Banjika Day 2 (Day 9: May 26)

Hi from Saj and Jaz!! We started off the day with our last breakfast at the hotel in Karatu, where we enjoyed omelettes and fresh fruits. We departed for the school at around 9am, where we were greeted by the kids hanging out on the field. We ate some light snacks including masala chai and donuts. Once most of the kids finished their morning exams, we met outside to bond through some activities led by us. We played red light, green light with the students and afterwards we played Simon Says where we shared lots of laughter with the students. We had a lot of free time to get to know our homestay buddies and the other buddies as well! We talked with the kids about where they live, their favorite subjects, their families, and more. We played card games including UNO, go fish, and speed. We then ate lunch with the Banjika students before we had our Swahili lesson where we learned basic words and phrases that would help prepare us for the homestays. After, we went outside so everyone could find their buddy to say goodbye and head home. Everyone split up in different groups and walked together with their buddies back home. The walks back home ranged from 3-30 minutes. Jazlyn arrived home after a 20 minute walk and then helped the family wash dishes along with some other chores. Ericka, a friend of her homestay Rebecca, came over and practiced Swahili with her. Afterwards, she played some games with Rebecca and her 3 little brothers. She helped prepare for dinner by cutting up the meat. Sajni got home after a 30 minute walk home, where her family walked her around the village Doffa to familiarize herself with the area. She helped peel some potatoes to prepare for dinner, where she enjoyed a family dinner in the living room with Amina, her aunt, and her 4 siblings. After dinner, we played UNO, Farkle, and Spot it as a family before we did chores together. Both Jazlyn and Sajni ended their nights with bucket showers, journaling, and some reading!