Today was the day we worked hard to finish our construction project! Yesterday we moved all the rocks and starting smashing the large boulders down. Today we are made sure it was level and then started adding the sand/concrete mix. Chance went into the house with the men and was allowed to use the "smasher" and other tools. Allison and I picked up some shovels to work. The men said, "My turn please." and took the shovels back. It was clear that the "men" did not want use to do this kind of work. Allison, Becki and I spend most of our time playing with kids, practicing futbol, and sometimes if we were pushy we got to shovel a little! :) Water had to be poured many times to keep the floor moist so the concrete doesn't crack. We hired some local workers to help on the project. Making concrete from sand and water is a crazy science!! In the end everyone did a great job and the floor is looking amazing!!!!!
Allison and Chance making cement - Allison got 3 scoops in and the shovel was taken.
Playing soccer with the family in their compound.
Me with my 3 scoops of the shovel.
We were able to visit two local school in the BulBul community. We went to the only public school ~ BulBul Primary ~ which has 875 students, 20 teachers and 12 classrooms. I was shocked when I heard the numbers. I asked the Deputy Head Teacher how many students were in a classroom and she said about 50 or 60! I can't even imagine teaching that many students crammed into a space about half the size of our classrooms in the states. I asked how do they keep control and she showed me the stick she uses to keep students in line. It gives me perspective and now no matter what classroom or number of kids I get in my future teaching career, there will be no complaining from me! We gave the school pencils and soccer balls. She was THRILLED because they have no money for sports programs. We were invited into the classrooms and got to meet 7th and 8th graders. In one room they all cheered when Chance introduced himself and his age because they were the same age as him! We came to realize that grades are not determined by age but if they can pass the exams.
BulBul Primary School
Level 7 (seventh grade) classroom at the public school.
We visited a private school just down the road. This school had 145 students, 10 teachers and 12 classrooms. We saw classrooms with only 8 or 9 students. We got to meet all the students in their classrooms. Children start going to school at 3 years old so their "Kindergarten" class consisted of 3-4 year olds!! It was fun to see all the children and they are fascinated by us Mzungus! I found when introducing myself that there are also a lot of Rachel's in Kenya! Allison and Becki found about 20 kids they are ready to take home! :)
Looking at the 3-year-old exam books.
Mama with the children at school.
Level 2 (second grade) taking exams
The final part of our day was more soccer. It was the girls day to play. We found soccer cleats passed them out to the girls. It was a frenzy!!!! Who would have thought old soccer cleats were so popular! When we got home at the end of the day we were all exhausted but full of so much warmth and joy. Each day is truly an experience!
Miss you all and sending our love!
Rachel and team!
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