As I sit here packing, I am reminded of all the people I'm leaving behind for a month. I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support. Particularly, those of you who have donated to Kageno or have donated goods for us to bring along. I did not expect such a large response and I am very grateful, as are those people supported by Kageno. And I assure you, your donations will go a long way...
I leave tomorrow... Stay Tuned!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Where are you going?
I'm often asked, "Where exactly are you going?" All I can say is Rusinga island is a land far, far away.
A flight from Chicago to Amsterdam? 7hrs
A flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi? 10hrs
A train from Nairobi to Kisumu? 12hrs
A car from Kisumu to Lwanda Koteino? 2hrs
Ferry from Lwanda Koteino to Mbita? 2hrs
A car from Mbita to Rusinga/KAGENO? 30mins
The entire journey? Timeless
A flight from Chicago to Amsterdam? 7hrs
A flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi? 10hrs
A train from Nairobi to Kisumu? 12hrs
A car from Kisumu to Lwanda Koteino? 2hrs
Ferry from Lwanda Koteino to Mbita? 2hrs
A car from Mbita to Rusinga/KAGENO? 30mins
The entire journey? Timeless
Africa, Kenya's on the East coast borders: North: Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan. West: Uganda. South: Tanzania. East: Indian Ocean
Map of Kenya from Lonely Planet
Look in southern Kenya in the middle, you'll find Nairobi the capital. Then go West until you hit Lake Victoria and a bit North and you'll find Kisumu.
Rusinga and Mfangano are West of Kisumu in Lake Victoria
The Islands
Kalunga Beach, Rusinga Island
KAGENO KENYA
Friday, December 11, 2009
Journey to Rusinga
In 2006, as a third year medical student, I spent two amazing months in Kenya, on Lake Victoria. I have been blessed with the opportunity to return to this beautiful region for another month. I will be spending the majority of my time on the Rusinga Island, with an organization called KAGENO. I will also be "boating" over to a neighboring island, Mfangano (where I spent the majority of my previous trip) to work on Kageno's newest project.
In 2006, my trip was filled with emotional dichotomy. I went with Operation Crossroads Africa, an organization who sends students all over Africa for two months each summer to work with various projects. Our project involved health care and education in the Lake Victoria region of Kenya. This organization is well run, organized and planned an eye-opening adventure for the nine of us. However, the days spent in Lake Victoria often ended in frustration. Our daily mobile clinics to various Lake Victorian islands were worth while, however, it was difficult to leave. Knowing that when we departed in our little boat the island would be left without basic health care was quite frustrating, to say the least. However, what could we do?
In 2006, my trip was filled with emotional dichotomy. I went with Operation Crossroads Africa, an organization who sends students all over Africa for two months each summer to work with various projects. Our project involved health care and education in the Lake Victoria region of Kenya. This organization is well run, organized and planned an eye-opening adventure for the nine of us. However, the days spent in Lake Victoria often ended in frustration. Our daily mobile clinics to various Lake Victorian islands were worth while, however, it was difficult to leave. Knowing that when we departed in our little boat the island would be left without basic health care was quite frustrating, to say the least. However, what could we do?
What's in a name?
Greetings to all,
I have created this blog for any and all of those interested. In the upcoming month, I will take up residence on the small island of Rusinga, in Lake Victoria. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you. I hope my journey and the journey we share on this blog will be both enlightening and educational.
Adhiambo is a common name in West Kenya, where mostly the Luo tribe of Kenya resides. Most Luo surnames are a description of the person's birthday. Adhiambo, or Odhiambo (if you are a man), means born in the late afternoon or evening. I was given this name by my Mwalimu (teacher) during my last trip to Kenya because I was born around 6pm. I often would introduce myself as Becca Adhiambo and the children would giggle and think I was crazy. I look forward to many more introductions as Becca Adhiambo.
Safari means to go on a journey in Swahili, the language of much of East Africa. And that is exactly what I am doing, embarking on a new journey...stay tuned.
I have created this blog for any and all of those interested. In the upcoming month, I will take up residence on the small island of Rusinga, in Lake Victoria. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you. I hope my journey and the journey we share on this blog will be both enlightening and educational.
Adhiambo is a common name in West Kenya, where mostly the Luo tribe of Kenya resides. Most Luo surnames are a description of the person's birthday. Adhiambo, or Odhiambo (if you are a man), means born in the late afternoon or evening. I was given this name by my Mwalimu (teacher) during my last trip to Kenya because I was born around 6pm. I often would introduce myself as Becca Adhiambo and the children would giggle and think I was crazy. I look forward to many more introductions as Becca Adhiambo.
Safari means to go on a journey in Swahili, the language of much of East Africa. And that is exactly what I am doing, embarking on a new journey...stay tuned.
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