Greg Clark, Likoni Orphanage project,
Mad Builder, Shelly beach, Kenya, March 2003 Destination - Kenya

"Being tempted out from under my sanctuary within my mossy net by the smell of mandazi's for breakfast was always a great way to start the day. A quick application of sun cream and then out into the searing heat of the Kenyan morning. The day always started with a small exchange of Swahili and hand shaking all around as we met our friends and work mates, the fundis. The plan for the day was discussed and we were soon knee deep in cement mixing, brick laying or opening the paint for the next mural. There was always different jobs available so everybody could find something to suit there own preferences or skills.

Work usually lasted till about 12 before the heat became unbearable and we had to retreat for a delicious local specialty for lunch. Around two we would venture out again and continue working away with the guidance of the local builders. Often we were given the chance to be creative and start our own projects. This meant we might have been carving a large log into a chair or perhaps painting a world map on the wall. Finishing work somewhere between four o'clock and five we may have had a football match arranged against a local village team. This helped us to gain acceptance within the local village and allowed us to become good friends with the fundi's who played in our team. After football it was home for another local speciality dinner often fish or beans with plenty of chapattis.

Evenings were always very relaxed and sometimes included a couple of drinks at a local bar. After a hard days work the safe haven of my mossy net was always a welcome sight. What is the most important thing that you have learnt/experienced from your time on the project? Just experiencing the African way of life, often so simple but rather refreshing when compared to the stresses of the western world."