Saturday Oct. 4, 2008 a new Miss and Mr. Kibera were crowned at the Lainisaba grounds in Kibera. Despite our lack of funding (no funding), a two hour delayed start and two rainstorms the pageant was a total success. For the communities of Kibera near the Lainisaba grounds it was a day of laughter, performance, music, community unity and fun! We had such a great time watching the contestants strut down the rickety catwalk in their casual, traditional, creative, professional and dinner wear. The contestants also delivered a two minute speech to persuade the judges to vote for them and they also had to answer one question from the audience. The speeches were taken very seriously and delivered in the most professional manner. All of the contestants were between the ages of 18 and 21 and they really impressed their audience not only with their beauty, but also with their grace, intelligence and dedication to ISSA's vision for the youth of their community. The pageant is only a kickoff for a year long program between the contestants and an OVC child in Kibera. Our next challenge will be to host a fundraising dinner for 150 businessmen from Nairobi to fund the year long program. We will be more successful in soliciting funds for this program I am sure of it!
It is a nice Sunday in Nairobi, not too hot, slightly cloudy skies and warm intermittent rains. My roommates and I enjoyed an American style breakfast this morning at Java House, went grocery shopping at Chandara Supermarket (a new grocery store for us) and came home to clean house, study and prepare for next week. Too often we forget our purpose for being here is to study not to play. I think its because playing in Africa is whole lotta of fun!
6 comments:
Oh, you are so wise. Your pictures look amazing. In a way I am jealous, but I am not in too bad of a place right now... Oh you are also doing a better job of posting. Tell me your secrets...
Congratulations on a successful event Justine! It sounds like a very fun day. We had a great time at your Grandfather's party last night. I think he enjoyed himself and was pleased that so many people came to celebrate his 80 years.
Love,
Paula
j your stories continue to sounds amazing. it sounds like you are having so much fun and i love hearing about everything. i love that you're wearing the dress i gave you in that pic :)
miss you and love you lots
anja
the pictures are unreal, you really are getting some good stuff to remember this trip by. everything's good here, we all got colds after gramps birthday so we are taking it easy, your dad,todd and uncle tom are golfing today with Bob Miller from a radio show he is one of your unc's favorites I was the top bidder for this golf package so can't wait to see if they had fun with him. Of 'course they are both sick, but at least it stopped raining here so maybe it will be OK. Your birthday's coming up fast what are you going to do ride a hippo? kiss another giraffe, let me know. Aunti C
Justine, Hope this experience will be a gentle reminder that each day is precious and you do make a difference in many of our lives. Like seeing your smiling face, just miss your laugh!!! Love Elephants(Tons) Aunti Sherri
Hey Justine, a job well done and it brings out the clear picture of kibera and the noble work being done by the locals in a bid to improve their lives.
I hope that was just the start of greater things to come and that you really got inspired. All the best.
BETTY OKERE
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