To shave a-the beard, to cut a-the hair

Yes folks, today I cut my hair. I wish that I had a beard to shave, but that is just wishful thinking I guess. But yes today One of the Ukrainian girls who lives at the other house on the compound told me the other day that I should cut my hair, and then offered to do it. Naturally, I said what the heck, and then told her to do what she wanted with my hair, I mean we are in Africa, so what the heck. I am so excited because she cut my hair like a sweet 50's cut. Anyway I am excited that my hair is nice and clean cut. Here are some pictures to get you excited:

The beginning

Bowl cut anyone?

And the finished product!

Another week

Today is Sunday, which means that another week has just flown by. I find myself overwhelmed by our schedule here sometimes, making it difficult for me to post on this blog as often as I want. Also, the internet is not what you would call, fast; making it more difficult to post often. Friday the girls and I went to Oasis house three for dinner, and enjoyed another night of ridiculous fun with the boys. There are so many pictures, so instead of picking them myself, and then taking the time to post them, I will once again direct you to Daina and Allison's blogs.

Yesterday the Girls and I went to play a little soccer and other outdoor activities.


The reason for the one sentence and then the break is that the mood of this post has drastically changed in the middle of writing it. As I was writing I looked out my window and saw Ayub and Andrew (grounds keepers on the compound) hunched over something. I knew right way what had happened.

Earlier this morning I witnessed a really amazing thing, the birth of a cow. Ayub had told me the that our cow was going to give birth soon, and I informed him that I would love to see that. This morning he came and got me and told me that it was going to happen. I saw the WHOLE thing. At the time I was so happy, a new cow means a lot to people here in Kenya especially if it is a female, like this one. But after only a few short hours, it died. Ayub said that the cow was not properly fed by the last farmer (we have had it less then two months) and that that is probably caused the calf to die. Andrew tried everything to keep it alive, he even spoon fed it milk, and water, but their efforts were futile. I really am bummed out about that little calf. Standing over it's lifeless body wasn't something that I wanted to do today.

The mama and calf.

Andrew milking the cow.

Spoon feeding the calf trying to give it strength.

The Final Fontier

Ahh the Joys of sleeping in and not having anything to do in the morning. It is officially Saturday, so that means that the girls and I have NOTHING to do this morning, nothing but hang out that is. We had a great day yesterday, and at around two today we are going to go play a little soccer with the Oasis kids, which is something that I look forward to every week. Last night was another ridiculous night of African photo shoots, chapati and the robot. More to come on that, but as for now, just know that the African sun is beating down, and there is no other place that I would rather be. Except maybe space, because that would mean that I am an astronaut, and one of the most bad ass people in the whole world.


Copy that Houston

OH Richard

I am falling in love with Thursdays. It is now a routine for the girls to take all of the orphans from Sr. Freda's clinic to the Kitale club pool. I love the kids to death but I skip out on the swimming and instead opt to hang out with Richard. Richard is Sr. Freda's Husband, and also one of the greatest guys that I have ever met. He is British but has been living in Africa his whole life, and in Kitale since the 60's. Today we dropped the girls and all the babies at the Kitale club to go swimming and then headed to town to run some errands. We hit the bank, the hardware store, the clinic and then the feed shop. While there I saw this painted on a truck:

Yes it says "For inducing detectable signs of heat in dairy cow."

This is Richard and myself looking awkward.

Then we headed back to the Kitale club where I played with the kids a little and then came home.

We were playing Marco Polo, that is why my eyes are closed

Tonight we are eating beans and corn, or as they say in Africa Githeri. I am most excited to eat this because we found bugs in the beans, but we were assured that they would do us no harm if we ate them. So I say heck, they were boiled, right?

Justice

Today Oasis of hope brought Justice to school, but we need your help to keep him there. Before I go any further let me just tell you a quick story about who Justice is, and why we decided that out of the many street children who attend Oasis, we decided to send him to school.

Justice is a 14-year-old boy who has been attending Oasis of hope since August. Like many boys he just sort of popped up out of nowhere. Justice has a similar story to many of the street children that can be found in Kitale. His mother and father died some time ago, and he had been living with relatives in the northern part of Kenya. Where Justice had been living is full of hardships, and finding the necessary things to live was a everyday -struggle. This part of Kenya is so difficult to live in that boys often just pack up what few things they have and leave their homes in pursuit of a better life. Justice had heard about Kitale from friends who had left before him, and so he decided that he would back up his life and head to the city. Now Justice was not just some rebel kid looking for an easier time, he was actually first in his grade 7 class, and two years away from secondary school. When his relatives could not find any more money to pay school fees that was the last straw, Justice decided that he had to find somewhere better, somewhere where he had a chance at an education. So like many street boys, he hitchhiked from his home on the back of trucks, and other vehicles until he made it to Kitale.

Now when the boys get here they usually try and find a relative who also lives in the town so maybe they could receive some help from them. Justice discovered that he had a friend that was living in Kitale and was a big part of Oasis of hope. Johnston is actually one of the boys who lives in house two, funded by Oasis, and he happens to know Justice. So when Justice discovered Johnston, his first step in finding help was heading to Oasis. When he got there, we discovered that he was a very smart boy, and his report card that he had brought along proved that he was first in his class. Knowing that Oasis school catered only up to grade five or six, it was decided that something had to be done about the schooling of Justice very quickly.

It has been over a month now that the teachers at Oasis have been working with him, and it is very easy to see that he is willing to work hard, and really will succeed in school. After coming every day for over a month I really think that Justice has proven that he is willing to do more with his life then live on the streets. The decision to fast track him into school was an easy one, for him to sit in the back of the class and learn about simple multiplication, when he is far into advanced algebra and geometry, was a complete waste of a mind. I personally have been praying every night that God would give Oasis a direction to take him in, and fast.

So today we decided to just go for it. It is the middle of the term here in Kitale, but luckily Oasis has a good relationship with the local schools, and they agreed to take him for the rest of the term. With that confirmation, I went out bought him a uniform, shoes, paper and other school supplies, and some soap so he can wash his uniform. I also paid for the school fees so that he could eat lunch there everyday, as well as the new pupil fee. All in all it cost me 6,000 shillings or around $85 to get him started and into school. So today was a great day for not only Justice but also Oasis and myself. I don’t think that I have ever seen the boy so happy in the month that I have known him.

First day of school.

This is where you come in. It is one thing to get a boy into school, but to make sure that he is prepared for it everyday is a completely different thing. In order for him to be prepared he must have a warm place every night for him to sleep, and food in his stomach. Here in Kitale the best way to deal with a child who needs to be in school and has nowhere safe to stay is to put them in a school to board. Most of the schools in Kenya have either a day scholar option or a boarding option, and as of right now putting him in a school here in town as a boarder is the best option. We have worked out an expenditure sheet for a child that is in boarding school, so we would be happy to send it to you. I’m not a pro at this whole “writing a letter that will move people to action.” But I am trusting in the Lord, I know that He will provide for Justice, just as he has provided for me in times of desperation.

If you are at all interested, please email me at chriswohlers@yahoo.com; I will give you every piece of information that you want. Thank you for your prayers, I can feel them working everyday.

Me and Justice, on his first day.

So today was a great day. We went to Oasis and did some work, and then headed over to a school called Kitale family, which is also run by the same people who run the church that we have been attending. All in all it was a good day of ministry.

Now we are watching Indiana Jones and the ark of the covenant. I love this movie and have been thinking a lot about it. Thoughts on that later. for now I will eat this baked potato, and enjoy some extreme archeology.

A small side note, sometimes small things can tell you a lot about yourself. For example, while typing this blog I discovered that my inability to spell some things, in comparison with my ability to spell other things really tells me where my priorities are at. This is where i discovered it, I was unable to spell potato, but very capable of spelling archeology. Just a thought.

Over and out.

Recap of the last couple of days

So I know that I have been vacant from this blog thing for a couple days, so I thought that I would Let you know how the weekend went:

Friday Morning the girls took some kids from sister Freda's to the pool. I just hung out with Richard who is Freda's Husband and talked politics, so if you want to know how the pool went check out Daina's and Allison's blog.

Friday afternoon I headed over to discover to recover by myself. I hung out with all of the Preschool kids and they sang me all the songs that they knew. Then I tried to read them a story but all that they wanted to do was sing, so I taught them Bohemian rhapsody, no I am kidding I taught them twinkle twinkle.

Benja wanted to try on my hat, so I let him that started a Frenzy...

Next

Next

Next

Yes you too.

And finally!

Then on Friday night we went over to the boys House 1 of Oasis and had dinner with the boys. This is Nim, he is the house dad, which means he gets to live in a house with 6 teenage boys, fun!.

Before dinner Paul and I did a photo shoot.

Someone wanted to see my Casi0, so I showed them.

Here I am just hanging out waiting to be passed some food.

Yesterday the Oasis house boys played a game of soccer against the Street boys who attend Oasis school, I played for the house boys this time, but next time I will be sporting the blue. Happy to say we won off of a brilliant free kick.

Here I am going for the ball.

Here I am getting kicked going for a head.

And Today is Sunday, so the girls and I went to church and are now back relaxing waiting for another amazing week to come our way. Hope all is well, and thanks for reading my blog, I don't think you really know what it means to me.

CHRIS.

The big game

I am a big fan of using over used phrases like "The big game." So when the opportunity comes up of course I am going to use it to its fullest extent. Today the house boys and I are going to play a soccer game against the street boys of Oasis. We have full uniforms, with jerseys, shorts and even socks. I am so excited to play, although I am not sure how well I will do. With that being said i must go lace up my "boots" and through on my uniform, wish me luck.


P.S. more to come about last night, which may be classified as the most absurd night of the trip thus far. For more insight on the absurdity visit Allison's blog, as well as Daina's.

Happy birthday!

Before I say anything I just wanted to wish a happy birthday to my mother. It was 21 years ago that I was born, and if it were not for her that would have never happened. Mom, I want to let you know that I love you and that I pray you have an awesome birthday, as well as a fantastic year. Thank you for everything that you have done, and continue to do for me. I love you.

Secondly I would just like to say that today was a great day. We spent a lot of time at Oasis, teaching and doing some clerical work. Everyday that I spend there I feel more and more at home. There is a boy named Justice there who has a long and complicated story, so I won't tell you it all; but basically he was in grade 7 back at home and was forced from his home and family, and ended up in Kitale. He has been coming to Oasis for some time, and is a promising student. There have been a couple hiccups in his story, and we have had to do some digging, but never the less he is a good boy. I have been watching the last couple weeks as he sits through classes that he is far ahead of, so today we purchased a Grade 7 test book so that I could tutor him on subjects that are more challenging to him. I mean, that is what Oasis is all about right? Not letting the minds of the youth go into the depths of the uneducated, that and to give them a great place to spend their time. So I am very excited to begin with him on Monday. Hopefully he will work hard, and strive to learn.


Also I wanted to share this picture. I was looking through my pictures the other day and I ran into this one. I am not sure who took it but i sure remember it. This is a little girl from Oasis, holding her baby brother or sister and giving her some water. I was so moved by this picture because it really is a baby taking care of a baby. it is really all to common here, and it gets me pretty bad every time that I see is. Just a little picture that I wanted to share with you.

Just Some Dudes

The Joy of being a father is something that I have yet to experience. Part of growing up is experiencing that moment when you say to yourself, OHH now I get what my parents were talking about. We all have that pivotal second where we realize, and start to appreciate what our parents did and still do for us. The past year has been a realization of that, giving me a whole new outlook on what it means to be an adult. Today was probably the closest that I have ever felt to being a “proud father.” The three boys that I have been with on the street became official Oasis boys today. Yes I am proud to announce that Kevin, Michael, and Joseph are now happy members of the Oasis family. This was their second full day, so seeing that they were willing to come back at least once meant an interview, a picture, a new shirt and a haircut. I know, I know, I have only known these kids for like a week on a first name basis, but I am so proud of them. It isn’t really understandable to us, but it is very difficult for most street boys to leave the streets for a structured environment. I am confident however that after today, these boys have found a home at Oasis. I feel like these guys are “my” boys, and this marks the first kids that I have seen a positive impact on. I have been so inspired by all of the stories of the other Oasis boys, especially the house boys, but this is the first time that I have experienced the before and after. Obviously there would be a lot less hope for these kids if it weren’t for the amazing program at Oasis. Today I really experienced the impact that that place has on the children who are in dire need of some hope. I love the motto at that place, “bringing hope to the hopeless.” I am so inspired by that because I really feel that that is exactly what Jesus has done in my life. I thank God so much for giving me the opportunity to take time out of my meaningless life back home, and come and learn about what life really means here in Kitale. If I ever thought that helping these kids would make me feel any better about myself, it hasn’t. For the most part, it has opened an even bigger need inside of me. A need that can only be filled by the active response to Jesus words “love your neighbor as yourself.” I am so happy that these boys will be in a safe place everyday, with people who care about them and with another chance at hope.

Lydia, I know you read this and I just wanted to thank you. I wanted to thank you for listening to the call of the Lord, and in turn allowing a kid from the richest part of the world to come to a place where he would be challenged and grow. So Lydia, thank you again and I pray that God will continue to provide for this amazing place.



Here are the boys, right after their haircut. From left to right we have Michael, Kevin, and then Joseph. My prayer is that they will realize what a blessing Oasis is, and continue to come back everyday.

Courtesy of 1993

More then anything living here has really made me happier. You would think that the reason for my new found happiness would be the realization of how much I actually have, but that plays a small part in it all. I am really convinced that what has really upped my joy is the children. I am not sure what it is about kids that causes this, maybe the ability to let loose and act like a child. Or maybe it is the excitement that children show when something interesting happens. I think most of all it is the faith that they exhibit even when things are, what I would consider, sucky. It is unexplainable, there are no clever quips that I can string together to give you a great idea of what I mean, and it just has to happen to you.

A couple of boys, brothers to be exact, that I have been hanging out with on the streets for the past couple of days, have started coming to Oasis. They are new to the streets in Kitale, and had heard of Oasis but had never been there. I have been telling them to go everyday, and the other day they finally said “take me there.” Of course I did, that was kind of the greatest thing that they could have said to me, so needless to say it made my day. Today was the second day straight that they have been coming, which may seem small, but when you are coming off the streets I consider it an accomplishment. One of the boys, Joseph, was playing soccer today and someone stole his shoes (they play barefoot). I watched him as he feverishly looked for his shoes, tears welling up in his eyes. When you live on the streets the clothes on your back are some of your only possessions. I pulled him aside and told him, “since you have been coming to Oasis, and being a good kid, I will get you some new shoes today.” I Left Oasis at about 12:00 and headed into town. From town I went to Purpose Driven School, where I taught a science class and then headed back to town. I knew that I would find Joseph there and I was anxious to get him some shoes. When I got in front of the usual supermarket that I meet them at everyday, I saw his brother sleeping on the ground, and then asked the other boys where Joseph was. At that moment he cam strolling up, and the first thing he said was, “shoes?” I then went into the store, got him a pair, and made my day. I felt guilty that I only bought him some considering that most of the kids need new ones, but them I got them around and said, “hey, you go to Oasis, you treat people right, and you just might get some shoes.” I feel like it was a good way to lure kids to go somewhere safe, and maybe get a little food in them. I will never forget what Joseph said to me “I am going to school everyday!” Now will he keep his promise? I have no idea, but just the fact that he might, is enough to keep me happy.

On a more serious note, a couple days ago I made a purchase that I have been meaning to write about. I was so sick and tired of not knowing what time it was, and had heard that you could get a very cheap watch in town, so I set out to buy one for myself. Now I am pleased to say that I have purchased the finest watch that Kitale has to offer, courtesy of 1993. This silver Casio is a shining example of human ingenuity and craftsman ship. I have taken a picture so that you may all enjoy the beauty of this amazing piece of technology. I give you…CASIO!


Yes it is true, it can display time in either 12 hour or 24-hour format. Has a button that says light, although there is none. It displays the date as well as the day, all in brilliant analog. And have no fear; it says it is water resistant, although I am hesitant to test the claim. So what did a beauty like this cost, around 3 dollars. And the best part of this once in a lifetime price is that it was bartered down from six dollars, and the man doing the bartering? A street boy named P.I.G. If there were a MasterCard commercial about this watch it would most likely go something like this:
“ 1993 Casio wrist watch, three dollars. Being able to know the time, not quite priceless, but worth it.”

Street Boys

I think about them a lot. In fact, I see them a lot, so they are very hard not to think about. Today I spent some serious time with some, just hanging out on, well, the street. I wish I could say that I had some incredible breakthrough, or that I was able to give them some life changing advice, but no, all we did was hang. I did have one realization, if all I had to do for the rest of my life is sit on a step outside of a grocery store hanging out with street boys, I would be content. You always think about how you can help these kids and then you realize, that everything that you have to say to them is weak in comparison with what they have to say to you. When you look into the eyes of a street boy as he sits and tells you about some soccer game he saw while passing by a TV on the street, I also think you see a little bit of Jesus. I have needed a reminder of why I am here, and today I got it. Sitting, talking and just all around hanging out with some kids.

Shot three! YOUR CURED!

Pardon the terrible baseball pun, well actually don't pardon it, give it the laugh that it deserves. In all seriousness I got my third shot today which should have killed the little malaria bugs inside my blood. I am a little nervous though because as I was about to get my shot I saw a poster for the injection that I was getting. The Poster was an ad that happily boasted "newest and fastest malaria cure." Then I thought to myself, hmm do I feel safe taking a drug that doesn't have long term patients yet? What if there is some absurd side effect, like I grow wings, or I become a life sized mosquito, or I just become the mother ship for all the malaria parasites in the world. Then before I could question the nurse, I was done with three days of injections. As I walked away I thought, hey worst thing that happens, I become some crazy science experiment, or I die. Never the less I am feeling much better (although it feels as though I have been repeatedly been punched in the bum) and I plan to be 100% by tomorrow. Thank you all for your concern, it really helped when I felt like wallowing in my self pity.

Also, if you aren't reading Allison's blog, you should be. It usually has a lot more information about what is going on here, as well as pictures that mine does not. I accredit her diligence to her age, and plus she has an English degree. So go there and check it out by clicking on the link in the top right of my blog.

it is OFFICIAL

I have MALARIA. I personally think that this has made me an official traveler to Kenya. Whats more, I think that I have captured the little fool in mid infectious bite in this photo.



It really isn't that big of a deal, I went to the clinic today where I got a nice big shot in my bum. I have two more to go, which will kill the little thing. I don't understand why it isn't called Mala-ria (split the syllables). The reason that I think that it should be called this is because of the "ria" that it causes (when i say ria I mean diarrhea). Anyways other then feeling crudy, all is well. And a small side note, Megan and Carol left today, making it much quieter, and a little sadder here at the house.

Just another cultural difference?

Obviously there are going to be a few things that are different in a land half way across the world form your home. Today I discovered one of those differences as I was teaching math. I personally see it as a huge deal, but you judge for yourself.

In The US students are taught about the order of operations in math by using the acronym PEMDAS.

Parenthesis
Exponents
Multiplication
Division
Addition
Subtraction

Now today I discovered that there is a difference between our way of memorizing the order of operations and that of Kenya's. They use BOMDAS.

Brackets
Off
Multiplication
Division
Addition
Subtraction

Now Brackets is parenthesis and Off is exponents, which seems easy, but as a student who struggled with math all through school, this discovery is terrifying. If we let this get out the effects will devastate the students of the US already struggling with the hardest subject in school (and no that isn't Subjective). So I am here to propose a very harsh punishment for anyone who lets this information leak any farther into our schools. A petition to be drafted soon.

Mushy Mushy.

What happens when a couple kids from the richest part of the world go half way around the world to do nothing but love the people who live there? Well some awesome things. I have been more of an observer on this trip and cannot help but comment on how amazing it is seeing people follow the will of the Lord, and watching him bless them because of it. The last couple days have been a blur, all I know is that tonight the girls are gone and I am here alone enjoying the time alone. Not having them here does remind me how much I appreciate them. They are an amazing group of people who, in the past couple weeks, have taught me so much about life. I know that I am going to catch a lot of crap for writing this mush fest, but it is something that I have not said yet, and need to. So to Allison, Daina, Megan and Carol thanks for not being to harsh on me, and teaching me all I need to know about living with four girls for a month and a half. Oh and sorry if I spelled your name wrong.

BFF.


Yep.


Flattering.


UH huh.


I tried to steal this kid.


I did some digging.


We were not singing worship songs.

where I spend my nights

I was trying to think of something else that I could write about besides the "what I did today", yet still clue you in on a small part of my life here in Kitale. After some time of thinking I have decided that I would give you a virtual tour of our compound. I tried to portray my surroundings to the best of my ability, so hence the following. Enjoy!



Some nice avocado and mango trees out front my house.


These are our cows.


our neighbors say hello! I think that he is saluting.


The hens.

And their cock. (I could not help myself.)

This is the view from the gate, be warned the rocks are used as a deterrent for anyone with bare feet to come onto the compound.



This is the back of the girls house.


This is some grass, looks nice.


This is the front of the girls house. Yes I have a home to myself while they have to share a tiny house with six girls. God is good.

I call this my death defying stunt. In short, I climb to the last rung of the ladder on the top of the water tower and hang by one hand screaming for help. So far everyone I show has fallen for this trick.

This is a first person view of the stunt.




This proves how dangerous it is.




This here is the front of my house. I live in the room on the top floor, I personally like to call it the bell tower, and not because I look like Quazi Moto (spelling questionable.)


This is the back of my house, please note the color change.


This here is a giant bamboo Cathedral that is nice for sitting, the weaverbirds love to roust here.

This is the entry way to the bamboo cathedral. I do not enjoy to go in here becaus e of the high probability of being pooped on.


Andrew does a lot of the gardening.


This is where Ayub lives.