Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Staff Luncheon
Last Friday I invited the BlueSky Adventures Staff over for a long-over-due luncheon at my house. It was a team effort in the food preparation, so we ended up with a feast of African, Indian, and American dishes :) Never thought I'd see chicken curry, ugali, and sweet potato casserole all on the same plate, but it actually made for a really good meal! After chai and cake (obviously a must when hosting Kenyans), I was asked to bring out my guitar. I sang a few songs of my own, but I enjoyed the free style that followed better. I started with a guitar rhyme, then the drum beat (made by a wooden spoon and dog bowl) joined in, followed with beat-boxing by one of the shadowers, and finally two staff members and I alternated with different melodies and lyrics. It was really fun. After this, I had the pleasure to listen to the "spoken word" (basically contemporary poetry) by a few talented facilitators. Even though it was in Swahili I thoroughly enjoyed it. I always have a blast when we're all together. I'm really going to miss these guys!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
30@30
My departure for the States is drawing closer. I leave in less than a month! It seems that my time here has flown by, yet when I think back on my arrival it seems forever ago. My experience in Kenya and with BlueSky has been invaluable, and I truly appreciate all of the support from friends and family that made my move here possible. With this said, I must be honest about something that is very hard for me to talk about. I am short in the amount that I need to raise for my time here. BlueSky is wonder for covering me thus far where I have lacked in finances, but I don’t want to leave Kenya without reimbursing the organization. Support raising is a difficult thing for me to talk about for many reasons:
Reason #1- I dislike money. I know, I know...we need it to survive in this world and I do believe that money (used in the right way) can create great opportunities and support great organization and endeavors. However, I hate what money does to people and to relationships. I hate that money holds such power. I hate that money creates such greed. But I suppose unless we all go back to bartering with cows and cornmeal (which I think I might be okay with) or we lived in a utopian society where money wasn’t necessary (which I would definitely be okay with), then money is just a reality and asking for support is just the nature of my ministry and job.
Reason #2- I have a difficult time depending on other people for things. I also have a difficult time appearing vulnerable. It is humbling for me to ask someone for something so necessary, and equally as humbling for me to admit that. Maybe that’s the point. Maybe that is what God wants me to learn from this experience. Maybe that is why my total amount of support hasn’t come through yet. Maybe I need to get rid of my pride. So here I am, depending on the Lord and his work through other people. Here I am, being vulnerable.
Reason #3- I don’t want people to be annoyed. To continue on the vulnerable route, I don’t like to inconvenience or pester people. I like to be helpful. I like to be liked. And I suppose my perception (however wrong it might be) is that people will be annoyed if I ask them for money; that money is a sensitive subject which no one likes to talk about, so I shouldn’t ask people for help in that way. Again, I’m sure some of this is rooted in pride. Pride in the way I appear towards other people. Pride in my independence. Even pride in thinking I know how other people are going to respond to this topic. So here I am, asking for help. I am still nervous that this might seem annoying, but I’m asking anyway. I must trust that people would give in cheer and love and not in obligation or frustration.
So here’s my proposal: 30@30. My goal is to have 30 people donate at least $30. At that point, I will be close enough to the total amount that I think I can cover the rest through my savings. Will you be one of those 30 individuals? If you can’t give, I would love if you might consider asking someone else that you think can (relative, friend, coworker). Thank you for reading this. Thank you for supporting me. And thank you for accepting these words and allowing me to be vulnerable.
How to Give:
You may give online at http://www.brackenhurstministries.org or by mailing a check to Brackenhurst Ministries 900 Westpark Drive, Suite 300, Peachtree City, GA 30269. Please include ‘for the ministry of Emily Baird’ on your check memo line or in the ‘projects’ category on the online giving option. All contributions are tax deductible and will be receipted at the end of the year.
For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to to his life? ~Matthew 6:25
Reason #1- I dislike money. I know, I know...we need it to survive in this world and I do believe that money (used in the right way) can create great opportunities and support great organization and endeavors. However, I hate what money does to people and to relationships. I hate that money holds such power. I hate that money creates such greed. But I suppose unless we all go back to bartering with cows and cornmeal (which I think I might be okay with) or we lived in a utopian society where money wasn’t necessary (which I would definitely be okay with), then money is just a reality and asking for support is just the nature of my ministry and job.
Reason #2- I have a difficult time depending on other people for things. I also have a difficult time appearing vulnerable. It is humbling for me to ask someone for something so necessary, and equally as humbling for me to admit that. Maybe that’s the point. Maybe that is what God wants me to learn from this experience. Maybe that is why my total amount of support hasn’t come through yet. Maybe I need to get rid of my pride. So here I am, depending on the Lord and his work through other people. Here I am, being vulnerable.
Reason #3- I don’t want people to be annoyed. To continue on the vulnerable route, I don’t like to inconvenience or pester people. I like to be helpful. I like to be liked. And I suppose my perception (however wrong it might be) is that people will be annoyed if I ask them for money; that money is a sensitive subject which no one likes to talk about, so I shouldn’t ask people for help in that way. Again, I’m sure some of this is rooted in pride. Pride in the way I appear towards other people. Pride in my independence. Even pride in thinking I know how other people are going to respond to this topic. So here I am, asking for help. I am still nervous that this might seem annoying, but I’m asking anyway. I must trust that people would give in cheer and love and not in obligation or frustration.
So here’s my proposal: 30@30. My goal is to have 30 people donate at least $30. At that point, I will be close enough to the total amount that I think I can cover the rest through my savings. Will you be one of those 30 individuals? If you can’t give, I would love if you might consider asking someone else that you think can (relative, friend, coworker). Thank you for reading this. Thank you for supporting me. And thank you for accepting these words and allowing me to be vulnerable.
How to Give:
You may give online at http://www.brackenhurstministries.org or by mailing a check to Brackenhurst Ministries 900 Westpark Drive, Suite 300, Peachtree City, GA 30269. Please include ‘for the ministry of Emily Baird’ on your check memo line or in the ‘projects’ category on the online giving option. All contributions are tax deductible and will be receipted at the end of the year.
For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to to his life? ~Matthew 6:25
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
My Daily Life Part 2
So where did I leave off? Oh yes, the animals. Sometimes I forget I live in Africa, but the random appearance of animals I would normally only see in a zoo helps me remember. I mean it’s not like people ride elephants in the streets or that I have to stop for a giraffe crossing (I live in a city much larger than anywhere I’ve lived in the States), but I’m always caught off guard by the types of animals that just show up. I have now come across a group of monkeys on my run three times, and apparently there was a monkey in our backyard the other day. (Seen by Lexi and the dogs.) But when I go to Lukenya (location of our challenge course) and get away from the city the animals just appear. Baboons have joined me rock climbing, herds of cattle have blocked my path, zebras have trotted by, and there was even a group of camels that stared me down as they feasted on the grass just opposite the feeble gate enclosing our property. One time, while running a group on the Squirrel (a high rope’s element where the participant flies up into the air like a flying squirrel) an antelope bounded through the bushes, in-between the high element, and straight towards our group before deciding to veer back onto the path of his newly appeared friends. There was nothing in my southern United States’ rearing that taught me the appropriate response to a charging antelope. We all just shrugged and continued. TIA. Yes, this statement is actually used. I wasn’t sure if it was some Hollywood fabrication, but TIA (this is Africa) is an African original. I’m not sure how frequently it is used (probably more by the expats than the actual Africans), but I was glad to have my use of the phrase legitimized. I’ve also heard TIK here (this is Kenya), but I think that might be a term only used by George, our course manager.
If you haven’t noticed by my recent lack of blog postings, things have been very busy this past month. It’s camp season, and though I don’t work for BlueSky Camp directly, there is a lot going on with my roommates and coworkers. Some new full time staff arrived in the middle of May, followed soon after by the summer camp staff. There is a lot of energy surrounding my job and BlueSky Adventures right now as well. I have been spending time focusing on leadership development with two of our lead facilitators. On May 1st, Njoki stepped up to a full-time position as Programming Manager and Sandhia came on part-time as Training Coordinator. The three of us ran a low training for 12 applicants and picked 6 people to hire as new facilitators. These facilitators went through high training with us and have been attending weekly Staff Mentor and Development meetings (SMDs) with Sandhia and I. Njoki (who has really become a dear friend) is an answer to something I wanted to see happen even before I moved to Kenya. I wanted to see a Kenyan in my position and wondered why that wasn’t the case. Though another American will be taking over as ‘Managing Director’ (and will do a great job), Njoki will be running everything from the actual Challenge Course Programming/Facilitator side. She is going to do wonderfully. And I’m really excited about the stability this is going to give the Kenyan facilitators. I’m sure it has been hard to change bosses so often, and this will fix that! It’s been great having Njoki and Sandhia (as well as George) around in the office more. Also, during the month of May, Kim (director of Brackenhurst Ministries), Dave (new staff, Director of Operations), Tom (director of BlueSky Adventures), Greg (new staff, incoming Managing Director after I leave), Stephen, Njoki, and I went on a BlueSky Adventures Vision Retreat. We nailed down four broad goals for the end of the year, how to accomplish them, and assigned a committee to each goal. And I am trying to wrap up things here so that the transition after I leave is a smooth as possible. (I’m working on things like writing a Training Manuel, better customer follow-up, better defined and structured programs, etc.) Oh yeah, and we’ve been holding interviews to hire a Client Relations Manager, who is due to start July 1st. Wow, sorry for all the information, but that’s what happens when I try to summarize such a busy month.
I was home for a week at the end of May for my brother’s wedding. It was a crazy, jet-lagged week, but incredible to see my family and share in that special day. I’m really happy for my brother and new sister-in-law. I brought a little of Africa with me in the form of a specially made dress (compliments of my friend Anna’s sewing ministry in one of the Nairobi slums). Pictures below of the process and final product!
Don’t worry, the whole bottle of Champaign wasn’t for me...I helped serve at the rehearsal dinner :)
It’s good to be back in Kenya. I missed everyone here, and I seemed to have been missed (even by the parking attendant and guard at my work who asked where I had been).
Since my return from the States, I have started thinking about my transition back in July. Though I am excited about the next stage in my life (I’ll be starting graduate school at Vanderbilt in the fall), I am very sad to be leaving Kenya. I will probably reflect on what I’ll miss the most later, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I am still present here, and I am going to be very busy during the next 6 weeks. However, I thought I might start to reflect on the things that I’ve learned so far, and things that could only happen in Africa. Here’s my personal TIA Tips:
A pineapple tastes better when you cut it yourself.
The only right away in traffic is your own. But matatus trump all. They’re annoying, but I rarely challenge them in traffic.
Don’t ask for a napkin at the dinner table or you’ll get a diaper. Serviette is the correct term. (It’s a British thing apparently.)
Tea time is amazing! Why don’t we do this in America?
I’ll save the rest for another time. Kwaheri (Goodbye)
If you haven’t noticed by my recent lack of blog postings, things have been very busy this past month. It’s camp season, and though I don’t work for BlueSky Camp directly, there is a lot going on with my roommates and coworkers. Some new full time staff arrived in the middle of May, followed soon after by the summer camp staff. There is a lot of energy surrounding my job and BlueSky Adventures right now as well. I have been spending time focusing on leadership development with two of our lead facilitators. On May 1st, Njoki stepped up to a full-time position as Programming Manager and Sandhia came on part-time as Training Coordinator. The three of us ran a low training for 12 applicants and picked 6 people to hire as new facilitators. These facilitators went through high training with us and have been attending weekly Staff Mentor and Development meetings (SMDs) with Sandhia and I. Njoki (who has really become a dear friend) is an answer to something I wanted to see happen even before I moved to Kenya. I wanted to see a Kenyan in my position and wondered why that wasn’t the case. Though another American will be taking over as ‘Managing Director’ (and will do a great job), Njoki will be running everything from the actual Challenge Course Programming/Facilitator side. She is going to do wonderfully. And I’m really excited about the stability this is going to give the Kenyan facilitators. I’m sure it has been hard to change bosses so often, and this will fix that! It’s been great having Njoki and Sandhia (as well as George) around in the office more. Also, during the month of May, Kim (director of Brackenhurst Ministries), Dave (new staff, Director of Operations), Tom (director of BlueSky Adventures), Greg (new staff, incoming Managing Director after I leave), Stephen, Njoki, and I went on a BlueSky Adventures Vision Retreat. We nailed down four broad goals for the end of the year, how to accomplish them, and assigned a committee to each goal. And I am trying to wrap up things here so that the transition after I leave is a smooth as possible. (I’m working on things like writing a Training Manuel, better customer follow-up, better defined and structured programs, etc.) Oh yeah, and we’ve been holding interviews to hire a Client Relations Manager, who is due to start July 1st. Wow, sorry for all the information, but that’s what happens when I try to summarize such a busy month.
I was home for a week at the end of May for my brother’s wedding. It was a crazy, jet-lagged week, but incredible to see my family and share in that special day. I’m really happy for my brother and new sister-in-law. I brought a little of Africa with me in the form of a specially made dress (compliments of my friend Anna’s sewing ministry in one of the Nairobi slums). Pictures below of the process and final product!
It’s good to be back in Kenya. I missed everyone here, and I seemed to have been missed (even by the parking attendant and guard at my work who asked where I had been).
Since my return from the States, I have started thinking about my transition back in July. Though I am excited about the next stage in my life (I’ll be starting graduate school at Vanderbilt in the fall), I am very sad to be leaving Kenya. I will probably reflect on what I’ll miss the most later, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I am still present here, and I am going to be very busy during the next 6 weeks. However, I thought I might start to reflect on the things that I’ve learned so far, and things that could only happen in Africa. Here’s my personal TIA Tips:
A pineapple tastes better when you cut it yourself.
The only right away in traffic is your own. But matatus trump all. They’re annoying, but I rarely challenge them in traffic.
Don’t ask for a napkin at the dinner table or you’ll get a diaper. Serviette is the correct term. (It’s a British thing apparently.)
Tea time is amazing! Why don’t we do this in America?
I’ll save the rest for another time. Kwaheri (Goodbye)
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