Seva Safari with Africa Yoga Project

Kelly dancing with the Maasai Women

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:12:23 -0400

Kelly dancing with the Maasai Women

I Want to Remember

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:59:49 -0400

I want to remember that everyone deserves to smile.

I want to remember that it is okay to feel each and every emotion.

I want to remember that sharing is giving.

I want to remember that a group of people is stronger than one person.

I want to remember that a smile, a touch or a hug can be more powerful than words it can say. “I am here for you”, “I love you”, “I care for you”, “feel better” - all in one simple gesture.

I want to remember that kindness comes in many forms - through a story, through touch, through giving a gift, through sharing.

I want to remember that a simple “how are you” can light up someone’s day.

I want to remember that service includes ourselves, so that we may continue to be of service to others.

I want to remember that I am bigger and more powerful than my tapes and stories.

I want to remember that I am powerful and that my power is generated from within.

I want to remember that when I want to run, I need to stay!

I want to remember that dreams do come true through the gift of giving, we inspire ourselves and others to step into something bigger.

But mostly I want to remember that we, hold the paint brush to our lives. We can choose to leave the canvas blank, succumbing to what is thrown our way. Or, we can pick up the paint brush and decorate the canvas using bright, bold colors, choosing to step into the co-creation of our lives.

I want to remember that I am the painter painting my can as with the colors we used to paint the playground in Kibera.

Kelly h. - Canada

Handstand circle during class!

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 22:42:59 -0500

Handstand circle during class!

BUILDING TRIUMPH

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 22:42:17 -0500

Today is already the end of day 9 of the trip and I’m at the point where I don’t really want to leave. I miss my daughter, my family, my friends…but the passion here is just too infectious to let go of. The people have been more than welcoming and appreciative to our service here in the community. I had a small child run up to me this afternoon and give me a random hug in the street…it was quick, yet incredibly symbolic to me of the society in which we have been visiting.

This morning, like last Saturday from my previous blog, we went to the Africa Yoga Project community yoga class where we shared our breath with another 180 people. The special surprise today was that our fellow Seva Safari teachers tag-teamed the room with their instruction. Paige, Pauline, Luca, Kelly, Kelly, Kelly, Leigh, Monica, Wanda, Sarah, Kristen, Daniel, Lori-Anne, Meghan and Heather led us through two and a half hours of incredible yoga practice. The spirit was huge, the hand-stands were high, the wheels were powerful and the joy was all around us. I want to acknowledge all of the teachers today who reminded me of my first ever practice 13 months ago…where at the Clarkson Power Yoga Canada, I sat on a mat for the first time, being led by many of my community teachers joining together for that Sunday Valentine’s class.

What Paige and the rest of the Africa Yoga Project community have created is a generator for love and generosity here in Nairobi. Every teacher has been a joy to work with in Kibera, they have all been been so powerful in their teaching and assisting, and always enthusiastic to be involved in creating endless possibility for everyone around them. The AYP leaders here in Nairobi: Paige, Meghan, Pauline, Luca and Billy (“Take a Break”) have all given so much of themselves and I would like to acknowledge and congratulate them on putting together a wonderful service trip and an emotional journey of life design that I want to continue to live when I return to Canada.

Simply what is being created by AYP here in Nairobi is a wave of endless TRIUMPH…and its spreading quickly.

Steve, Canada

"How are you?"

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:29:34 -0500

Day 3 at the work site began as we entered Kibera with more, “how are you?” from the children. It is as if they are told when seeing any white person to shout at them, “how are you?”. Most of them have no idea what it means or do not even understand the answer. It is very welcoming though to be greeted like that upon entering the Kibera slum. It was also cool to notice all the people wearing the “TOMS” shoes. A brand of shoes int he US that claims to donate a pair of shoes to people in East Africa whenever you buy a pair. Thy are simple canvas slip on’s that cost about $60.00.

Arriving at the roof top playground we finished building rockets, cubbies, painted slides, black tires and put up the swing set. It actually started to look like a playground at the end of the day. We also got to announce to the children at the Kibera school for girls that we were building them a playground on the roof of their school that would be ready by the end of the week. Most of them had no idea what a playground was so we showed them some photos. The smiles and cheers were unbelievable. The children also performed a song for us about how educations is the key to becoming a doctor, lawyer or whatever they wanted to be. It brought tears to my eyes.

On the way home home we had a surprise stop at the elephant orphanage where we each got to adopt a baby elephant. This was one of the most incredible experiences. My elephant is names Ishanga. She arrived at the orphanages when she was just one year old and was rescued from the jaws of a lion by the Ziwani team. she was orphaned due to poaching.

I had the chance to pet her and she drank water from the palms of my hand with her trunk which felt like a vacuum. As a parent I will receive monthly updates by email. Day 3 was an amazing day. Looking forward to what day 4 will bring!

Jodi, USA 

Jon, in the blue shirt, celebrating with group and AYP teachers!

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 23:44:34 -0500

Jon, in the blue shirt, celebrating with group and AYP teachers!

Playground on a roof? In Kibera?

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 23:41:00 -0500

When I was approached with this project as director of Playground

IDEAS, USA, I knew this was going to be a different project. As we

finish our final day on the project, with a wonderful playspace

completed, I know that it has been a project unlike any other. Lots

of challenges were thrown at us – broken battery chargers, lost tools,

buying a hedge clipper thinking they were bolt clippers. But LOTS of

things went our way – a supportive school, great weather, and most

importantly, a truly wonderful team of people who were dedicated,

flexible, fun and good-spirited. Together, we build a really great

playspace with lots of fun, dynamic equipment. I learned a bunch of

improvements to our designs and some entirely new designs (pinwheel

from a water bottle!).

What a great project to be a part of. I feel truly blessed to be

included not only in the building of the playground but to be welcomed

into the group. I have been learning yoga, a little intimidating

considering how good people are, but with the help of some Ibuprofen,

I’ve been able to hang in there.

I want to thank the group and the AYP teachers for all their hard work

in making this a successful project. Together, we created a very

special space for the kids of Kibera to just be kids.

Jon Racek - Director of Playground Ideas, USA

Penelope and her friend. Head teacher at the school on site the...

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:48:34 -0500

Penelope and her friend. Head teacher at the school on site the prison

Really? HOW ARE YOU!

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:44:37 -0500

“How are you?”, “How are you?”, “How are you?” The refrain we have heard all week from the children in Kibera…just words of greeting to white strangers passing by, words without meaning, words not expecting an answer, and yet….

How are we after our week in Kenya, our five days in Kibera? What do we think, what do we feel in this somewhat bittersweet moment of finishing, and knowing that we are not really finished with what we have started here; of feeling fulfilled from our hard work, and of feeling, perhaps, somewhat empty as we leave this teemingcity within a city, encompassing some of the most dire poverty in the world?

Our week together has encompassed many experiences and a roller coaster of emotions, starting with meeting 20 some new people, all with their stories waiting to be told and finishing with a joyous time of dancing with Billy. For me, watching Billy dance was a highlight of the trip (but then, I probably like watching good dancers more than just about anything). In between, we have built a playground, gotten sunburned doing so, laughed and cried, eaten lots of rice and beans, or rice and lentils, petted baby elephants and learned how they need us too; we have met children who are as sweet as any in the world, and apparently, as loved; we have worked and practiced yoga side by side with amazing youngKenyans; and we have shared much of our lives with one another.

We have questioned our commitments to service and learned that they are strong. We have worked in the midst of appalling conditions to build toilets for the surrounding community; regardless of our nausea, and disgust that this is what poverty breeds, we have persevered and we have succeeded in helping make a few people’s lives better. Yes, we will go back to our comfortable homes and our showers with constant hot water. We will go back to our everyday lives and our work and our families but we will not be the same. We will return, if not to Kibera, to the neighborhood down the street that needs our help; we will know that we can’t fix the world but that some people are making a difference, a little bit at a time, and we are part of those people.

How are we? I think we’re just fine.

Joni watching the elephants walk by!

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:42:57 -0500

Joni watching the elephants walk by!

Peter, Kelly P., and Leigh in front of the Community Toilet...

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:58:55 -0500

Peter, Kelly P., and Leigh in front of the Community Toilet project.

Two Views

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:56:00 -0500

I find Nairobi to be a place full of contrast, from the beautiful joyous colours of the rainbow to the monotones of gray, for the oasis of The Shining Hope School For Girls in a city of tin, to the walled compounds of the big beautiful homes.

The absolute highlight of my trip (thus far) was visiting Gracious School in the second largest slum of Nairobi. From the time we walked into the school we were greeted with smiles, giggles and an abundance of love. I was being showered with their love during our yoga practice with over 25 energetic kids, and through my beaming smile I poured my heart to them. I could not help to feel anything but sheet happiness which happened to be the teachers name.

In contrast I had the opportunity to go work on the community toilet project, a facility that will provide service to over 1,000 people in the tin city. We took our usual path and with our first turn into the tiny housing structures The Shining Hope School was fading away. As corridors narrowed and the smells grew more pungent we arrived on our job site. The frame work of a 3 stall community toilet laid on the other side of a sewage ditch, the same ditch we would step across as we hauled bags of mortar mix to begin adding bricks row by row to the walls. Gathering the bricks from off the existing piles of trash, we made progress yet the work felt so empty as eyes gazed upon the sobering images around me.

Contrast in Nairobi is part of my daily experiences. Experience both of beauty and of harsh reality that I will always have with me and treasure. Namaste, Kelly P., USA

Kelly McCoy and her new BFF’s!

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:28:46 -0500

Kelly McCoy and her new BFF’s!

Kibera - Stepping out of your comfort zone

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:25:59 -0500

Often we find ourselves staying where we are comfortable…staying where things feel safe…afraid of what might be waiting for us around the corner. But what if what’s waiting is something so great… What if taking that step could shift something inside of you, making space for something new. I knew that coming to Nairobi was taking me out of my comfort zone but what I didn’t realize is just how far out I would go.

Stepping into Kibera (the neighborhood in which we are building a playground), was like nothing I have experienced before. Words cannot describe what my eyes have seen and what my heart has felt. All week we have been in Kibera working on our service project and today was our last day. What started as a slab of cement, some tires, rope, wood and paint has been put together to create the most beautiful playground that I have ever seen. This playground was built with such love and joy and wouldn’t have been possible without my fellow Seva safari participants, our facilitators, and all of the Africa Yoga Project (AYP) teachers. Together we made change happen and I am so proud and honored to have been a part of it. During the week we were able to spend some time with the girls that attend the school where we were building a playground and being able to do this for them, seeing their faces lit up, smiling ear to ear all week, has tattooed a mark on my heart. Tears streamed down my face as they sang for us the other day, knowing the possibilities that the Shining Hope Organization is bringing to each of their lives…and mine. And then today I felt joy as we celebrated the end of an amazing week, united by a yoga class that was led by Pauline. Together we unified…black and white, rich and poor, old and young…all brought together by what started as one vision of possibility and change.

On my journey to Kenya, and since I have been here, I have realized that no matter how much you have or what that looks like, you cannot be happy, feel love and joy without the love and support of people that surround you.

So….look around you, see how supported you are, have gratitude for each person that comes into your life and be present to what they are offering you….they love you. Share with others what you feel in your heart. Stepping outside of my comfort zone has been the best thing that i could have ever done. I am forever changed by the people of Kenya…my friends…my family.

Love, Kelly M. Xoxo

One of Sue’s favourite parts is playing with the girls! ...

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:31:07 -0500

One of Sue’s favourite parts is playing with the girls! She is working on a way to get glasses to the girls :). Her daughters should be very proud of their mom!

Eyes Wide Open

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:18:37 -0500

I have been in Kenya for 5 days now and every single moment has been inspirational! I constantly have my EYES WIDE OPEN - I do not want to miss a thing. I have been waiting a long time for this experience and had high expectations, but this adventure is exceeding those expectations in every way!

From the moment I arrived, I have been in awe of Nairobi and it’s people. Nairobi is very different from home, but this place works in its own way. There are some areas that could use some help, but for the most part, this place is vibrant and is working as it should.

My interactions with AYP has shown me how wonderful this place can be. The AYP teachers have shared their lives, their homes, their children with us, and the happiness that emanates from them is overwhelming. The positive changes that AYP is bringing to it’s community is not only heart warming, but impressive. It leaves me wanting to know more and experience more of what AYP does.

The children here are amazing. Every interaction I have had with children has made me smile. They are so loving and excited and happy. We visited the women’s prison and painted the children’s schoolhouse. I was struck by the similarities of these kids to my kids. As soon as I pulled out my camera, these kids were ready to pose! They would flock to the camera and immediately ask to see the picture once I had taken it. The girls’ favourite colours were pink and purple. The boys like blue. There was a chain hanging from what was once a swing set and the children wanted me to push them on the chain. I started with one child and the line started. I would lift the children up to this chain that only went about a foot from the top bar and hold tight to push them a few times back and forth. They loved it and wanted more. I started making a circle with two children to play a game and within seconds the circle grew to about 15 kids. These kids wanted to play and I was the new playmate. Just like my kids, they did not want to miss out on the fun! It was very hard to leave them when it was time to go. Leaving was made easier knowing that we had brightened up their schoolhouse with bright colours.

Our main service project on this trip is to build a playground for the Kibera School for Girls. A school supported by Shining Hope for Communities. I could not wait to get to this school and meet these girls. I had watched the “I Know I Can” video a hundred times. My girls love it and sing the song all the time. I have shared it with many friends. Once again, I have not been let down. What Shining Hope is doing for this community is simply amazing. I feel extremely lucky to be part of the group building the playground for these children.

Not only have my eyes been wide open, but my smile has been wide all week. I am continuously struck by the similarity of these girls and my girls. When we first met them, they wanted to know about us. They asked us questions and cheered at the answers that were similar to their answers. Once again, pink was a strong favourite colour! And many of the girls loved math. What can I say, girls after my own heart!

Today we announced to the girls that we are building a playground on the top of the roof of their school. The cheers and ooohhs and aaahhhs brought tears to my eyes. It makes me want to do more! I am already planning!

This school is an oasis in the middle of the Kibera Slum. I had been worried about visiting the slum, but I was very surprised by the vibrant life and economy. My eyes, ears, nose, everything is wide open when I walk through the slum to get to the school to build the playground. I do not want to miss anything. It is a city unto itself. You name a type of store and it is there. I believe I could purchase pretty much anything in Kibera. There are banks, bars, hair salons, photography studios, hotels, cyber cafes, etc. The people here are living their lives as they want. This place works. I have quickly accepted this place and realize that I do not want it to change. I do wish I could make a few things better - ensure clean water, sanitation and garbage pickup, but by and large, I like what I see. And I want to see more!

The days are flying by. I will be home before I know it, but this place and this experience will be with me forever. I have a feeling I will think of the children here often when I am looking at my children. I know for sure that I will leave Kenya with a smile on my face and my eyes wide open!

Monica moving on to the next playground task!

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:37:03 -0500

Monica moving on to the next playground task!

A Lesson From Billy

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:36:00 -0500

Today, day two of building in Kibera. Today was a great day. Yesterday not such a great day. But that’s how it goes. Yesterday my sympathy and my sadness wore me out. I wore me out. It was our first day building and what excitement, I felt like I was ready for anything. My first job were tires and logs. I felt so strong, I even carried three tires at a time up lots of stairs. Then we painted. We needed to paint tires and wood which would be the equipment we’ll be using for the playground. We used pinks, blue, orange, yellow. I remembered thinking ” wow this feels so meditative”. Then it was lunch time. We saw the children playing at recess. Using string for jump rope. I remember being so excited at the thought of giving them the jump rope I brought for them. This feeling made me feel so willing and open that I volunteered to conquer a new assignment in the afternoon. The community toilet. I did not anticipate where my emotions were headed. I still can’t put into words what I felt. I felt emotions I tried so hard to ignore. I covered up with a smile. I stayed looking strong. I ignored the stomach pains, the feelings of disgust, the feelings of guilt that I couldn’t do more, that I don’t do enough, feelings of guilt that I was even feeling these feelings. I wanted to wallow in this pain all by myself. I thought if I couldn’t help then I shouldn’t be here. I started to drown in self pity, sadness and guilt but I thought ’ who am I to even complain about my emotions’ I shouldn’t have any excuses. I’m not allowed too. Today I told myself I would ignore as much as I can and stay on the roof. I thought that would be easier, but hiding is not easy. Building a wall around me is not easier. Today I not only had my sunglasses on but also my mask. I shoved down a lot of what i had been experiencing. It was easy to do today because I really had so much fun. We built the ladder for the monkey bars and hammered nails into think wood and sawing. I was sawing!!! And to top it off i finished my working day by making a sun out of a tire. Really cool. But being of service is not always going to be on a roof, doing fun things, making people happy. It’s exhausting thinking that people will only like me if I’m happy, because I haven’t always been happy on this trip, and when I’m sad, I feel alone, alienated and only I do that to myself. Why did i come on this service trip? Why have I wanted to always volunteer ? And now why do I want to leave? I want to save everyone. And as Billy said tonight “that is exhausting”. The point is not to come and fix anyone or save everyone. The point is to take a risk for once in my life and find connection in a much deeper way. I must be willing to fall apart, I must be willing to expose myself and i must be willing to take a stand for myself and others. It is the times I have shared tears with someone that I’ve felt the most connected or shared laughter from a place of real joy, not needing to say the ‘right’ thing or do the ‘fun’ thing. Taking a risk and being real leads to connection, connection leads to Collective joy, energy, peace, love, power. Wow….with connection the possibilities are endless and so much easier to conquer. So take a risk, connect with someone today.

Monica, Canada

Kelly M.’s quote at one of our nightly meetings

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:34:40 -0500

Kelly M.’s quote at one of our nightly meetings

Kelly admiring the playground oasis ;)

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:14:34 -0500

Kelly admiring the playground oasis ;)