Teaching and Making a Difference

 As my time teaching here comes to an end, I feel very happy and proud. Seeing the classes I started being taught by local teachers makes me hopeful. Even after I leave, I know that many people will benefit from what I started. It’s exciting to think that some people might find jobs and support their families because of these classes. I like to believe that my work here has made a difference, even if it has helped just one person.

There were many challenges—like not having the best environment or materials for teaching—but these taught me an important lesson: never give up on your dreams, even if you don't have everything you need. Overcoming these obstacles made me stronger and more determined.

This experience has changed me in many ways. Teaching and facing difficulties here have made me see the future differently and appreciate things I didn't notice before. I am thankful for this growth and new perspective.

I hope that what I started here will continue to inspire and help others, creating a lasting positive impact in this community.

As I prepare to leave, my heart is full of gratitude. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach, learn, and grow alongside such wonderful people. I look forward to seeing how this community continues to thrive and succeed. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

Cherishing Memories and Accomplishments

 Over the past few months, life in Shianda has been a whirlwind of changes and memorable experiences. One of the most delightful changes has been welcoming a new family member into our home: Valery. Valery is incredibly nice, funny, and has a knack for making everyone laugh. Her constant joking brings smiles to our faces and brightens our days.

she is trying to go out in the rain 

whenever she find a chance to sleep she take it 😴🛌

On a professional front, I am thrilled to share that I have completed my first ICT classes. This accomplishment is particularly rewarding because out of the eight students who participated, four have already secured new jobs thanks to the skills they acquired. To celebrate this achievement, we organized a joyous ceremony where we awarded certificates to the students. The day was filled with dancing, playing games, and sharing emotional moments.

Our celebration was bittersweet, as we also had to say goodbye to one of our cherished family members, Ebba, who is leaving Kenya. Her departure leaves a void in our hearts and our home, and we know that life will be different without her presence. However, we take comfort in knowing that she is moving on to something better. Though Ebba may not be with us physically, she will always live on in our hearts.

I can tell you she cried :)

In Shianda, we continue to embrace the changes and look forward to the new experiences and memories that lie ahead. Through every arrival and departure, we grow stronger as a community, always finding ways to support and uplift each other.

Our sweet Family Photo (some of us might have stroke 😝)

Embracing the Pace: Reflections on Life in Shianda

 After spending two months in Shianda, I’ve come to a profound realization: we often don’t have time to appreciate the little things in life. Back home, we’re constantly racing against the clock, rarely pausing to notice the beauty of the sky or listen to the calming sounds of birds in the morning. Instead, our days are filled with the noise of cars and the hustle of daily life, leaving little room for reflection.

In Shianda, the pace is entirely different. There’s no rush to get things done, which has its benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, this slower pace allows for a more relaxed and mindful way of living. However, it can sometimes be frustrating when things take much longer than expected. For instance, if you schedule a meeting with locals at 9 am, it might not actually start until noon. In Europe, we often go to the other extreme by rushing everything, whereas here, the opposite is true. I can’t help but wish for a balance somewhere in between.

Living in Shianda has also been a cultural eye-opener, thanks to my housemates: Emma, Ebba, and Mattia. We come from four different nationalities, which means I’m not only immersed in Kenyan culture but also learning about various other cultures from around the world. Each of my housemates has a unique personality, yet they all share common traits: they’re smart, loving, kind, and genuinely passionate about making a positive impact in the community here.

This shared purpose and sense of community have turned my housemates into a second family. Although I’m far from my own family, I’ve found a new one here. We cook together, and our dinner times have become a cherished part of my day. We use this time to share stories about what made us happy or annoyed throughout the day, creating a space where we support and uplift each other.

This experience has shown me the beauty of slowing down and appreciating the simple moments in life. It’s a reminder that while our surroundings may change, the core values of love, community, and connection remain universal.

My First Weeks in Kenya: Path to a new Life

  Going to Kenya was a big adventure for me. Before I left, I tried to learn as much as I could about it online. But, no matter how much I read, nothing could really prepare me for what it was actually like to be there. It's a bit funny - I thought I knew what to expect, but when I got there, I realized it was both exactly and nothing like I imagined. I think That mix of feelings is what people call culture shock.

In just three weeks, a lot of things changed for me. One of the biggest surprises was how my sleeping habits changed. Back home, I used to stay up late. But in Kenya, I started going to bed early and waking up with the sun. The nights there feel different. It gets really dark by 7 PM, and by 9 PM, it feels like midnight. Every morning, birds chirping outside my window woke me up, like nature's own alarm clock.

I was really lucky to stay in a big house with a beautiful garden. It felt peaceful and made me happy.

people in Shianda, the place I stayed, were super friendly. Even if they didn't know me, they would say hi and make me feel like a celebrity. They often called me “Mzungu,” which is a word used for foreigners. I also had to get used to doing things like washing my clothes by hand.

I tried to mix a bit of my life back home with my new life in Kenya. For example, I wanted to make pizza one day, but there was no oven. So, I tried to make one using pots. It didn't go as planned - I ended up melting the bottom of one pot! It was a funny mess, and I learned I should add water to the pot next time.

sure it didn't look good😂😂!!!!!

The first two weeks were all about getting used to everything. By the third week, I started teaching computer lessons to students. It was great to see that they liked me and trusted me right from the start. I really hope I can do something good that lasts even after I leave.

I wanted to share my story so far, to show what it's been like for me here. It's been a mix of learning, making mistakes, and meeting amazing people. And it's all part of this big adventure in Kenya.