Quotes on Quotes on Quotes

You may or may not know that I am obsessed with quotes. These quotes can be about anything. Life, love, leadership, motivation, inspiration, why K-State is the best university ever; whatever the topic maybe I probably have a quote or two for you. Whenever I see a quote that I connect with I immediately write it down on what ever I can find around me. Most often my grocery receipts have some quotes notes jotted down on them. I then put all of my quotes into one notebook.

This notebook is one of my lifelines here in Kenya. Whenever I need some inspiration, when things are too much, I am questioning what I am doing here; I simply read a page or two of quotes. I have been able to connect with several quotes. This blog is going to be a little different from the other post. I have some of my favorite quotes that I am tying into something I have experienced while on site.

“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” – Scott F. Fitzgerald  

Several of the people I have met here have not had an easy life, to put it simply. Some have been through more at the age of seven than I will my entire life. However, they keep going. They know God will bless them. They all have so much faith. These individuals do not stop after one problem, they battle right through it. They may be faced with twenty-two more difficulties at one time, but they know not to stop. Right when they stop they will face their final defeat. They do not confuse a problem with the problem.

Also, to go along with this idea:

“I believe the greater the handicap the greater the triumph.” – John H. Johnson

The kids at the centre have gone through a lot of crap, to but it nicely. Some have lived on the streets, others had abusive parents, some have had to leave their loving home because there just wasn’t enough money for them, and some have been addicted to sniffing glue and other drugs.  None of them have had an easy life. They all have a tough story. In a since they all have been “handicapped”. However, they are ready to defeat the world. They have dreams of being doctors, teachers, lawyers, engineers, owning their own tailoring store, ect. They will succeed because they have been at the bottom and are now climbing up. I know some of them will not stop until they have reached their goals.

“There is no instinct like that of the heart.” – Lord Bryon

When all else fails, follow your heart. There have been a few times here I have had no clue on what to do. I was stuck in the middle of what seemed to be a lose-lose situation. However, I shut off my mind and followed my heart. I realized the mind uses too much logic sometimes, which you would think would be a good thing, however your heart is an instinct. Your heart knows what is true.  I was fortunate enough to learn this early on during my time here at the centre. When I am stuck in a difficult situation, like giving a sick child a cough drop or following the rules, I follow my heart. Nothing is truer or purer than your heart.

“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

The reason why the centre is even opened is because of the problem with street-dwelling youth in Kenya. Just because the centre is open, the problem is not completely eliminated. Almost every time I go into town I see at least one or more street children. One day my teammate, Bailey and Pennsylvania volunteer, Orry decided they wanted to bring two of the street boys to the centre. I had never thought of bringing any of the children on the streets to the CYEC. I assumed it was not allowed. However, they asked and they could. There are now three less boys on street because of them. Thoughtful people can and will change the world. This lesson came at the perfect time because I was questioning if I was even doing any good. Then I remembered, a small group of thoughtful people could change the world.

  “There are no mistakes in art, only unexpected results.” – Issa, Artist Volunteer at CYEC

When re-vamping a shop we decided to paint a mountain. Unfortunately I can’t even draw a decent circle (I have my dad’s genes). My team then met our new friend, Issa, a local artist who volunteers at the center. He agreed to paint a mural of a mountain. And by he agreed, I mean he wanted us to do it. So us painting really meant he would tell us where to paint, exactly what to put on our brush, and we would then paint. We all were very nervous to mess up his amazing idea. He then stated the above quote. I will never forget this conversation. His words really spoke to me. But really, how often do we stress and worry about something not coming out exactly how we thought it would? How often do we attempt to fix something when we really should just embrace the results?

He reminded me, that in life there will always be something that is not exactly what I pictured. I did not mess up, I created something unexpected. If we all remember this idea, we will have a lot let stress in our lives and more time to celebrate the unexpected results.

“You cannot depend on your eyes when imagination is out of focus.” – Mark Twain

“Don’t think outside of the box, think like there is no box.”

While in a meeting with the director of the CYEC, Paul, was discussing a goal/idea/vision he had. Essentially, his vision was to create an economy using materials and skills instead of actual currency. This idea is to help the entire community and the CYEC.

My reaction: WHAT? You want me to create an economy? Have you met me? Have you seen my macroeconomics grade? What a funny, funny joke.

When I heard this idea, my eyes were looking at it and telling me no way. I did not understand because I was looking at this using only black and white. I was not looking at it with any imagination. Once I turned on my imagination, I could then see that this idea is much, much more that an idea. It is a vision. An incredible and eventually life changing vision for this community. I did not see this in black and white any more. I saw this in new pink shoes for Beth, oranges for the Smith’s, Jan teaching a class and then having a place to live, ect. ect. I saw the real potential once my imagination was in focused. Once I was fine with thinking like there is no box, I started to see his vision. It is possible. We can create an economy for the CYEC and community members. It is a crazy vision but if our imagination is in focused and we are thinking like there is no box, I know this can be created. Paul was not crazy, he was just thinking like there is no box. I was depending on my eyes when my imagination was out of focused.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” –MLK

So many times I have read an article, felt a way, but became silent. I didn’t say anything because the subject was not that important to me. Now I have a matter that I cannot be silent about. These kids here need help. They deserve help. I will do everything I possible can do to be vocal about this subject. They need windows that have glass on them, they need mattress covers so when the young children wet their foam bed they do not have to sleep in a soaked mattress the next day, they need sponsors so they can attend secondary school, they need toys so they can be children and have fun. The centre is doing a great job, but there are so many needs that are not being met for these children. If I am do not try to inform people about the centre hopefully to receive their emotional support, I will be letting 120 amazing children down. If I am silent for 120 things I am so passionate about, my life will slowly lose purpose. My word will mean less. I will not being helping the world.

This quote really makes me question what am I really doing for the things that matter. What are you doing for the things that matter?

*And now just some quotes. These quotes have really stuck out to me, either because I really connect with them or they really make me think about my intentions here in Kenya. Read some of them, connect them to your life. At least one should speak to you and make you think about your life or at least make you think.

“Kindness in the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” – Mark Twain

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Gandhi

“Life’s most persistent & urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”’ – Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Some pursue happiness, others create it.” –Unknown

“A person starts dying when they stop dreaming.” – Brian Williams

“He who conquers others is strong. He who conquers himself is mighty.” – Lao Tzu

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, than feed just one.” – Mother Teresa

“Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas.” – Marie Curie

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” – Dalai Lama

“Compassion is the basis of all morality.”- Arthur Schoperhaur

“Your work is to discover your world & the with all of your heart give yourself to it.” – Buddha

“We can do no great things- only small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa

Quotes have really helped me get through difficult times here; they either give me guidance or inspiration. Both I will always take. I hope you enjoyed my favorite quotes! I cannot believe I will be home in two weeks. This time has flown by and I am no were near ready to leave my new friends and hom. Luckily, I am sure I can find a quote or two that will apply perfectly for this situation.

Love you all!

Two Second Update

HI!

Life is going greattt! We just found out about another project we will began work on! So the service is really start to pick up. I love living here. My living arguments are living in a little appartement with my team (I will have a post more about this later). I love living with my teammates! We always have fun! Like tonight some of us were bored so we just payed cards and had a great time!

This week I did a lot of busy work with the projects we have going on. I also made a a really good new friend Phobey. Phobey is teaching me to cook and do all of that great stuff. Everything is going amazingly well here! Tomorrow I am headed to Uganda to Jinga where we will be doing some rafting there! And just hanging around.

This blog was very short and pointless but I promise the next one will make you cry...if you do not have a soul.

Reasons Why I Don't Blog

Some people (like three) are wondering why I am not keeping my blog up to date. There is so much I would love to talk about and tell you all what I am up to, but my blog is never up to date. Well, I have several reasons for you:

1) 50 shilling pirated movies, so many to watch, so little time.
2) The most adorable children. It is impossible to tell them that you can't play with them because you have to write a blog.
3) Napping. I mean I have a mega bed.
4) Cooking...it takes a bit longer here....and it is amazinggg.
5) Playing football.
6) Hanging out with the staff and new friends.
7) I am in Kenya. Everything here is amazing and I am not the biggest fan of sitting inside.
8) THE CHILDREN ARE AMAZING. (Just incase I haven't said it enough)

I love life here. So much. I am moving here (I hope).

Life Facts According to Kenna

Jambo!!

Kenya has been quite the experience! Everyday I am learning so much about life, love, relationships, the world, and myself. So I thought instead f doing a long post like I usually do, I would do some facts that I have learned. These are proven facts. And by proven I really mean they probably are true...at least some of them.

1) Laughter is the strongest medicine. The youth at the centre have been through more than I could ever imagine. However, they are so loving and kind. I am pretty sure they are like this because of their amazing sense of humor. I have heard some indescribable stories while in Kenya, but the individual is always so excited about life and ready for whatever. They are able to appreciate life. Whenever life gets   to be too much, they simply fix it with medicine.

2) Just because a vehicle says it sits a certain number of people it really can fit triple that number. A matatu (big van that is like a bus/taxi) typically has fourteen seats and twenty-five people. Okay, I maybe exaggerating a little, but not very much. If we are going out of town the matatu will have the correct number of people. However, if we are going into town or back to the centre, they pile that sucker up. It is totally okay if an old man is in your lap or if you end up holding someone's baby while you are sitting someone's lap who is sitting on a piece of wood between two seats.

3) Avocados fix anything. Really enhances your meal.

4) Just because something has dirt on it does not mean you can't wear it. My definition of clean has changed. Things are never really get all the way clean. For instance wearing clothes for several days in a row is now my norm. Washing your socks and then still having red on them is not a big deal. Deodorant is not really common. (Hot showers are also not really common). Dirt is always in our room and sometimes even follows me into my bed. I wouldn't have it any other way now. (I feel kind of bad for my roommates next year now).

5) Kenya has the best drinks ever. American soda is awful compared to their Coke, Sprite, and Fanta Orange (not to be confused with Orange Fanta- it is different) And if you know me you know I hate Coke...but I drink it all the time here. Awkward, I know. Their tea is amazing! They have great milkshakes, fresh juice, and SO much more.

6) Kenyan football is great than American soccer. Also, if you ever go to a football game in Kenya and walk in with a jersey on right after you purchase it expect a standing ovation (yes, I walked back to my seat and at least 200 people were standing up clapping and cheering because of my newest addition to my wardrobe).

7) Americans can not dance. I am sorry, we just can't. My dancing has been defined as "mzungu style". (Mzungu means white person in Swahili). Clubs here would put any American club to shame because of Kenyans' ability to dance.

8) Fruit for 5 shillings is the best thing since sliced bread.

9) When you set on a time to leave or meet, just add 45 minutes to that time and that is when you are actually leaving or meeting.

10) Mega beds- every house should have one. In the female room we added a bed to the two beds that were already in the room to make one giant bed. Three beds barely fit in the room, so they are all touching. I love it! I am always right next to two of my newest closest friends.

11) Live life to the fullest. Do not be afraid of new things, that is when you start missing out.

12) Embrace the awkwardness. It is fine. Whatever happens, live it up. Laugh about it later.

Service Update at the CYEC

We have been on site for a little over three weeks and arereally starting to figure out what the rest of the summer will look like! I am so ready to actually be having a plan instead of just “going with the flow” every single day. So here is what all we are working on-

Zawadi Shop- Small store at the centre. The thought behind this store was for children to earn points by attending school, doing chores, ect. They then could trade in their points for items in the store. The items could include toy, clothes, books, school supplies, games, and hygiene products. The shop reinforces the idea of hard work and how if you work hard enough you can get what you have set your eyes on. When we arrived to the centre the shop was in some bad conditions. The shop was currently closed due to the system of points not working properly and a lack of donations. The few donations that were there had no system or organization.

We started with repainting some of the very dirty and messy walls. Our new decorations on different walls include a puzzle wall, a local artist’s painting of an amazing mountain scenery, children’s hand prints spelling out CYEC, and some simple designs. We then went through all of the donations. We completely revamped the layout of the store. It is a lot more functional now!

Health Wise- This is a project I am working on with a volunteer from Australia, Zanya. Health Wise is a program to promote education about life knowledge. The program topics included managing your emotions, expressing yourself, respecting differences in others, leadership, conflict resolution, and more. This information is what an individual typically would learn from their parents, caregiver, adults, ect. The program was developed my two people from Penn State. Zanya then found out about it and decided to implement it at the CYEC. I am just simply assisting her in this project. We will be doing a lesson each week. Each lesson is taught to the same group of individuals how range from 14-18 years old. The lesson is taught by a CYEC staff to make sure the program is sustainable after Zanya leaves. When she leaves I will be here to make sure everything is still running smoothly and be here for support. I love this program. The information is very valuable and needed at the center. This is right up my ally. I am very lucky that I am able to assist with it!

Leadership Workshop- My favorite. This project is now our groups new focus. Here we are leading a workshop twice a week discussing different topics about leadership. The ten students that attend the workshops are the prefects at the CYEC. The prefects are the children who hold a leadership role. They were chosen because of there character. We have held three workshops total so far. I am lovinggggg teaching these guys! They are all so great! I am really able to see the leadership potential in them and cannot wait to watch them lead this centre. They have been really welcoming to our ideas. We were able to sit in on one of their meetings to hear more about what was going on in their team. From that we learned a lot! We then took what we learned and started creating our curriculum. I just love this project. I love these ten kids already. I am so excited that we found our project, are so passionate about it, and have a strong vision for what we want do with it!

Zawadi Point System- We helped create and implement a point system that allows children and youth to earn points by going to school, doing chores, working, ect. They then are able to spend their points however they chose. The youth that are out of 8^th grade have to pay for their food and rent with the points they earn. I love this idea because it is teaching them how the real world is. It is showing the idea of budgeting, saving, working for what you want, and how things are not free. There was a huge need for this in the centre and I think we create something very sustainable. (I won’t go into details about the ins and outs of the system because it deals with accounting and junk and I don’t want you to fall asleep). One day I walked out of my room and asked a child what they were up to. He replied with feeding the rabbits to earn points so he can purchase a game. My heart melted. He is learning the importance of how hard work can pay off. I am really excited to watch the system grow this summer! I know there is a lot more we are going to have to do with it, but this project is definitely headed in the right direction!

In conclusion we are working on a lot and are starting to fell that we are actually helping here. I love serving here. I love love love it. The children are amazing. The children make all of the long meetings, difficult decisions, and hours of planning worth it. Every time I am overwhelmed or worried about a project, I just go visit some of the kids. Right when I talk to them I know everything is worth it. I am so excited to continue our work over the next six weeks!

Miss you all! Talk to you soon!

The Most Incredible Individuals

Attention: Grammar will not be correct. I love spending my time with the children here...not really to focused on checking my grammar. Sorry in advance. 

During a new journey in your life you meet the most interesting people; sometimes creepy, sometimes extremely funny, other times annoying, and other times you are lucky enough to meet someone who changes your life (or has the potential to change your life). I have only been here for two weeks, but I have met so many people that I know will have a great impact to my life. I am sure this list will grow as the summer continues but right now here it is:

Paul-Director of the CYEC. INCREDIBLE. He created the idea and completely started this program. He just simply noticed the need for a place for street dwelling youth to live and then created the center.

The very first morning of being in Kenya we were in Nairobi and had no clue of what we should do or where we were. We were standing in the hotel lobby and all the sudden this man walked up to Bailey and said "I want to shake your hand." My thoughts-great another friendly creeper- cool. However, this guy was different. He had a huge smile on, greeted all of us, and talked about how he was so excited to finally meet us. We then realized this man was THE Paul we had heard so much about! His kindness instantly calmed all of my nerves down.

Through our conversations I realized he is the kindest, most sincere, loving, ambitious, passionate, gentle, intelligent person I have ever met. He truly cared about getting to know us, making sure we were comfortable in our new home, making sure we were having fun, and finding us challenging task that fit our skills. He is so passionate about life, the centre, serving others, and most importantly the children. He is a very inspirational person.

Chris- One of the first workers at the CYEC and now attends University in Nairobi. We met him the first day in Kenya. Right away he greeted us with the friendliest smile and a couple jokes. He then showed us around Nairobi, took us to a museum, checked out a film festival, and more! He was so kind whenever he spoke and always very upbeat. Chris made everything so fun! For instance, in Kenya you just cross a road, there really are not too many traffic lights. The first couple of times you attempt to do it you are terrified, but he just made fun of us freaking out and told us to “free lance”. Our whole team now loves to just “free lance”. Chris is one of the first friends I made in this country and he really made me start to fall in love with Kenya. He has shown us around to Thompson Falls and a cave this past weekend, His kindness and humor is like no one I have ever met before. He is an incredible person.

Gladwell- Accountant at the CYEC. I met Gladwell the first day at the center. She instantly made me feel at home. She is very new to the CYEC also, so we are learning some things together. However, she is always incredibly helpful and insightful. She guided us into town for the first two times. Without her we would have been very lost. Without her we would not have already completed one project. I know I can always go to her with any questions or problems. It is very comforting being away from home but still know there is a person that is supporting you.

CYEC Staff- All of the staff here is so friendly and loving. Anytime I see someone during the day they always greet me with a friendly handshake. All of the staff here are part of an incredible vision. They all love the children. They are all willing to do whatever they can for these children. I am so excited to be able to work with such an incredible group of people. I am really building some incredible relationships with staff members. 

The Children- SO GREAT. All of the children have gone through some awful things in their life, but they still are so loving and kind. I cannot get over how much they have been through and how they are just give so much love. It is amazing. I am 98% sure that one of the girl’s laugh is so adorable it can fix any problem, her laugh instantly melts your heart. I am also 97% sure that all of the children have a special gene named the “incredibly adorable” gene…I think I learned that one in biology…or in a magazine... or something. I have my favorites that I just completely adore, but I love spending time with all of them! These children do not ask for much, they are more than happy with what they have. I have already learned so much from them and I have only been here for two weeks.

To sum it all up, everyone here is terrific. The tour guides, storeowners, waitresses, children, staff, ect. ect. are all so kind. I am completely surrounded by truly kind and loving people. I cannot wait to build even more life long friendships with these incredible individuals.

Talk to you all soon!

Using The Utensils God Gave You

Growing up I was blessed with two caring parents who always made sure I had everything I needed. These materials might have not always been the nicest or the newest however I always had whatever I needed. For an example, I had a pair of school shoes, sport shoes, sandals, play shoes, church shoes, and more. While growing up I thought I was living with the materials I “had to have to survive”. Man was I wrong. I had everything I ever needed and then some. I am now realizing what the real basics are one pair of shoes, food, a notebook with some new paper.

I have always wanted more, an extra pair of tennis shoes, new towels, a nicer car. Here at the CYEC the children do not expect extra, they are fine with what they have. I realized this one day when our team was eating dinner with the children. We were hunting for silverware and could not find any. I was hesitant to eat rice and beans with my hands until a young boy looked at all of us and stated something that really stuck with me.

“You should use the utensils God gave you,” and he lifted his hands up.

This concept really made me step back and look at the larger picture. These children are so excited that they have three meals they can depend on each day; they do not worry or care about how they are eating it. They don’t even care what type of food it is, they are happy with just having food. Many times I am upset with my meal not being good enough or what I was crazing, I don’t even appreciate that I am able to easily have food.

These children appreciate everything and do not take things for granted like I do. They are so proud of their broken pair of shoes and their ripped t-shirt because they own it. They do not need 17 v-necks and 12 cardigans like I have. They cherish what God has given them; while I often want more and think I “need” more. Listening to the young boy embrace the idea that you use what God gave you was such an important lesson and idea for me. These children are truly inspirational. They do not care about all of these materials, they rejoice in what God has given to them in their lives.