I am an African.

we are home.  lots to download and blog about, but for now – this is fitting.
stay tuned.
-carrie

I am an African.

I am an African
Not because I was born there
But because my heart beats with Africa’s
I am an African
Not because my skin is black
But because my mind is engaged by Africa
I am an African
Not because I live on its soil
But because my soul is at home in Africa

When Africa weeps for her children
My cheeks are stained with tears
When Africa honours her elders
My head is bowed in respect
When Africa mourns for her victims
My hands are joined in prayer
When Africa celebrates her triumphs
My feet are alive with dancing

I am an African
For her blue skies take my breath away
And my hope for the future is bright
I am an African
For her people greet me as family
And teach me the meaning of community
I am an African
For her wildness quenches my spirit
And brings me closer to the source of life

When the music of Africa beats in the wind
My blood pulses to its rhythm
And I become the essence of sound
When the colours of Africa dazzle in the sun
My senses drink in its rainbow
And I become the palette of nature
When the stories of Africa echo round the fire
My feet walk in its pathways
And I become the footprints of history

I am an African
Because she is the cradle of our birth
And nurtures an ancient wisdom
I am an African
Because she lives in the world’s shadow
And bursts with a radiant luminosity
I am an African
Because she is the land of tomorrow
And I recognise her gifts as sacred

 

a new dawn.

hi there readers.  carrie here.

i took a break from behind my camera lens to write a little diddy.  truth is, really, there isn’t much i can say.  nothing i can say will properly convey what it’s like to be here.  and i hope, that by seeing photos and reading blogs and (soon) seeing videos, you’ll want to come for yourself.  i’m telling you.  spend a week in africa, visiting these places, and if it doesn’t change your life or just completely shake your head for a spin, then you can call me a liar.

it’s a different experience for me this year.  i’m trying to capture everything, either with still photos or video, and i get a chance to kind of watch everyone’s interactions.  i enjoy it because i like when at the end of the day, we look through our photos and go OH MAN, that’s a good one.  i’m glad i can help to capture some of the trip for people.

we have been at new dawn for the last few days.  this is the high school that was built with the support of the mocha club.  we spent a few days there last year, and interacted with the students and teachers – but this year we’re really getting a chance to immerse ourselves.  we painted a room today where 15 boys will stay, as a safe haven for them to stay while they are in school.  perhaps their home lives are not very stable right now and this is going to be a dorm for them to stay and keep safe and out of trouble, while allowing them to focus and fellowship with their classmates.  we painted it today, and it was amazing.  i filmed a time lapse and i’ll be putting that together soon.  it will be awesome.  it was a great team bonding experience and i think everyone is happy with the outcome.  we have some touch up painting and detailing to do tomorrow, but it’s almost done.  check it out:

i have to say, it has been a great experience with this group of people.  though i knew half of the people from last year’s trip, and of course, my twin – we are all really gelling as a team.  for as quiet as everyone was on the conference calls this year, we sure aren’t shy in person.  i have gotten a chance to chat with everyone at some point, and it has been a fantastic experience.

one thing i’ve been really excited about are the gifts bags.  having been here last year, we knew some of the things that the people needed, so we decided early on that we wanted to do some gift bags.  turns out, i was able to get some of the old volunteer bags and t-shirts from tribeca, as they were going to be thrown away, and so that’s how i had 5 checked bags of luggage on the way here.  i stuffed all 5 bags with about 250 bags and 250 shirts.  and it was all worth it.  i’ll talk a little bit more about it later on, as i’m having trouble keeping my eyes open.  however, let me just say that tomorrow, our last day at new dawn, is going to be epic.  i think these kids have no idea what is coming their way.  i am so excited that, despite how tired i am, i may not be able to sleep.

this place just makes you feel good.  even with all of the heartache that you have when you see the conditions people are leaving in, you see the good.  you see the happiness.  you hear the songs.  you feel the love.  and you absolutely see their faith.

it is inspiring and it is a feeling i have yet to find anywhere else in the world.

oh, and by the way, the dormitory i mentioned before?  it’s been renamed now.  it’s called mocha.  in honor of our team.

i most definitely need africa, way more than africa needs me.

-carrie

I’m happy today

Week one over. Feels weird. Time went by quickly. I’m still a tad bit disoriented, which surprised me a bit. Maybe it’s because I’m not counting days, I’m just living moments. That’s what this trip feels like to me.

Kitui was amazing. It was so nice to go back and see the same kids and staff. Amazing that they remembered us from last year. I love that place. It really fills my heart with a joy and happiness that I can’t really explain. God is so present there and He does amazing things. Mocha Club is the only organization that visits there. Once a year. That’s all. So our time there is valued and appreciated so much by the people there. They just open their hearts and their homes for us and are so amazingly giving. Those kids are special. Really amazing group of kids that just want to succeed and become something.

We put together gifts for all the kids/guardians/staff. Giving those to them was one of the best moments. The joy and excitement on their faces was priceless. It was such a special moment.

So the rest of the trip we will be visiting New Dawn secondary school, a place I really enjoyed visiting last year. It’s an amazing school that has changed a community so much for the better. I’m so excited to go again. The rest of the team is there today. I had a little medical issue I had to deal with. I had a pretty bad allergic reaction to something here. I woke up Sunday morning with a rash covering my legs, stomach, and back. I took some benadryl and put some cream on it and it looked better Sunday evening. However, when I woke up this morning, it was much worse, and had spread to my entire body. My face was swollen and red, and my legs looked horrible. We decided it would be best to take me to a doctor. So Jill, Carrie and myself went to the doctor, and after waiting around for a bit, we left. I had bloodwork done to rule some things out, but they said it was most likely a severe allergic reaction to something I ate or came into contact with. I got 3 different prescriptions which I am taking. I feel better. It was painful today. My knees were so swollen! It looked really weird. But it’s getting better, and I just decided to take it easy today. Hopefully it will clear up by tomorrow. No need to worry. I’m excited to get back into the swing of things tomorrow. I don’t like missing out on things.

If you haven’t done so, y’all need to check out Carrie’s pictures on facebook. They are amazing. She has captured some amazing moments. Oh, also this is Christi. Just so you know!

 

 

 

Christi here. Sorry we haven’t been on. This has been a weird week time wise. I can’t believe it’s almost Friday. This week has been like one long day it seems. I think because my flights got so messed up I’m still behind a day haha.

But I made it – airport mishaps can suck it. They didn’t bring me down! I finally arrived at the airport at 6:30 am Tuesday morning, got back to the hotel, said hi to everyone, got a little bit settled, and then we started our day. I only slept a couple of hours on the plane, so I was basically running on zero sleep since Sunday night. Plus I was sore and tired from basically walking around London for 10 hours. Fun times.

Day one was at Emmanuel Vocational school. We saw a lot of the same kids we spent time with last year, which was amazing. It was really cool to just revisit that place and experience it again, but basically from an entirely new perspective.  It was really fun to watch the new team members interact and experience everything for the first time. We spent time with the kids and visited the different classrooms, and then headed home. JAVA HOUSE time! I missed that place. Yummy food. Cold coke. Bonding. Good times. I was so tired that I was just super giddy and out of it, but it was nice to get to know the other members of the team.

Wednesday we spent the day with the folks from the HEKO project. Basically, it’s a project that supports over 300 people living with HIV/AIDS. It was a picnic type celebration, with lots of activities, stories, dancing and singing. It was really awesome to get to hear some stories and just laugh with everyone. We played a game of net ball, (or tree ball) and I was basically a dork the entire time. I wish I had video of me trying to score and completely missing the target. It was good times.

Today we walked through the slums of Kibera to go visit the PCEA school. It was a good 30 minute trek through the ‘streets.’ I didn’t get to go last year, so this was new to me. I hadn’t seen that far inside the slums with my own eyes. It was an interesting walk. The school was amazing. Lots of space. Really great programs. We toured each classroom and got to hear some stories. The school is from JK to grade 12 (form 4)

We played with the nursery school kids. They sure love to jump. They also like skipping. And dancing..and touching my face and my hair. I found myself literally surrounded by kids just playing with my hair and touching my face.

That literally went on for like a half hour. It was amusing.

So basically, that’s what’s been happening. Tomorrow we leave for Kitui which I’m really excited about. So far, it’s been really good. I am experiencing everything with a different heart, which is really kind of interesting. I still feel like I’m at home, and this is what God is calling me to do. So it’s been nice.

The Hokey Pokey has been done probably 10 times so far. That’s our showstopper. We really wow the crowds with that one. Seriously. Carrie is capturing a lot of amazing stuff. She got a fancy camera, and has a ton of photos and video, which she’ll share once she blogs haha.

So until we talk again…peace. love. kenya.

–C

i gots baggage.

well.  one half of the 2011 kenyafeelthelove crew is en route.  i (carrie) have arrived in london, not without LOTS OF BAGGAGE.

this is overflowing a pickup truck.  what’s with all the bags, carrie?  well, we are putting together 230+ backpacks complete with tshirts and goodies for the kiddos and i am in charge of bringing the backpacks and tshirts.  hence 5 checked bags.  it’s ok.  it is for a great cause and i’m not bringing them all back with me.  ill just roll up all the duffels and shove ‘em in my “real suitcase.”

also, it should be known that on the plane my tv was black and white instead of color.  then when i tried to watch something, it would cut out of video and audio every 10 seconds.  this was not making me very happy as i was desperately trying to watching beyonce’s  I AM…TOUR.  i asked to be moved if there were empty seats, and there were.  so i sat next to a french man who chugged through bottles of red wine like nobody’s business.

but that couldn’t phase me.  i had a a date with my girl BEYONCE.

seriously.  i adore her.  if i could have a superhero power it would be to dance like beyonce.

she’s FIERCE.

(stay tuned.  i’ll update when i arrive in kenya or when we finally get christi on a flight to kenya.  haha)
-carrie

YAY!

…because we leave for kenya.

stay tuned.  christi and carrie will be updating along the way!

countdown.

days until we return to Kenya…

(we) know what love is.

hope you like it.  this one is probably up there with one of my favorite videos.

xx
-cv

masking my shame.

i have been thinking about this for many weeks.  i sort of push it out of my mind, but then certain things trigger my memory, and i must face it now.  publically?  sure.  why not.  let’s be honest, this needs to be said.

while there were many, many positive things to come out of kenya, there was one negative thing.  i have to come clean and admit this.  to the children of kitui, i am very sorry.

not my finest moment - a duck.

you see, i was helping the arts and crafts table, next to such professionals such as ian and cassidi.  i wasn’t prepared.  i didn’t have the proper training ahead of time, and there i was.  those children didn’t even know what was coming their way.  poor things.

our task at hand?  making masks for/with them out of paper plates.  we had various supplies on standby to assist us in making these wonderful pieces of art.  let’s just say, i may be good at a few things in life – masking making was not one of them.  and definitely mask making when you have 20 kids rushing around you and there is a time limit….even typing about it has my blood pressure rising.  i panicked.  and i may have sent some children out there with damaged egos.

i regret to show you…see if you can find my mistakes.

front left. it was supposed to be a GOAT. also, the one with the weird red line across the front and feathers popping out the top. that animal? yeah, i don't know.

pink feathers? not sure. that is a cat on the right, CAN'T YOU TELL? it has its tongue out.

i can’t bear it anymore.  YES, we asked them their favorite animal – and sometimes they said something really weird like a bat (so glad that one is not captured on film).

so, children of kitui.  i do apologize.
next time, let’s do shadow puppets?  i’m fairly decent at those.
or dance contests.  yeah, that’s better.

-cv

how do you measure a year?

“Live to create a change that people will remember.”

what a difference a year can make.

52 weeks.
365 days.
8760 hours
525,600 minutes.
(ok, you get the point)

i could write a novel on how crazy this last year has been.  my life has taken a whole new turn, and sometimes i feel like i’m barely hanging on.  this time last year, give or take a few days, i was flying to LA.  my first time west of texas, and what was to be my longest flight (at the time).  i was excited.  i had never been to california and had always wanted to go.  my friend stefeni was already out there, spending some time at home with her mom, so i thought it’d be cool to go out and visit for a few days.  flew in, got my brief tour of the streets of LA, visited magic mountain (a definitely highlight of the trip), and got in some lovely traffic.  we took two days to drive to vegas with her mom.  there we were – driving through the desert (my first) in a convertible, heading to las vegas (also my first time).  i was overwhelmed with the “checking things off my list” experience.  seeing the theater where celine performed was a highlight for sure.

little did i know what was next in store for me.  i made a decision – one that has definitely affected the rest of my life from that point.  i was going to pack up, put my life in the states on hold, and travel halfway around the world to a country i hadn’t even heard of, let alone be able to pronounce.  i had no idea what i was getting into.  i mean, i was on the fence for a while about whether i should take it or not, but as aggie says best “YOU CAN’T PLAN IT!”  so i did.  i took a giant leap (at least by my standards).  showed up, never having been anywhere outside of the USA except for canada and the cayman islands.  there i was.  in the MIDDLE EAST.  needless to say, it was one of the best things i could have done.  the people i’ve met.  the things we’ve been able to do.  meeting a new friend and reconnecting with an old colleague led me to my next adventure…

cairo.  zabaleen.  if you’d have asked me prior to this last year, if i thought i’d be going to egypt to shoot a documentary about garbage collectors, i’d have said you had the wrong person.  no way no how.  all of that changed over a cup of tea.  miss lauren mccarthy, also known as my macmilli partner in crime.  we were having tea one day, and she was telling me about the zabaleen community that she had visited on a previous visit to cairo.  “one day i’d love to do a film there, about them”  and so we did.  justin behind the lens, lauren directing the show, and me doing anything in between.  one week in november, two in february.  cairo was becoming familiar.

finally made it back to the states just before thanksgiving of last year.  spent time with family, only to find out my sister was going to thailand for work for 10 days.  she invited me along, so i figured hey, why not.  spent some time there with her in bangkok and then in hat yai.  it was awesome.  on the way back, i stopped back in doha.  spent some time with the mccarthy family.  headed home.

tribeca new york was from january through may.  i didn’t do much other than work myself until i couldnt stand.  you know, typical carrie.  it was a tough year, but i love (most of) the people i work with, so it was definitely fun.

and then comes kenya.  as i’ve said on here before, it was just a thought.  and finally it was here.  probably the most amazing two weeks of my life, for many reasons.  i feel like if we say “life changing” it seems dramatic and cliche.  however, when i try to explain it, that’s all i can come up with.  it’s true.  i won’t ever be the same, and i’m ok with that.  it is an amazing feeling to stop what you are doing, and just know – all the way down to your bones – that you are supposed to be somewhere, in that very moment.  kenya was that moment for me.  not just me – our whole team- we were supposed to be there right then.  and it was beautiful.

and now, i’m back in the doha.  blistering, sweltering doha.  ready for another go-round.  reuniting with friends from all over, seeing all these beautiful faces.  i have missed them, dearly.  i will take a few days to readjust, as this week has been nuts, coming back from kenya, getting ready to leave, and now arriving here, but soon i’ll be in the swing of things.  i haven’t gone outside yet today – i’m waiting for it to cool off a bit so i can go grocery shopping the carrefour.  my list is so long, i’m going to take a cab back, haha.

my point here is:  my heart just keeps filling and filling the more my passport does.  i am so blessed to have been able to do this – have this amazing year, meet all these amazing people.  and i kind of like that this could just be the beginning, ya know?

after all.  it’s a big world out there.  plenty of people to dance with, and hug, and wave to.  and smiles.  oh, all those smiles.

photo courtesy of the wonderful sam

yeah, i better add a few more pages to my passport.  i ain’t done yet.

x
-cv