Yellow-Bird
3/15/202
I awoke this morning to a rhythmic tap-tap-tapping only to see our sweet bird at the window. Yellow-Bird visits several windows around the house, observing and singing her sweet song. She quickly takes flight if someone approaches, but Christine waited patiently one morning and captured her sweet song.
Morning Sounds
3/10/2023
It is incredible how quickly one can acclimate to the way of life in new surroundings. We have become accustomed to sitting on the front porch of our villa in the morning enjoying the sounds of nearby animals proclaiming a new day. Roosters competitively crow, cows complain that it is milking time while lambs cry to their mothers, and as background there is birdsong and the distant voices of children playing while adults plan their workday. What a joyful setting for the start of day.
We four, Greg, Jamea, Christine, and Niccole, marvel that we have been living closely together for so many days without tension. When a group of colleagues must literally hang their laundry out together, relationships will be tested.
However, there is a positive and affirming energy among the Kenya crew, otherwise known as Greg and the Girls, that I am not sure I have ever experienced before. Our days are jam-packed with work, learning from the Kenyan people, and keeping up with connections at home.
In the evenings, we are ready to decompress, and the house is filled with laughter as we share stories of the day.
The sharing does not end with our Kenyan experiences. We have found time to sit together in silence, doing so with no discomfort.
Greg has been a particularly good sport as conversations turn to “girl-stuff.” And we’ve shared many giggles as we tried new things together.
This knobby fruit is called bitter melon, and it is aptly named. We tried it raw and fried. Even though we didn’t care for it, it was fun to test it together.
When we begin long discussions together, there is a ring of laughter and an exchange of affirmation with one another. We are learning about each other’s lives and feelings and building trust in our relationships.
I believe that bonds are strengthened when humans can lift one another up, affirm and serve one another. I think each of my colleagues feel the same. Perhaps that accounts for the ease between us, even in the closest of quarters.
Here’s to dear friends! The 2023 Kenya-Crew will always be dear to my heart.
