Returning home (to Muhaka) from Tsavo was a long but relaxing drive. We got home and on the Friday got stuck into work at the school. We were clearing the classrooms that had junk in them and putting rooves on them.
The weekend was much cherished as we had all worked so hard and it felt so good to have some time to relax and unwind.
Last Sunday we received some very unfortunate news that Mama passed away due to sickness. It was extremely sad to hear as we were so close to finishing the shower and toilet block and handing it over to her. We visited her grave and paid our respects to her. Her three grandchildren (who now have no next of kin) have to look after themselves but live in very poor conditions. We became aware of the state they have to live in so we all put in a donation that will go to a Trust so their Secondary Schooling and essentials are helped paid for. Due to her mourning we worked at the school last week completing what we started on the Friday back in Muhaka. It seems like the sun is getting hotter and more blistering as we all sweated up a storm. I think everyone would be proud to hear that my manual labour skills have improved a heck of a lot! I can actually saw through a piece of thick wood and hammer nails in straight (these were both personal challenges beforehand!)
It is so great to see everyone so stuck into work and wanting to get everything done. Glancing at everyone throughout the week, it really made me feel like we are such a strong team, achieving such great things and it is so rewarding!
This week a group of us wenk to Camp Kaya, a 20 minute walk from Muhaka. Here we stayed in tents and worked on planting more trees for the forest which is absolutely beautiful We cleared unwanted weeds and harmful trees and planted some lovely new ones. I now realise how much I love gardening and I think when I get home I want to start a Vegetable Garden (not sure how long that is going to last though). I enjoyed staying at Kaya a lot apart from getting a jigga in my toe EW! But it was removed thank goodness. No one has had a good run at all with jigga's, one boy had 12 jigga's in his feet! He ended up having to get them removed from hospital, poor guy! He's better now though :)
On Friday we went to the Diani Beach Colobus Trust where we learnt all about monkeys and helped their habitat by planting trees and building another crossing ladder that is placed above the main road so they don't get hurt when crossing the road (its a really good idea!)
I have enjoyed every second of being here. From the minute of landing up until now, there have been up's and downs but it has all been a part of the experience. Now with only two weeks to remain we get stuck into the last lot of project work. The other group has gone to Tsavo which means we won't see them again now :( It was a sad depart, but we are all sure to catch up again soon. The rest of us are going to Makongeni this week for Marine Conservation and then complete our final week working at the school and completing Mama's toilet to hand it over to her three grandchildren. I am so sad that our placement is coming to a close, I don't want to say goodbye!
I will update you all next week!
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