our lives. We we're all unharmed, 'just' robbed from many personal belongings.
As you can understand I am experiencing way too many things to write out on paper.
For me the little things count. People and my friends count. A quality conversation is what sinks into my heart and inspires me. The differences in the look of things, the scents, the ways of expression. It's what makes Kenya it's own culture. It's a joy to me to try and adapt to the fullest and learn about those differences.
23 december 2009
Time out - Mombasa baby!
This morning is the last day I will be in the office, for now. On January 4th I will be back and also then able to post more of the happenings around here.
The rest of this week I will be working on some more stories and seeing friends. I notice some stories take time and though first before I feel I can peacefully post them.
During the weekend, right after Christmas, I will travel to the coast: Mombasa baby!
Together with some bodyguards I met along the way ;-) - I am hoping to take a few jumps in the clear blue Indian ocean, hug palmtrees, eat some more rice, ugali or chapati (he he) and overall exploring the area and spending quality time with my sweet friends. Stay tuned, I'll be back.
The rest of this week I will be working on some more stories and seeing friends. I notice some stories take time and though first before I feel I can peacefully post them.
During the weekend, right after Christmas, I will travel to the coast: Mombasa baby!
Together with some bodyguards I met along the way ;-) - I am hoping to take a few jumps in the clear blue Indian ocean, hug palmtrees, eat some more rice, ugali or chapati (he he) and overall exploring the area and spending quality time with my sweet friends. Stay tuned, I'll be back.
22 december 2009
I love love love this guy!
Earlier I wrote a little blog about the amazing young man I am able to sponsor: Melvin. Here are just a few photo's of out day together, hosted by my good good friend Silas.
Me, Melvin and Silas.
Instant love
IKEA spider and the sweetest face.
Boyz like soccer, right?
Second mom for SURE!
Only dad missing here, he had to work...
HOME
Walking the slum-streets with my buddy.
Wanting to know what goes through her mind...
Natural talent
A slightly different way of saying 'Cheese'. :-D
Lunch at 'The Village Market'.
This guy will go places, if not with this hummer...then whatever else.
MERRY CHRISTMAS from the white Santa in Kenya behind us.
Me, Melvin and Silas.
Instant love
IKEA spider and the sweetest face.
Boyz like soccer, right?
Second mom for SURE!
Only dad missing here, he had to work...
HOME
Walking the slum-streets with my buddy.
Wanting to know what goes through her mind...
Natural talent
A slightly different way of saying 'Cheese'. :-D
Lunch at 'The Village Market'.
This guy will go places, if not with this hummer...then whatever else.
MERRY CHRISTMAS from the white Santa in Kenya behind us.
