Sunday in Korogocho

On Sunday we went to one of the largest slums in Nairobi, Korogocho.
What a moving experience.

We met young adults and college students who are organizing the community around improving their neighborhood and the quality of life in the slum. Over eighty percent of Korogocho residents are home brewers, and the majority of brewers are women.
Home-brewers produce illegal alcohol, also known as chang’aa (clear liquor made from grain), that harm and even kill those that consume it. In addition to the alcohol addiction, an estimated 80% of these residents are HIV/AIDS victims.

Often, these home-brew businesses are passed down to the brewers children once the parent(s) is too sick or has passed away. Under the new Kenyan Alcohol Law "mini-brewers would potentially set up their business at the local level and gain market share depending on how well they are able to control their costs." Most home-brewers think that this will be a positive spin on their business, however community leaders think it will do the exact opposite.

Under the new law, there will be fines for those who are selling illegally and to underage drinkers. The hope is that it will force the people who are making illegal spirits to stop. Organizations like, Blue Cross working in Korogocho, are helping to rehabilitate addicts not only physically, but they are also providing business and entrepreneurship training to help them turn their professional life around.

There is much more to share on this topic. As the project in Korogocho progresses I will post updates. I ask you to say a prayer for those in Korogocho today. Pray that those who are addicted seek help and that the children in Korogocho have a chance for a better life.

My first days in Nairobi

Yesterday (jana), I landed in Nairobi.
The minute I got off of the plane, I could smell Nairobi. It felt like I was coming home.

Leaving DC was difficult. I know when I return it will be much different than it is now. I will always cherish the last four years I spent in the Nations Capitol, the friends I made, and the food I ate :o). Life changing--and truly the best four years of my life.

It's past my bed time, so I don't have a lot of time to recap the last 4 days.
However, I will share two photos with you.

First, is me with my Kenyan family. Jacob and Shoki surprised me at the airport! Their welcome was the perfect start to my year here in Kenya.

Jacob (the 7ft tall man -just graduated from HS today) and Shoki (my sister and Kenyan bff) making fun of my height as I stand next to her brother.



The next photo is my boss, Dr. James Copple, and I meeting with Professor Leah Marangu at Africa Nazarene University.



ANU =Beautiful campus. Passionate people. It will be an inspirational place to work.
The first day was productive and full of wonderful ideas and strategic conversation.

Jet leg hasn't hit me yet, but the next few days will be the true test. Maybe I can skip it this time?

Okay, to be completely honest, one not-so-good thing happened this morning...
My straightener, is gone. Dead. I am without words.
For those of you who know how special the GHD straightener is, you feel my pain.

Maybe God is telling me to go natural...hehehe or maybe to take better care of my things.

That's all for now. Lala salama! (Sleep well, Good Night!)

Last day in DC

Today is my last day in DC.

I'm finally doing it. I am moving to Kenya. Is this really my life?

Almost four years ago I came to DC for a change. To live in a city, work with like-minded people, and grow as a professional. Wow! Where has the time gone? Although I still have a lot of growing to do, I accomplished exactly what I wanted. I met some AMAZING people, made my mark in this city, and I definitely learned what it takes to have a successful career.

What's next?
Sunday afternoon I will board a Boeing 747, as I have done many times before. However, this trip will be a little longer than usual. I will land in Nairobi Monday November 15, to start working on the Kenya Youth Empowerment and Employment Initiative.

I am excited about this work, the people I will meet, and the progress we will make in East Africa. Already, there has been significant movement in the sectors we're working in: Environment, Health, Infrastructure, Business and Technology, and Agriculture and Livestock.

My role, is to be the project manager for KYEEI. This position is taking me back to my community organizing roots and I am overjoyed. To be on the ground with the people is where I thrive most. This work is being led by Kenyans and I am honored that they have accepted me to assist them along the way. I'm buckled up and ready for take off.

Personal goals: (yes, I said it folks, goals.)
I also have many personal goals for this year abroad. The one that stands out most is learning Swahili. My 2011 goal/mission, is to become fluent. I've decided I can no longer just love this country and culture as a mzungu (white person) or a tourist. I want to invest...in the language, culture, and in the faith and business community. I feel challenged by this task and I am ready to succeed.

This blog will be where you can come to keep updated on my life in Nairobi. I hope to share my experiences, adventures, struggles, successes, friends and many more details and stories with you all in the next year.

I hope you enjoy this from my homeland or from wherever you are. And remember you're always welcome to visit me in Nairobi. Karibu Kenya!

Contact info:
Feel free to write me a note at cassie.bixler@gmail.com.
Skype: Cassandra Bixler or Bixler14