With school now closed we have begun to tackle some of the bigger projects at the school. We have been working on getting the facility into shape for the new term, which begins in January.
So far we have created a path and steps from the playground to the first grade classroom, in an effort to help cut down on the dust and dirt getting tracked in by the kids. We have also cleared the drainage ditch that catches the rain run-off from the roof. It had filled over the years with mud and other debris. We are still trying to come up with a solution to keep the dirt from washing into it. In the course of removing the dirt we discovered a step that had been completely buried. It felt like an archeogical dig! The kids have been very helpful. There are always several who are willing to pitch in and give a hand. This week we have begun to clean the classroom walls and floors. It is difficult or impossible to clean some, as some of the walls are just plaster and have not been painted. Some of the classrooms have no glass in the windows, so dust is constantly blowing in there. We have talked with the contractor who has done most of the work on the building. We want him to repair some of the concrete work. Unfortunately, the school needed to be used before all of the cement was completely dry when it was first constructed, so there are big holes in the floors of the hallway and in a few classrooms and the step edges have broken off or chipped. So it looks like an old building, even though it has only been used for a few years. He will begin the work next Monday so there is plenty of time for it to dry this time! When we return home, we plan to help raise funds so they can complete the building. Right now the second floor is usable, but needs concrete finishing work and glass installed in the classroom windows. The third floor is not useable at all. It has walls and a roof and that's about it. The stairwell is also unfinished, but is used, nonetheless.
There has been no rain here now for many weeks. I would not be surprised if it doesn't rain again before we leave in January. The name of the town we are in is Nakuru, which means "dust" in the Maasai language. We are beginning to understand now why it was named that. Most of the streets here are unpaved and have also turned to dust measuring inches thick. Since we mostly walk to get around, we always dread seeing a car coming down the road. There are lots of mini dust tornados, too. We are grateful to have a nice hot shower to go home to at the end of the day and hot tea waiting for us, too!
Love and miss you all!