Dear shower in my bathroom,

We're not breaking up; I just think we need to spend some time away from each other for a while. You are strong, hot and steamy. I'm going to miss you.

XOXO,
Linda

Less hair = More water

I don't like having long hair in Africa. Besides it being uncomfortable in the hot weather, there is a very practical reason for preferring shorter hair while out there: to conserve time and resources.

Depending on the village, families might have rain collection tanks as their water source, or river water, or if they're lucky, they have a well. In most places, you use bucket of water and a cup for your "shower". In some places, you might be lucky to have running water and a stand-up shower like you're used to in the West.

I don't mean to discourage anyone from volunteering. It's just like going camping. In fact, you can also use camping shower bags that past volunteers have donated. You can bring one of your own, of course.

In the end, less hair means using less water and firewood or coals, and spending less time in the stall with uninvited flying guests. Also, the haircut, valued at over $50, was free because the salon was a partner with Locks of Love and I had 10" of untreated hair to donate.

Cows and Bulls

At Dago village, they named this calf after me. Meet Linda the Cow. Don't laugh. Anyone else have a treasured animal in a foreign country named after them? So there.



At Oronkai village, Emmanuel has a bull named Balala, after a Kenyan politician. He didn't name it - I think a child of a friend named it.

I love my mom and her Engrish

(we are chatting on instant messenger)

Mom: Did you get some shock's yet?
Mom: You know what I mean? To pretend.
Me: Yes, Mom, I got my shots
Me: To protect
Me: :-)