PsychSense: Sensible Psychological Solutions

Sorry I couldn’t figure out how to deleate duplicate photos.

First hello to all and thanks to the many who donated to help me help African children. I raised over $1500.00 which enabled me to have $500 for  3 children’s programs and buy a few toys to go along with the suitcase full I brought from USA. I have already spent almost 500 on food and medicine for Children of the rising sun.  I am sorry I am unable to thank each of you personally. The kids thank you.

I am also sorry this took so long to get out but the complications and my learning curve were tough, but I am getting it. We move slower here due to the heat, although it is not as bad as I expected.

I arrived safely in Africa after a rather long 30 hour trip. I did manage to sleep a lot which helped pass the time. I spent 2 days in Nairobi which is a modern city with slums very close to extremely expensive homes. I managed to get in some wildlife viewing and met a Masi who gave us a tour and some great talk. He was so very bright and aware of the current situations in the world. I saw giraffes, black rinos, buffalo (not bison), huge flocks of wonderful flamingos with hyenas chasing them. This caused them to all take to flight in a fabulous show of movement and sound.  I of course took some Barak Obama stickers as he is viewed as a national hero here regardless of political view. This made me an instant hit with the people.

I arrived at the home for orphans Children of the Rising Sun after a long 8 hour bus ride that I managed to sleep through despite a bumpy road. The children were naturally very  interested to know if I brought them something and to check me out. Some were outgoing and friendly others shy, some looked scared or angry, it is hard to know what they were feeling but they sure didn’t ignore me!

I am doing some tutoring, many of these kids are so determined to succeed and will be taking difficult national exams soon.

I am playing with the kids a lot, eating lots of beans, rice and Ugali a staple that is made from maize and looks like bread dough. You use it like rice and cover it with whatever you have.

It is hard to put into words how the children from the orphanage have moved me so much already and it has only been one week since I arrived. They have a lot to teach us and I think I will try to capture what I have already learned or relearned from them.

• Helping one another and forming relationship bonds makes you stronger and safer.
  
• Happiness is not a matter of what you own or who you are.
  
• It’s the small things that make you happy.¦lt;br />  
• A personal favorite of mine: food (especially sweets) are not the focus of life.

Above you will find a picture of my Masi friend David, and the children playing with new soccer balls I (you) bought them.

You will also see a group photo of the children of the rising sun.

More to come,

Please send good vibs.