Leslie, that great Woman of the World, sends us another report from her Kenya Peace Corps assignment:

"Pole Sana..... Very sorry
"I know it has been a long time since I last wrote and I am sure many of you are wondering whats going on with me:) so I am here to quench all your suspicions. No I have not been attacked and SARS is a million miles away. I have been very busy traveling back and forth between Mombasa and the south coast for work. For all you map lovers, I work primarily between Vanga (on the boarder of Tanz) up to Shimoni/Wasini Island.

"Here I am working on a new project that encompasses 16 villages for a Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) Our goal is to bring all the communities together to pool resources so that they can network together to expand production and market goods collectively to increase income. In the spirit of conservation through enterprise we are hoping if they can expand their village resources they will curtail their fishing activities thus reducing pressure on the reef. There is a large problem with over fishing here so we are trying to help the local communities utilize potential resources while working to preserve the reef. It has been a amazing experience going into theses villages. For many it is the first time they have ever sat down and evaluated all the resources they have. It is also the first time they have discussed the different rolls women, men and youth play in the village. It is amazing to watch them debate and discuss what life in the villages entails. It is a unique experience to say the least!! I feel so lucky to be part of such a process.

"The villages are located in very remote areas, one we visited we had to drive down a foot path! I thought they were joking when they turned to go down the "path" but an hour later we arrived at the village. I am often the star attraction when we arrive. Most of the villages have never seen a white person so I get the stares from everyone. The children usually stand two feet behind me and just stare. Sometimes one gets the courage to come around the front side and look at my face but then laughs and runs to the back. It is very Innocent and sweet. I don't mind it, I guess because it is a nice break form the city kids which shout HOW ARE YOU, HOW ARE YOU as a wazungu (white person) walks down the street. I'll take village kids any day over city kids.

"I generally try to sit with the women at these meetings which is great because they are so boisterous amongst themselves. They have so much to say and are truly the ones that run life here. They do a good job of welcoming me either by chatting with me, giving me wraps (so I look Swahili) or painting henna/pico on my hands. Our trips to the south gives me a great perspective on village life. As I have said before I have the best of both worlds. It is crazy! last week I returned from a week in the village and then headed down to Diani with my English neighbors to a three day fund raiser for the Kwale District Eye Center. It was a weekend filled with beach sports, obstacle courses, free food and lots of drinking. There were people from all over Kenya, primarily white KC (native white Kenyans) that took part in the games. Sometimes I wonder how the two different worlds coexist. It is hard to balance my life here but I think I have accepted that it is just two different worlds and that I can not really balance them all I can really to is observe and try to move between them as much as possible. Maybe one day I will write a book!!

"I am returning to the states at the end of the month for a short visit, It will be great to see everyone and to do some very needed shopping. I hope you are all doing well I miss you all very much. I will try to update you more often."
Take care,
Love,
Leslie