Bye Bye Shianda...

 The last few weeks have literally flown by, especially as Eugenie and I were caught up in organizing the event against gender violence in the market area.

Successful event, during which with theater and music performances  were addressed gbv topics, women's land rights and what to do in cases of gbv violence

 

By now it is time for me to go home as well. What can I say about these months?

It is difficult to put into words all the emotions I am feeling these last days in Shianda.

I am sad at the idea of leaving, scared at the idea of coming back. Honestly, I wish I could have stayed longer, because right at the moment when I really felt at home, the time has come.

I didn't always feel this way, the beginning was riddled with ups and downs, and anxiety due to being in a new place with new people, and especially in the first period it was hard not to feel lonely.

But that is part of the experience; over time I began to feel part of the community and and to consider Shianda my home. In all of this, the support and presence of my companions has been important.

What I would like to suggest is to come here with an open mind, try to live and laugh at every new experience, to not be scared, not to be afraid of stand for yourself , and to trust people because there is beauty in the world but sometimes it is not immediate and it takes time to be able to discover it.

I leave Shianda happy with this experience and the people I met!

This is it...

Mostly with sadness I realize that I have to leave Kenya soon. More and more I find myself thinking that I will miss certain things here, even walking down the street or buying ground nuts from my favourite lady by the gas station. Buy fresh fruit at 8 in the morning after walking home from the gym...

Time has gone too quickly, and I am not ready to leave. 

During this short period of time, I have grown- grown to appreciate and acknowledge more the privileges I have, grown to love this little place called Shianda, grown to appreciate little comforts. I have become more open-minded but also learned to stand up for myself more. I have learned to ask for help and recognize better when I need time off. I have met incredible people who I will have a deep connection and friendship for the rest of my life!

 

During my deployment I managed to work on different projects. I spent some time working in Shianda health centre, I gave trainings to young mothers about breastfeeding, safe environment for child, infant nutrition, recognizing a sick child. I trained community health extension workers as first aid trainers, so they would have the skills to train others. They also assisted me in my biggest project- training 300 community health volunteers (CHVs) in basic first aid. I organised a fundraiser to get the means to do this project, to offer tea, lunch and training materials for the participants. I trained about 300 CHV in 14 days in 12 different dispenseries and health centres. It was a very consuming project, but every day during my trainings I saw the interest and need for knowledge. The determination and dedication to learn. I am very proud of this project and truly believe it is of great value to the beneficiaries. 

 

Overall, I have loved my deployment here in Kenya. Not every moment has been easy, there has been setbacks, frustrations, stress, sadness, anger, annoyance. But there have also been incredible moments, successes, a lot-a a lot of laughter, deep connections and friendships. It has been an extraordinary journey which I will appreciate for the rest of my life!

All of my 14 amazing groups, who I trained in basic first aid!