Mosquito Ishindwe!

Having been invited, by Diego, to go to Lungalunga to a Malaria outreach with Safe Shimoni, Kate and Feroza got up early to get the bus. But they should have remembered, "This is Kenya!" and that the buses very rarely arrive at the time stated. Realising that no one actually knew when the bus would arrive they decided the best thing to do would be to help Jacob and Reilly out with painting Shimoni Primary School Library until Diego phoned to let them know it had arrived. The bus finally arrived and we were off, bumping our way down the dirt road.

Hassan and some of the Safe Shimoni guys, who encouraged us to sit with them at the back of the bus, had the bump technique sorted. However, Kate and Feroza found conversation whilst being repeatedly lifted off the seat was rather difficult although fairly amusing if not slightly painful.

Shimoni was the last village to be picked up by the bus and so unfortunately they had missed a fair amount of the information and entertainment but we were all ushered into seats to watch the rest of it. Then came with freebies! Both Kate and Feroza were given T-shirts, bandana, key ring, bag and hat as did everyone else.

Sporting our new "Ishindwe" segalia we happily involved ourselves in the day’s activities; opting out of the free and speedy malaria testing stall but choosing to view the deadly and unattractive mosquitoes up close and personal under a microscope. Deciding that real life size mosquitoes are scary enough without their fangs being magnified we were reminded again about the ferocity of these creatures and quickly moved on!

Several health professionals had congregated to highlight the issue of malaria through the use of amateur dramatics. This consisted of fun sketches, poetry, reading, hip hop rap, children's drama and singing.

The event brought together the serious topic of Malaria and combined it with humorous entertainment to round off a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Speeches followed but as these are largely in Kiswahili, they were difficult to follow but our understanding was they were congratulating the positive work the teams had achieved so far and the continuing work needed - Well done teams!!

After a quick chai and chapati (a must for any day) we shared beans and rice while we eagerly awaited the return of the bus. Having been reminded of Kenyan time again, we happily immersed ourselves in the spectators position in the "aftershow party" (even after a lesson on the methods of traditional dancing) we were not convinced enough to partake but enjoyed the live music and party atmosphere nonetheless. Food, live music, education, entertainment, freebies and good fun - Lunga Lunga all in a good days work!!

Mosquito Ishindwe!