Yesterday was quite the day. We conducted our first three of
38 food security interviews and they are ones that will not soon leave my
memory. Two of the three women get by with the vegetables grown in their
‘shamba’ or kitchen garden but have consistently gone without meals in the last
month. One woman’s maize reserve ran out two weeks ago and since then hasn’t
had anything to eat. The crops aren’t doing well and they desperately need
rain. If things go well they may get some maize come July. I am completely
blown away by the complete lack of food security that is a common everyday
occurrence in these women’s lives. What amazes me even more is the kindness and
generosity that they display towards us regardless of their situation – a cup of
tea, or some cut up paw paw
(papaya) is often offered when we come. This trip will be one of
perspective and I will never again use the phrase “I’m starving”.
We were also pulled over on our way home by the police (they
regularly pull cars over only to be paid off by the drivers) and as I was
sitting in the trunk of the station wagon (there weren’t enough seats for all
of the nutrition people plus the translator and as the car has no seatbelts
anyway I figured the trunk had more room, why not?) they figured they could get
some more money out of our driver. They also found it quite hilarious that a
‘mizungo’ or white person was sitting in the trunk and proceeded to take my
picture. 300 Kenyan shillings later (about $4) we were on our way with me out
of the trunk and squished into the back seat.
I also had two firsts yesterday… I milked a cow and participated
in the butchering of one of the cow’s raised by the sisters for the food in the
hospital. Let’s just say that food safety standards here are different than
they are in Canada!
Thanks to everyone who is commenting on the blog – it makes
me feel a little closer to home and I really appreciate it. I am still
struggling with the length of time it takes to download pictures so will try
and figure something out as soon as possible.
Janet
ReplyDeleteWe have enjoyed reading your blog and your photos are fabulous. You have mentioned kale in your blog a few times. We ate alot of kale when we were growing up. I remember it was a substitute for cabbage. Keep safe.
Esther