Twenty-four.

Home. After nearly thirty hours of travel I am home. It smells good. So fresh and so clean. Sitting on the deck behind my house and beginning to realize that I am no longer in Kenya. A little bit in culture shock because of smooth roads and fast internet connections. And even though I really enjoy all of the food, the warm showers and dust free air I am really beginning to miss the village and my Kenyan family.

I want to know how they are all doing and how our projects might be impacting the community. Are people getting milk from  Chris and Ainsley? Are they selling it? Are they drinking it and if so, how does it taste? What is the milk supply like? How is the distribution process working? How is our napier grass doing? And what about the business plans? Are people beginning to build their businesses? Are they beginning to see their dreams take shape? Do they need help? I want to know everything and am struggling to find all of the daily details. Needing to remember that the projects are in the peoples hands and that I need to let them fish on their own. Because they are more than capable.

I miss the children. "Mzungu! How are you?"

But I am home. At least for a while.

Twenty-three.

Today is my last day in Kenya. My flight leaves at 9:50pm and I keep using the word "excited". Because I am excited to come home and experience all that is home. I am excited to see friends and family. I am excited to begin something new and fresh. The word has new meaning to me. And I am excited about that too.

Throughout my time here I have lived by a basic philosophy: "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for my life time." But today I think I am going to give instead of teach.

In a few minutes my guides from Mount Kenya are meeting me for one last African safari. They are going to guide me through the streets of Kibera, the biggest slum in Nairobi and East Africa. Our destination is a "rehabilitation center" for street boys. I've heard a lot about it; all shocking, all intriguing. Much more like a prison than a rehab center. Wishing that I could find a way to teach  these boys a skill or way of thinking that might help them in some way. But I realize how little time I have to make such an impact. A missionary suggested that I give them candy. And I think that is what I am going to do. Maybe I will be able to do more on my next trip to Kenya. Hoping to do more always. (The missionary also provided the name of a foundation that is doing really good work in Kibera. Thinking that I might find a way to support them in some way once I return home. Check it out at: www.kenyachildrenofhope.org)

Last night I talked to Pastor Dan for a few minutes just before going to bed. The cows have arrived in Chebukwa and it sounds like everybody is incredibly pleased and excited about the impact of the animals. Both Chris and Ainsley are eating well and getting ready to produce calves. "At any minute." Pastor Dan said that an inspector will be coming to check the health of the cows on August 15th to ensure that proper care is being made. Very happy to have been able to be a part of such an endeavor. EXCITED to come back and work a little more. Soon. Before we hung up the phone Pastor Dan said that the people in Chebukwa talk a lot about me, that they miss me. And then he said, "We love you Ben, so much." Funny how I feel like I have a new home within Chebukwa.

One last thing.

Ever since I arrived in Africa different sentences have been coming to mind. Different sentences, powerful sentences. More like statements than sentences. And I have made a point to write them all down. Maybe they make sense, maybe not. But I wanted to share them with anybody that might be reading. I think that they form my story from the past two months. Please don't laugh.

Lonely in a strange place. Bus drivers who drive as if playing bangos. A dress made from trash. A drink from a puddle of mud. A meal of winged ants. Preaching to the rhythm of asante bwana and amen. Welcomed by a family. Crude techniques that build something beautiful. Angry workers that want to be paid. Prayers answered by blowing wind. Songs in vernacular that move me to action. Feet like an elephant. Blisters are beautiful. Paying for life with beans and maize. The most strange place to hear Dolly Parton. Loved by a village. A matutu of Michael Jackson. Facing Mount Kenya and barefooted on Batian. Excited makes me happy.

I am sure that more will come before the days end. I will write them down. But maybe keep them to myself.

Thank you to all who made this trip possible, who made it a reality. Hoping that I've been able to make at least a small difference. Hoping that others will join me the next time I come.

Asante Bwana. For everything. Amen.

Twenty-two.

I have a new definition for the word "Majestic" and it is found within the Mount Kenya National Park. Five days spent climbing a mountain that helped to bring two months in Africa full circle. Many thoughts and revelations. Many hopes and prayers. I feel like I know where I am going and what I am supposed to do. I am excited to return home. Excited to start new.

Not exactly sure what the best way is to describe my five days on the mountain. Hoping that the pictures I've posted do most of the explanation. Maybe it makes the most sense to simply write a little bit about each day. Here goes nothing:

Day 1: Arrived in Nanyuki by matatu on the northern edge of the mountain. The elevation was about six thousand feet and already the air temperature seemed to drop. The mountain was covered in clouds and it was difficult to imagine that a mountain even existed in the middle of the flat and dusty farm land that makes up central Kenya.

Met guides Nelson and Kim. Two brothers that have been climbing Mount Kenya since the mid nineties and both look like they should play in the NFL. I was a little bit scared of them until I heard them laugh. Very good guys to climb a mountain with. Four porters also joined the trip. A big crew to help two young guys (Brett came too. He was an ICODEI volunteer) climb to seventeen thousand feet.

Drove up to the Park Gate at Sirimon and began a climb up a ruff road amidst zebra's, elephant droppings, and a bamboo forest. Nine kilometers uphill and we arrived at Old Moses Camp where we spent our first night. At just above ten thousand feet you could begin to feel the altitude in your lungs. Three liters of water and a little bit of Tylenol helped to fight off the headaches. Our camp was perched just above the tree line and provided a fantastic view of the foothills leading up to the mountain. Never have I seen so many rays of sunshine pierce through the clouds. Beautiful. In bed early as I hadn't slept much throughout the previous three days.

Day 2: Up at sunrise and hiking by eight a.m. Packs felt heavy but the pain was soon forgotten as the scenery began to improve. Each step became harder and harder as day two proved to be the most difficult. Eighteen kilometers in total, through dense grasslands and a ruff stone trail. Crossed many clear mountain streams and entered a giant valley that lead towards the mountain peaks. Incredibly beautiful.

Bad headaches at Shiptons Camp eight hours later. Sitting at fourteen thousand feet it took four liters of water and three cups of tea help heal and acclimatize my body. Began to realize that climbing a mountain in an old pair of running shoes wasn't the best idea. But the view of the peaks at sunset and night sky that followed made everything worth while.

Day 3: Summit Day. Didn't sleep much as the amount of water I had consumed the previous day managed to keep me awake once every thirty minutes. The only benefit found was in the stars. So dense. So beautiful. It was nearly impossible to miss a shooting star at that elevation. Many wishes were made.

Started our climb just after sunrise. The temperature was much colder despite Kim and Nelsons desire to reach the summit in hiking shorts. The pace was slow but necessary. Each step followed by a pause to allow oxygen flow through my veins. Stopped a few times to add layers of clothing as the temperature began to drop below freezing. Five liters of water and many short stops along the way.

Reached the summit of Point Lenana just before eleven o'clock amidst thick cloud cover. Seventeen thousand feet is two miles higher than mile high stadium in Denver, CO and also the same elevation as the base camp for Mount Everest. The elevation put everything into perspective. Within minutes the sky opened up and sunshine lit all valleys that lead up to the mountain top. The local tribe that lives near Mount Kenya believes that God lives amongst the peaks. I can see why. They pray facing the mountain. So I prayed too. And took many pictures.

Descended on the western side of the mountain near the glacier. Unbelievable beauty. Unbelievable pain. I would much rather have kept ascending as each step down wore on my ankles and shins. Many stops were needed to take in the view. At Mackinder's camp by three p.m. Sunset below the mountain and above the clouds. I will never forget.

Day 4: Continued a hike down the Naro Moru valley just as the sun came over the mountain ridge. Complete with grasslands, bogs, and bamboo forests. Each step memorable. Each step filled with reflection. Sixteen kilometers later we reached "The Met" for our final night. The small meteorological station is home to monkeys and buffalo. I found a four leaf clover near my tent. Was excited to wash my face in warm water.

Day 5: A nine kilometer hike to the Naro Moru park gate. Saw a guest house with a mountain view to die for. Hope to return to stay a few nights. One final picture with guides and porters so make the trip complete. A short matatu ride back to Nanyuki and then Nairobi.

If anybody is interested in climbing Mount Kenya please let me know. The experience is so much more meaningful than a Safari filled with tourists. I also know two great guides who would love to reach the summit again. Incredibly worth every step.

Would like to provide more details and more revelations. But thinking that it would simply be better to share some of the stories and experiences first hand when I arrive home. Hopefully my level of detail is sufficient for the time being.

Three more days.

Twenty-one.

Back in Nairobi after five days on Mount Kenya. Was supposed to leave on Safari earlier today but have decided to stay and work with AIDS orphans and street boys throughout the weekend. Spending my final days in the slums. Why not? More detail on that later as well as my  trip up and down the mountain.

Just wanted to write a small note to let people know that I am alive. And also that I've posted photos from Mount Kenya in the Gallery of this website. I can't wait to come home next Tuesday. See you then.

Twenty.

African roads do not create opportunities for sleeping. Even the smooth sections have speed bumps just to remind you that you are in Africa. Just finished a ten hour bus ride from Bungoma to Nairobi. It is six in the morning. Haven't slept since yesterday and I will not find a place to rest until later this evening when I arrive at the base of Mount Kenya.

Saying goodbye was so hard. Throughout the past few days I've been meeting with different groups of people that I have become close to, trying to find the right way to express the impact that they have each had on me and my time here. A dinner with friends from ICODEI, a hike above Chebukwa with a missionary friend named Andy, and a farewell from the members of Pastor Dan's church. The last being the most moving of all. Complete with song, dance, prayer, and gifts.

A church member named Florence had been nominated to speak for the rest of the congregation. She stood and spoke quietly while a translator relayed her words. "Praise God. Surely Ben, you have been a blessing to all of us. We thank God for you. We thank God for Pastor Dan and The Nafula Foundation for bringing you to us. We thank God for your lesson of loving through action, of loving through the work of our hands. We pray that you return to us." I was so moved. They asked me to stand while they all prayed for me, for my future, for my relationships, for my family, for my life. They prayed so loudly that I could feel their breath push against me, almost through me. And then the gifts. Each had brought a small token of appreciation: a chicken, a stem of banana's, a bag of beans, a handful of mango's or passion fruit, a pile eggs, a handful of pocket change. I couldn't believe it. Their generosity is truly overwhelming when you begin to realize how little each person has. I wanted to give it back. They need it all more than I do.

I am thankful for so many reasons. And I find a million more reasons to come back. There is still so much that can be done, there is more impact to be made. For instance, The Nafula Foundation hopes to further the cow bank project that I have been able to help begin. More money and volunteers are needed to ensure the projects success. Do not be shy.

But there are other projects too. Pastor Dan and Katie, the co-founders of the organization, have been talking a lot about building a small rural medical clinic not too far away from the cow bank compound. Their hope is to raise enough money to buy a small plot of land and build a simple structure, complete with beds and medical equipment. There are nurses in the area that could help to run the clinic on a daily basis. Although, finding a rotation of doctors and nurses from around the world would really help to ensure a high standard of care for people in Chebukwa. It is drastically needed. Other projects and initiatives may be education based, such as teaching community members about Malaria, Typhoid, personal finance and family planning.

If you are interested in helping to build something strong and sustainable, something that has true impact, please visit: www.nafulafoundation.org. More information regarding volunteer opportunities is available. Pastor Dan and Katie are working extremely hard. But they can not do it alone.

Off to Mount Kenya. Then home.

Picture: Gifts from Chebukwa. I really want bring back all of my Chickens. But I've decided to leave them, along with enough money to build a chicken coup near the cow unit.

Nineteen.

I have a beard now. Did I mention that? It itches really badly and I want to shave it off. But at the same time I've never had facial hair before and I'm in Africa. Why not have facial hair? I'm getting skinny too. I was skinny before but now I'm really getting skinny. I even had to tighten my belt a hole or two in order to keep my pants from falling off. Getting ready to go and eat a barbecued goat leg for dinner. Maybe that will help with my weight problem.

My feet will be back on American soil two weeks from today and already I am saying goodbye to friends and African family members. I've learned so much. About life, about love, about god, about people, about culture, about work. I have so many new skills to put to good use when I get home. For instance: I can build something strong with my hands and not get blisters, I can thatch a grass roof, I can make bricks out of mud, I can even plow a field with oxen. If any body back home wants to hire me please let me know. I will  work hard every day. I will even let you name the price.

My last business class is tomorrow night and then I need to begin packing for a five day climb up and down Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. Looking forward to seeing a new place and doing something a little different. Even though I will miss my friends and family in western Kenya.

Dinner time.

Eighteen.

A clothing store. A rural medical clinic. A chicken and egg business. A water container store. A small grocery. These are the businesses that people aspire to start in Chebukwa. And the most interesting thing about it is the way that each of them hope to receive income. Instead of money, each business owner has created an opportunity for a customer to pay for a good or service with beans or maize. "Paying for life with beans and maize." Maybe the barter system that is used here is the best way to explain how far away Chebukwa is from the rest of the world. People can only pay with what they have available. I am amazed by these people daily.

Today I plan on meeting a few potential business owners to help them finish writing the details of their businesses. They have so many questions and so many obstacles to overcome. They are so eager. An inspiration. Hoping and praying that I might be able to provide some type of insight that will help them to become successful.

The cow project continues to move forward as we search for and train workers to help with the daily needs of the project. Pastor Dan and I plan on going to a few different cow farms later this week to search for Christopher and Ainsley, our first two cows. A veterinarian will accompany us to ensure that we are buying the highest quality of animal possible and our hope is to begin producing milk by the first of August. Wishing that I could be here to see the official launch of the project, but I will already be in Nairobi preparing for my return home.

Side story: A few days ago my friends from ICODEI came out to Chebukwa to see where I have been working. I've been telling them how beautiful the area is and how they really need to come and hike in some of the nearby hills. So when they arrived I took full advantage of the opportunity and guided them up above the village amongst giant rocks and boulders. As we climbed children began to join our group. With each step another laughing child and a little more excitement. Mzungu! After thirty minutes pastor Dan pointed to the summit and the mass of children showed us the rest of the way. A beautiful scene with complete 360 degree views was what awaited us. Perfect. Many of the people who were with us said that it was one of the most memorable things they had done since they arrived in Africa. I smell an eco-tourism business opportunity.

A few picture from the climb:

Picture One: Pastor Dan leads the way.

Picture Two: Pastor Dan and Ruth working their way through the maze of rocks above Chebukwa.

Picture Three: Abrahm and the kids.

Picture Four: A few followers.

Picture Five: Bungoma in the distance.

Last night I decided to walk up to the rocks by myself. No friends, no pastor Dan, no children. I sat at the top and looked down on my cow unit and watched the sun drop over the horizon. This is how I will remember my time in Chebukwa. I leave in one week.

Picture Six: Inspiration.

Seventeen.

The cow unit is finished, the fence is up, and the grass is planted. My hands are ruff, my eyes are tired, my body broken. Hard work doesn't come easy. I just arrived back in Bungoma after riding on the back of a motorcycle in the middle of a rain storm. My teeth won't stop chattering. Freezing cold and soaking wet.

I wanted to post a few photo's and write an entry this morning but the power was out in all of Bungoma. Planning on taking the day off tomorrow and hope to provide more detail. This internet cafe is shutting down for the day and I must get going. Miss and love you all. Wanting a hug. Thinking it would feel warm.

Sixteen.

Good things are happening in Chebukwa. The cow unit will be finished before days end and a new fence will be put up around the compound shortly after. Looking forward to getting dirty and digging holes for fence posts. This is how I spend my weekends in Africa. I've put three new photo's into the cow unit gallery. More to come when time allows.

Last Wednesday I lead a business seminar for about twenty two people in the village. We talked about goals, dreams and business plans. The excitement and enthusiasm within each person was fantastic. After one hour people didn't want to leave, they wanted me to keep talking, to keep teaching. I talked about building a product or service that really meets demands and expectations. I talked about targeting a specific audience. I talked about ownership, management, marketing, financing, and the importance of feedback to strengthen a product or service. The session ended with my promise to help each person complete a full business plan for their own business before I leave. They see the importance of having a plan to guide them towards success. Possibilities are endless if you work hard, if you believe.

I didn't understand what was happening when I left the village later that night. When I walked out of the church compound I saw about a dozen children squatted down picking at the ground. They were so excited. We had just finished harvesting another field of beans and I thought that they were eating the beans that were left on the ground. But then I realized the beans were moving. It took me a while to realize that a meal of winged ants provides a large amount of protein. Large ants with white wings, eaten like popcorn. Sick.

Picture One: You can see the ants on the ground and in this child's hand.

Picture Two: I am still a little bit in shock.

Picture Three: I'm going to eat ants too.

Miss you all.

Fifteen.

Blessed. Feeling very blessed. Today I found out that a donation of two cows has been made to the cow bank project. The impact that these animals will have on the people and community is enormous, providing both nutrition and income. The cows will be named Christopher and Ainsley after the donors two children. I am very pleased and excited to know that my family, friends and colleagues are so supportive of the work that I am doing here in Kenya. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Really starting to feel like my time here will have made at least a small difference. Two cows! I still can't believe it.

Meanwhile, construction on our cow unit has been slowed throughout the past few days as we have been working to obtain sand and bricks. Little by little the needed materials have been arriving at our compound and we are ready to finish building within the next day or two. Napier grass is also being planted and will be ready for harvest within eight weeks. Additionally, our first meeting with all cow bank members will be tomorrow afternoon and we plan to explain all details, costs, and commitments of the project at that time. Many questions still need to be answered and many obstacles still need to be worked out. However, I am confident that the foundation of the project will be firmly in place by the time I leave on August 4th.

But this is also Africa and cows do not always fall from the sky. There is always a flip side. Yesterday we met a young boy who had been beaten by his father. His eye was bloody and swollen. He acted as though it were a normal thing while he and his friends played in the grass near the church. We were able to provide some pain medication and eye drops for his wound and hope to inquire with the boys father about the obvious abuse within the coming days. This is one of the many wrongs that happen here every single day. Rape, abduction, alcohol and drug abuse, neglect, starvation, sickness. I could write for hours but am not sure if this website is an appropriate medium.

My best to all. Thanks again for everything. I'm off to the village.

Fourteen.

Struggling throughout the past few days. Working very hard and finding little time to breath easy or relax. My body feels beaten both physically and emotionally. People ask if I am homesick and I always respond by saying, "Not so much homesick. Just wishing that I could talk to a few people from home, even if only for a few minutes." I want to hear their voices. Call it homesickness. Call it irritation. I'm just struggling to push past the constant adversity called Africa and hoping to see that everything comes together smoothly. A few hours of undisturbed sleep would be nice too. And a big plate of mexican food.

I've received a lot of comments from people asking about my life in Kenya. Hopefully the following pictures of where and how I live meets expectations. Questions and comments are welcome.

Picture one: This is my home in Bungoma, Kenya. A much nicer home than many of the mud huts that make up most of Chebukwa a few miles away. My bedroom is through the window on the far left of the picture.

Picture Two: This is Pastor Dan and his two year old son named Purpose. Do not be confused by the cute face as this little thug will tear you apart. You have been warned. As for Pastor Dan, I only have good things to say about him. A very noble fatherly figure.

Picture Three: This is Pastor Dan's wife Gladys and her newborn son named Pure. Gladys is a fantastic African mother and does everything possible to keep me well fed and healthy. She will be missed when I leave in August.

Picture Four: This is where I sleep. The mosquito net is my best friend. The thin foam mattress does wonders for my back.

Picture Five: This is our kitchen located just outside my bedroom door. The stove (pictured above) prepares lots of rice, beans, and ugali. Some type of meat is usually also provided with each meal (ie. beef, chicken, talapia).

Picture Six: This is my bathtub and shower. Imagine squatting next to this little bucket and splashing water all over your body. Most of the time the water is cold but a few times a week Gladys will help boil some water and make it warm. The best part. It only gets filled up once. It has taken a few weeks to learn how to keep the bath water clean for rinsing purposes.

Picture Seven: This is my toilet. I love this place. Especially the beetles, lizards, and wormy things that infest this little shack late at night. It's fantastic, even though it's a little bit scary.

Picture Eight: This is my chicken. It was given to me after a small worship service that I attended in the village during my second week in Kenya. I named her "Big Tattoo" after the local bubble gum. She has a boyfriend named Rooster and her eggs are tasty when scrambled.

Picture Nine: This is Pastor Dan's car. It's a 1976 something that is always breaking down. We get to push start it at least three or four times a week. If anybody would like to purchase a new car for Pastor Dan and the Nafula Foundation please do so.

Picture Ten: This is the way my feet look at the end of a typical work day in Chebukwa. No, I'm not tan. That would be nice. As would a swimming pool or hot tub.

Other important things that are not pictured: Pastor Dan's seven year old daughter named Pearl, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and jar of peanut butter.

Wishing that I could take the time to add and write a little bit more. Hopefully these will help people to understand a little bit. I've already speant over two hours in the internet cafe loading these images and need to get moving into Chebukwa for the rest of the day. Miss you all.

Thirteen.

An observation. When I first arrived in Africa I thought that everything had a smell. It wasn't good, it wasn't bad, it was simply Africa. A little bit like dirt, dust, fire smoke, dirty bathrooms and body odor. But now I walk around town and am blind to any smell beyond the occasional waft of perfume from some white missionary lady. I think that I'm turning into an African. I might even be smelly, but I'm not entirely sure. I try to shower every day and need to find time to explain the experience as it isn't quite the same as home. Hopefully people will tell me if I'm the smelly kid in class when I return to the US this August. Only one more month here. Hard to believe.

I've create another photo album called The Cow Unit. I have a ton of photo's but have only decided to post a few from the past two days of construction. And yes, I had to train somebody how to use my camera again so that I could be in a few of the photo's. Please don't laugh at the bright white Mzungu in the white t-shirt. He isn't a ghost like many of the children seem to believe.

Twelve.

My hands are blistered and cement is plastered between all of my finger and toenails. Today we broke ground on our first cow unit and were able to finish laying a foundation for bricks and wall posts. I wish that I could take a picture of the farmer tan that I have. If you can visualize the red and white stripes in the American flag you will have a good picture of what I look like. More construction to come throughout the next few days. Hoping to have everything finished by Sunday.

I don't have very long to write or post photo's, but I wanted to be sure to write down something that happened yesterday evening before I left the village. Pastor Dan and I were finishing up a few things when a drunk woman walked into the compound of the church. She had just finished fighting with her (ex) husband regarding the local moonshine and the amount that each of them consume each day. She explained how drinking has torn her marriage and family apart, how it has ruined her life completely. Yet there she stood; blindly blinking and slurring her words.

She had walked to the church because she had heard that I was there and she wanted me to come to her home and pray for her and her children. I didn't really know what to do about the situation but Pastor Dan asked me to do as she asked. We made it to her home and placed our hands on her shoulders. I began to pray out loud (something I never do) and Pastor Dan translated my words. She swayed back and forth in acknowledgement. I finished and we stayed for a few minutes before walking back into town. I've said this before, but I am not a missionary and I am not here to do mission work. Why is this such a driving factor for my experiences here? I am continuously forced to explore my spirituality. I am continuously challenged. 

Looking forward to laying bricks and digging holes for fence posts tomorrow morning. Hoping to also spend time in the internet cafe tomorrow afternoon finalizing details and plans for the cow bank project. I will try to post a few photo's when time allows.

Eleven.

Ran away for the weekend to Kisumu, a very beautiful, very hot fishing town on the border of Lake Victoria. Spent most of the day walking through the streets and markets, eating and drinking as much western food as possible. You have no idea how good pizza and hamburgers are (even if they aren't real pizza and hamburgers) when all you've eaten is ugali, rice, and beans for the previous three weeks. The highlight of the weekend was escaping to the lake for a fresh plate of Tilapia. I have never tasted fish so good. The lake breeze was nice too. Hippos could be seen off in the distance near Hippo Point. Beautiful. I really am in Africa.

We arrived back at ICODEI compound last night after dark. I decided that it would be best to stay in safety of the compound as opposed to traveling through Bungoma at night. The violence from last January's election still lingers and it is not safe to walk through town after about seven o'clock. Not to mention that it created an opportunity for me to  watch the final game of the Euro Cup between Spain and Germany. Sweet!

Woke up at six thirty this morning and made the trek into Chebukwa in order to help plow a field and plant the different grasses that we will be needed for the cow project. Tractors do not exist in Chebukwa and manual labor is the only option. So when they saw me jump across the river and walk into the field they were very excited to put my muscles to work. My hands were placed on the handles of the plow and my feet sank into the mud and dirt. "TUWENTY! YESH! YESH! YESH! TUWENTY!". The oxen began to move forward in response. It took a few trips back and forth to get the hang of steering the plow, however, they were pleased with my work and asked me to come back tomorrow morning to finish another one and a half acres.

People have been asking for me to post photo's of myself and I'm not sure if they understand how difficult a task this is in Chebukwa. Most people have never seen a camera and have a hard time understanding what to do with one. However, I was able to train one of the local farmers about the basics of photography and told him to take as many photo's as possible while I worked in the field. Here are his best three. Enjoy.

One.

Two.

Three. Enjoy your day. I miss home.

Ten.

It's been difficult to get online throughout the past week as the internet hasn't been working throughout all of Bungoma. I do what I can with what I have. And even now I am having difficulty writing this because the computer that I am using isn't working properly. I apologize in advance.

So. I'm starting a cow bank. Over fifty community members have already signed up to be a part of the program and they are all very excited about the opportunities that it is beginning to create within Chebukwa. I have spent most of the past week hunched over a notebook writing and detailing out every part of the program including costs, building plans, and future development. So many pieces to pull together in order for it to run on it's own after I leave. It feels good to work on something that will have such an impact on the livelihood of the people here.

The basics:

The Cow Bank (Benki Ya Ng'ombe in Swahili) is a three phase program. Each phase acts as it's own entity while contributing to the overall success and sustainability of the program. Official details will be posted to The Nafula Foundation's website (www.nafulafoundation.org) within a few days if you really want to get into the nitty gritty of it all. Meanwhile...

Phase One: Milk Membership Program

I wanted to find a way provide for two needs that most people in Chebukwa are lacking. Nutrition and financial income. Phase One of the Cow Bank will help to provide both. Within the next week we will begin building a small dairy farm near the village center. The farm will eventually be able to house nearly a dozen high quality dairy cows and will provide enough milk for both the personal and business needs of the community. The farm will also create a handful of immediate employment opportunities.

Registered Cow Bank members will pay a small monthly membership fee (between one to ten US dollars) and will be able to obtain a specified amount of milk each day for personal or business purposes. The basic membership level costs around one US dollar per month and provides one liter of milk per day (One liter of milk currently sells for about thirty cents at the market. Think about the monthly cost savings. Good deal?). Family and Business membership levels are available for members who require higher milk quantities. The monthly membership fees are fairly priced to reflect the communities current income status. Milk distribution will be strictly regulated by Nafula Foundation Cow Bank employees.

My hope is that the milk obtained each day will be used for the nutritional content as well for additional income. For example, if a Cow Bank member consumed only a half liter of milk each day they could still sell and earn about fifteen cents from the remaining half liter. Fifteen cents is enough money to buy a full meal or, if saved, can be applied towards monthly school fees or many of the medical needs that each community member seems to have.

Phase Two: Micro Banking

People in Chebukwa do not save money. At a business lesson last week I asked how one hundred shillings would be used if I were to provide a small financial gift to one of the people in attendance. Every shilling would have been spent on food or school fees. Saving was never mentioned. It took a few stories and bible verses relating to the concept in order for it to sink in and now people tell me how many shillings they have saved every time they see me. "Hi Ben! I've saved ten shillings since the last time I saw you!", they say. I smile and applaud.

But the concept needs more support. Phase Two of the Cow Bank provides a way for Cow Bank members to save dairy revenues in order to provide enough money to one day purchase a dairy cow from the Cow Bank or to have enough start-up capitol to begin a small business venture. Basic savings accounts and financial planning will be available. (Lots of detail still to be determined)

Phase Three: Cow Ownership

The cows that will be used within the Cow Bank program produce an extremely high amount of milk each day. The income potential that is possible from one cow is enough to bring a Cow Bank member above the poverty line. That being said, we are working hard to develop a cow ownership program.

The concept is simple. Responsible Cow Bank members that have shown dedication to the Membership and Micro Bank programs may apply for cow ownership. If approved, the Cow Bank member may purchase an artificially inseminated cow from The Nafula Foundation (the selling price will be a small portion of the total value of the cow) with the understanding that the calf produced will be given back to the Cow Bank for sustainability purposes. Savings may be withdrawn from the Micro Bank and applied to the purchase of a cow.

There you have it. The basics. A lot is going into the project and we are excited to break ground next Monday as we begin constructing our first "Cow Unit" (a small housing unit big enough for two cows) and begin plowing fields for needed grass and feed. (I am going to man the plow....pulled by oxen!)

If you are interested in helping to fund this venture please navigate to the "Donate" section of this website. Click on the link that says "Donate" and provide as much financial support as you see fit.  Typing the phrase "Cow Bank" in the comments section of the Pay Pal page will ensure that your donation is used to fund the project.

Basic costs are as follows:

Cow Unit (houses two cows) - $450 per unit

Pure Breed Milk Cow (produces around seventy five liters of milk per day) - $800 per cow

Infrastructure (Cow feed, medicine, security, veterinary services, etc.) - $3000 per year

Cow Bank Employee Wages - $4000 per year

Looking forward to seeing how this program evolves throughout the next few years. Pastor Dan says that I am "starting a new milk industry in western Kenya." Not exactly sure if that is the case, but...

Escaping to Kisumu for the weekend with some other volunteers from ICODIE. Planning on seeing some hippos and taking a really long, really hot shower. I CAN'T WAIT!

Nine.

In a few hours I will be meeting another group of Wzungu (many white people) that work with an organization called ICODEI (pronounced Eco-Day). Looking forward to seeing other people from the US, UK, and Canada. We have a common bond even though we are strangers. It will be a nice break as the past few days have been a little bit overwhelming. Starting to miss home.

Things here are heavy. Four days ago a young man nearly died from Malaria and was rushed to the hospital for a steady supply of drugs to fight the virus. Two days ago a young boy from Pastor Dan's church died from Malaria. And worse yet, yesterday we received news that a ten year old girl was raped by a young man in the village. These types of things are so distant to all of us at home in the US. It is hard to be so close and to see the impact that it has on the community. This is their normality.

It is difficult for me to find a balance here. Each day I am asked for so many things. They see my white skin and see money that can be used in so many ways. For example, earlier today a man started following me as I walked into town. I greeted him and he greeted me back. A little awkward. He then preceded to tell me how his home was broken into, how everything was stolen, how dangerous his neighborhood is, and how badly he needs to move his family away. The story ended with a plea for 1000KSH (about 18USD) that would allow him and his family to move into a safer neighborhood. This story happens to me at least once or twice a day. I work hard. Yet I often feel like the people still expect me to give more. More time. More money.

I need to take a few trips to see other places and to do a few other things. Maybe I will climb Mount Kenya. Maybe I will camp within the Kakamega Forest. Maybe I will go on a Safari. I'm in Africa. Why not see Africa? I need to find balance.

Eight.

The poverty of this place finally hit me a few minutes ago as I walked to the Internet Cafe. I passed a woman who was wearing a dress completely pieced together from scraps of plastic that she had found in the street. An outfit of trash from head to toe. How is something like this possible. Struggling to find focus. Everybody asks for help, for money, for a passport to America. It's hard to say "Hapana" (No) to so many. Part of me wishes that I would have gone to some place like the Virgin or Greek Islands. I could have had a vacation complete with cold drinks and even tan lines. But instead I go to bed each night completely exhausted.

The past few days have been busy. I've had several meetings with community officials regarding a few of the different projects that we hope to accomplish. I was also able to find a local business man who will help to manage my Cow Bank project once I leave. His name is Robert and he is very responsible, wise, and very anxious to help out in every way. We should have our project plans and budget developed by Friday and I will provide the details here for anybody that is interested. As always, your help and contributions are greatly appreciated.

Yesterday we finished preparing the beans that were harvested last week. The process is simple. Spread the bean pods over a tarp and beat them over and over with a stick until all the beans fall free. Once finished remove all bean pods and pull the tarp out into the sun to allow the beans to dry. While the process is simple the work is not. Completely different from my previous desk job at Boston Scientific. My hands have never been as blistered as they are now and for good reason. "Mzungu" (white people) do not work with their hands. In fact, this belief is so well established within Africa that I had an audience of nearly twenty people watching me as I beat bean pods with a stick for over two hours. Most of them were laughing the entire time. Dan says that I am different than any Mzungu he or they have ever seen and tries to prevent me from working whenever possible. The church members were going to bag the beans and set them aside for me after Pastor Dan and I left yesterday evening. I think they felt bad when they saw that some of my blisters had popped open. The hand sanitizer bath I gave them once I got home was not a good idea. I think the neighbors could hear me screaming.

Tonight I lead another bible study as well as our first weekly Business Concepts session. We will be talking about "Saving Money," as the concept doesn't really exist here in Chebukwa. The lesson should not only be good for the people in attendance, but also for me. Wish me luck.

Enjoy a few of the pictures here and others that I have posted in the Gallery. Continue to send comments and emails. I miss you all.

Picture 1: Beating the bean pods.

Picture 2: Gladys working hard.

Picture 3: Beatrice carrying away bean pods.

Picture 4: The fruits of our labor.

Seven.

"Mzungu! Mzungu! Mzungu!" This is what I hear all day every day. Little children yell it to me whenever I pass by. The mere sight of a white person with strawberry blond hair is exciting and scary all at the same time. My favorite part is when smaller children run away from me because they think that I am a ghost. I laugh. And then the older children laugh too because they realize that I am a normal human. Minus the white skin.

The past few days have been jam packed with activity. All exciting. All peaceful. 

A few days ago I spent the entire day working in a field harvesting beans with a few members of Pastor Dan's church. It felt good to work with my hands in such a beautiful place. Many of the church members kept laughing at me as I kept practicing my Swahili whenever possible. "Harbari!" (How are you) I would say. "Mzuri!" (I am good) they would respond. "Vieme koko tana" (It is a pleasure to meet you) I would say. And then everybody begins to laugh. They thank me for trying and say that I am getting better every day. I love the language and the people. I like harvesting beans and getting my hands dirty. Maybe I should become a farmer.

The bible study that I led this past Wednesday evening went really well. I talked about loving your neighbor as you love yourself and how we need to show our love through action, not just words. It was a good way to introduce the work that I hope to accomplish throughout the next few weeks. Many project ideas are being developed and I am starting to get really excited about one of them called, The Nafula Benkia Ng'ombe. (The Nafula Cow Bank) The basic concept is to provide high quality milk cows to the community and then provide community members with a way to buy into a milk distribution program. Each member will be able to obtain milk for themselves and for their families at an extremely fair price. They will also have the opportunity to own a cow and earn money from milk profits. Many things play into this project but we are very excited about the impact that it will have on a community that is so impoverished. Over 90% of the people in Chebukwa earn less than one dollar a day. Good things are beginning to happen.

Last night I developed a bad fever and went to bed early. It was a little bit scary as many of my symptoms were similar to Malaria. Pastor Dan and his wife Gladys came into my room, anointed my head with oil and offered prayers for me, for my strength, for my family, for my relationships, for my work, for my life. A very meaningful experience all together and was able to wake up this morning feeling strong and healthy. Asante Bwana! My sermon followed shortly after to a congregation of two hundred. An overall success for my first experience behind the pulpit.

Looking forward to getting back to work this coming week. I need to begin detailing out plans for my cow bank project as well as prepare my beans for drying and packaging. They will be used to feed the orphans within the community. Everything here has a purpose. This is a good place to be.

If you haven't already please take a moment to view some of the pictures that I have taken here in Kenya. I need to thank my friend Jess for providing me with a photography lesson over the phone at 10pm the night before I was supposed to leave for Africa. Your help is appreciated and I hope the photo's meet expectations.

More to come within the coming days. Please drop me a line when you have a few minutes. I enjoy hearing from every body!

Six.

A few days ago I awoke to screaming. It was four thirty in the morning and I thought that somebody was being abducted or beaten. I was terrified. But then I realized the scream wasn't a scream. Instead it was just the rooster crowing as he does every morning. He doesn't stop until we all wake up when the sun rises at six thirty. This is my life in Africa.

I made it to Bungoma in one piece after the most violent bus ride of my life. The roads here are beyond terrible and the drivers all bang on the steering wheel as if they are playing the bongos. The combined experience for passengers is pain. It was an ab work out just to sit in my seat for nine hours.

Pastor Dan met me at the bus station on Friday night and brought be back to his home. I was given a traditional African meal (ugali, beef, and boiled cabbage) and then shown my room. It was amazing to feel their hospitality. An incredibly humble and generous family. I am lucky to live with them for the next nine weeks. The next morning Dan brought me around Bungoma and then to Chebukwa. My official tour. We talked about the people, the needs that they currently have, and brain stormed a few ideas about how to help them in a sustainable way. Sustainability is key. The poverty is beyond comprehension, the sickness is everywhere. Dan said that many of the orphans had not eaten anything within the past three days and he was struggling to find a way to feed them all. A very challenging task when there are so many that are so hungry. My eyes are continually being opened to the struggle of these people. The good news: I see so much potential and so much opportunity.

Yesterday Dan brought me to his church in Chebukwa. It starts at ten thirty in the morning with only a few church members singing as loud as possible. The music calls people to worship and by eleven thirty the church was full, nearly one hundred and twenty five people strong. The service lasted for over three hours; filled with song, dance, prayer, preaching, loud preaching, more song, more dance, more prayer. It is easy to see how strong their faith is, how much they depend on God for safety and livelihood. At the end of the service Dan introduced me to the congregation and told them that I would be leading a weekly bible study on Wednesday afternoon as well as preaching next Sunday. Their smiles were huge and their cheers were loud. I was shocked.

I do not consider myself to be a missionary. Mission work was not the reason that I came to Africa. Yet here I sit with a new responsibility. And I am terrified. I walk through the streets and church members stop and tell me how excited they are to hear my word. They tell me that they want to learn about business and opportunity. They want to know how I am going to help save them. It's almost as if they think I am here to help to bring them completely out of poverty and out of sickness. I want to help, I want to do what I can. But I worry that I will let them down in some way. Dan has promised them a lot. How am I supposed to deliver.

Welcome to Africa.

PS - Yesterday a chicken walked into Dan's house and jumped up into a chair. It nestled around for about five minutes and then looked like it was about to poop. But instead of poop and Egg popped out. I love it here. Even chickens make themselves comfortable.

PSS - I am still trying to figure out how to upload photo's. The pictures that I have are amazing. Will try to post update soon.

Five.

Greetings from Nairobi! I got in late last night and took a cab to the Africa Inland Missions - Mayfield guesthouse. Extremelly jet lagged and really sore from my past twenty six hours of travel.

Woke up this morning on my own at four thirty and waited around until breakfast was served at seven. Many travelers and missionaries all doing wonderful things throughout eastern Africa. Met up with a Kenyan pastor named Peter who helped me get to the bus station and arrange my travel to Bungoma. I leave tomorrow morning at seven and am looking forward to meeting my host family and seeing where I will be living for the next ten weeks. I will work to post a few photo's when time allows.

I have a cell phone here in Kenya. Feel free to send me a text message or call any time. My number is: +254 713 957 325. However, you could save a little money if you were to simply post a comment or note via this website. In the mean time I am off to take a nap and work off some of this jet lag. Enjoy your day.