Alpine Initiatives

The Amazing Megan Parks

2011-10-06T23:41:00.001-07:00

Megan Parks recently took on the Appalachian Trail as a way to help contribute to AI. She rallied her family, friends and co-workers to make donation pledges to AI on behalf of her hike. Most of her supporters decided to pledge on a per mile basis and some decided to pledge a lumped sum upon her completion of the 2,181 mile expedition. When it was all said and done, Megan raised nearly $3,000 for AI, created an amazing blog recounting her experience and participated in a challenge that changed her life. Needless to say, we were rather impressed by all this and thought, "what an amazing way to get people involved with our work." We realized that we could take the model that Megan had created and provide it to the rest of our community to garner their support. This is exactly what we have done with the Self-Started Initiatives program.

We must tip our hat to Megan, for she has laid the way for our entire community to get involved with AI on their own terms. Check out her blog to see what an amazing experience she had.

http://ridgelines.wordpress.com/

Haven't Posted In A While

2011-03-24T00:47:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed, it has been a number of months since we last posted anything. Don't fret, we are still very busy finding new ways to get our community more involved in bettering the world we all live in, here at home and abroad. What was originally a project a couple of skiers put together, has become a full fledged 501c(3) non-profit over the past year. Once the IRS declared AI a non-profit, we quickly realized that there are a million things that must be accomplished in order to develop an organization that will withstand the test of time. We have been working tirelessly to put in place a strong infrastructure for AI's continued work. In addition to all the organizational development that has been going on, we have been researching new projects, revamping the website and creating new programs that will allow for you to get more involved in AI's work. When we aren't busy doing all that, we are most likely out on the slopes enjoying the pursuits that bring us all together. Here is a quick overview of what we have been up to since our last post in Nov.

Finished the dining hall at our first project KACH

Launched the AI Back Country Awareness program in Vail, CO

Began a new project in Madagascar in collaboration with Hope For Madagascar and their extraordinary leader Fanja Slyvie Rakotonirina

Raised $1500 at the AI Dive Day fundraiser in Steamboat. The divas voted and decided to donate the funds to a greenhouse project at the Steamboat High School

Began the design phase of our second project in Kenya, The Ruiri Amani Community Home (RACH)

Began collaborating with our partner IPI to create a sustainability plan for our first project KACH

That's the jist of what we have been up to for the past couple months. Lots more to come in the near future.

dining hall progress

2010-09-24T00:19:00.000-07:00

Dylan Bowman's Leaville Trail 100 Initiative

2010-08-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Alpine Initiatives was on the mind of ultra-marathon runner Dylan Bowman, as he raced his way across The Rockies. Dylan is an Aspen, CO local that decided to team up with Alpine Initiatives in order to raise funds for our work in Kenya.

Dylan successfully completed The Leadville Trail 100, with an astonishing time of 18 hours and 36 minutes. This time secured him a third place finish, in what is considered one of the most grueling foot races in the world. It was a truly amazing feat considering this was his first 100 mile race ever!

So, how did he do it? Dylan created a Facebook event and sent out a request to all his friends for donations per mile. Donations ranged from $.10/mile, all the way up to $5/mile. In all, over 50 people got behind Dylan in order to support his initiative. In the end Dylan was able to accumulate over $5,000 in pledges for AI!

The money that Dylan has raised will be going towards the completion of the dining hall at KACH. The AI team will be over in Kenya this fall to help out with the completion of the dining hall.

AI wants to send out a huge THANK YOU!!! To Dylan and all those that supported his initiative this past weekend. We absolutely love to see people like Dylan using their passions for good!

The Unreasonable Institute Global Summit

2010-08-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

Alpine Initiatives members Emmanuelle Vital and Erik Wardell recently had the chance to visit Boulder, CO for a most unreasonable event. The Unreasonable Institute held their very first Global Summit, which highlighted the work of 22 young social entrepreneurs striving to make drastic changes in our world. The Unreasonable Institute brought together these 22 entrepreneurs from all over the world to incubate their projects, link them with mentors and help them find start-up capital. The entrepreneurs developed their projects for ten weeks and then presented them at the Global Summit to a packed house at the Atlas Center at The University of Colorado. The event was highly energetic and truly inspiring for the Alpine Initiatives members that attended.

The social ventures featured ranged from a Aussie trying to create a toilet paper brand that funds sanitation projects in the third world, to a young Afghani woman trying to end honor killings in her country. All 22 ventures highlighted were innovative takes on addressing either social or environmental development.

It is great to see that there are so many young people taking the initiative to address the problems that afflict our world!

Emmanulle and Erik pictured with Unreasonable Institute Mentor Paul Polak, Founder of IDE and Author of Out of Poverty

Half way!

2010-07-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

AI member Megan Parks has just made it past the half way mark on the AT!

It's been over three months since Megan first walked into the woods to begin her 2,173 miles hike from Georgia to Maine... She has embarked on this journey to explore the subculture of AT thru hikers and she is raising money for AI in the process. People have been pledging to donate XX amount of money for every mile she walks (or XX amount of money every time I tumble down the side of a mountain...!) You can write a pledge on her website or send her an email at ridgelines.parks@gmail.com

April 4th.. loooong cold night..

April 16th: ..Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

May 2nd: Atop one one of the balds in the smokies.

May 30th: "For the first time in days, our boots

had been dry, and we were willing to go

to great lengths to ensure they stayed dry..."

"...And so when it’s been raining for a week straight, when I’m soaked to the bone, and when a bear has just eaten all my food during the night, I’ll keep trudging along. I’ll know that as long as I keep walking north up the trail, you’ll donate money to give the children a brighter future." -Megan

Congratulations Megan!

Visit Megan's blog to discover the subculture of AT thru hikers.

http://ridgelines.wordpress.com/

Summer update from Dr. Karambu, KACH and our partner IPI

2010-07-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

SUMMER UPDATES

EEY
The EEY team from USA arrived on June 14th. We had a very productive 12 days and some of the things they did were: Playing with the kids and teaching them; built part of the perimeter fence; installed a large water tank that was donated by local business to KACH; landscaping; organic vegetable gardens; and building the greenhouse!!! They had a very good stay. This year the kids stayed at KACH, cutting down on a lot of movements and thus enabling them to accomplish a lot.

Additional activities we did with the kids: the baby elephant orphanage; the giraffe center; Kenya National Museum; Meru Museum; Ripples Rescue Center for babies;
RAC H site and Ruiri women’s groups; Wazee group; peace campfire with KEMU students; Samburu for safari and last, the Carnivore. They flew home on June 29th. Everyone at KACH had a great time working with the kids and we all gained a lot. The kids said KACH was special and hoped to continue to be in touch.

The greenhouse is causing a lot of interest and so we hope to use it to start dialogue on ways to create nutritious food for our children. And even for those with small pieces of land, we show how they can use the double digging model to maximize production. Cecilia has noticed that most kids from around KACH have brown hair – a sign of malnutrition. So at KACH they are trying to see ways they can bring in women living around KACH to talk about good nutrition for their children. When we get the 5 additional kids, 3 of them will attend the nursery school at the church next to KACH and it is from the parents of this group that kina Cecilia will get parents to talk with. They hope this will strengthen the relationship between the community and the children’s home as well as help contribute to the welfare of children living around KACH.

There is a grandmother who lives near KACH who has been very close to us. During the construction of KACH, she came there many days to participate in the construction. If she found a young man standing, she would ask for his spade so she could work. She helped in many ways at that time and she continues to show up once in a while. Yesterday she passed by KACH and found the large greenhouse and she started dancing, right there in the middle of the road saying: “Daktari has brought us a large mosquito net, we will not be eaten by mosquitoes anymore.”

This is what Mike wrote about the EEY experience in Kenya this year: “I too am incredibly thankful that we were able to do the trip again this year, and I hope to do the same again next year. Having my kids stay at KACH undeniably added a powerful component to the experience. It truly is a magical place, and I feel honored to continue to have a connect to IPI. The students consistently note how inspiring IPI and your leadership are for them, so we too benefit from the partnership. I will pass your thanks on to the kids. As soon as we got into the airport, many of them realized that you couldn't come in to say goodbye. They felt terrible about not bidding you farewell individually, but I assured them that you would understand. Sorry about our rush at that point, and don't worry about the safari. They still enjoyed it. We just need to make some changes for next year. Until then, be well, enjoy your trip to Stanford, and stay in touch.   Mike”

This is what I wrote to Mike: “I trust you got home safe and sound. I just want to say it was wonderful to have your group here this summer and I am so glad that we were able to do it again this year. Your kids were awesome and i am amazed at what they can do in a very different environment than their own. Also, their example inspires and motivates our people to see that they too can do something if high school kids all the way from America have such a heart for our orphans and our work that supports them. It really is a powerful program.  I am sorry about the safari part (safari van breaking down), but trust you me, next year we will be more organized in that area.   Be well and know, we miss you big here in Kenya. Everyone cannot stop talking about the greenhouse. And with it, now we have more work to do... and it is all fun and for the good.  Thank you Mike, for who you are in the world and your stand with us for the orphans of Africa.  Please thank Audrey and the kids for me and all of us. You made an incredible team this year!!! We are blessed to know you.  Peace, love and blessings.”

KACH
All the kids at KACH are doing very well both at home and in school. Morris also agreed to go back to school and he has been accepted into his old school. He has promised to take his studies seriously and so we hope this is the last time we have to deal with this issue. I brought greeting to the kids from all of you (Spring travels) and they too send me with hugs and lots of thanks and queries about when they will see you again.

The Container
Our application for tax exemption on the container was not approved. So, we are seeking advice on why we were denied the same. Will report on what transpires.

IPI College Scholars Program
Two of our college kids graduate this year with Bachelor of Education in Psychology (Prisca) and Bachelor of Education in Environmental Studies (Ben) degrees. Ben Muriuki and Prisca Mugambi were students at the Kenya Methodist University (KEMU). Both are graduating July 24th this year. Ben was very disappointed to learn that I will not be in Kenya to attend his graduation. He asked whether I could not postpone going to Stanford – which I cannot do. So, we agreed that on July 24th, we will do a small celebration party for Ben and Prisca at KACH and then in October when we have the Mt. Kenya climb event to raise money for RACH, we will hold a big dinner for them since we will have our UK, USA and Canada partners who will be participating at the event. It will be a good time to celebrate our partnership in supporting orphans. Ben’s and Prisca’s graduation is a sustainable piece of our work because they now are empowered with education and so will go out and help others. Right now, as Ben waits to get a job, he is helping out at KACH so he can earn some pocket money to keep him going as he continues to apply for jobs.

INPEACE
June has been a busy month for us here in Kenya. When I arrived on June 1st, I entered a training of trainers workshop that was organized by the Institute of Inclusive Security. The training was on UN Security Council Resolution 1325. We were trained on all its 6 components and also on how to train others as well as how to write a proposal etc. We were 5 women from Kenya from different NGOs and together we formed a Kenya branch of Women Waging Peace. Through this, we wrote a proposal that some donors looked at and thought very good. So, we are hoping we will get busy soon doing trainings on 1325 – in terms of creating awareness on it as well as work with government agencies to entrench it in Kenyan governance branches. This is the 10th year since Resolution 1325 was established and globally, the UN is holding events to celebrate one decade since its inception.

The weekend of June 19-20th i spent 2 days facilitating a peace forum between youth from the Maasai and the Kamba - two ethnic groups who have been fighting over animals (cattle rustling) , water sources for their animals and pasture. A classmate of mine from DU was visiting and so I went with her. She loved the experience. The peace forum was organized by the Youth Alliance. I was doing nonviolent ways of responding to violence. For groups who have always ONLY known violence as the only way, it was so very touching and powerful to see them embrace nonviolence in their resolutions at the end of Sunday. When we started on Saturday, each side was sitting separate from the other side - i suggested mixing and no one moved. On Sunday, they were holding shoulders and exchanging contacts. I shared with them the Liberia movie - Pray the Devil Back to Hell - they were so moved and touched. Being groups that think women should not talk in public, it was gratifying to see them (especially elders) over and over again refer to the women of Liberia in the movie. They also got that war is not a joke - the devastation of Liberia war shocked even the most warrior-like of them all. It was great. 
The Youth Assembly is the youth group that organized the training. They have a network of youth all the way to the grassroots - it was such a delight to find them. And in the Institute for Inclusive Security training that i did early June, i met a group of 5 Kenyan women who have grassroots links with women all over Kenya and actually doing peace work - they all agreed to join in the pre-emptive initiative.  June 21-25 2010: PACT Kenya invited me to a peace forum in Mombasa for Sudan and Kenya. Indeed we were all at that workshop to brainstorm ways to prevent referendum and election violence. PACT Kenya is funded by USAID. Their program generally deals with elections violence and are looking at this workshop in Mombasa to come up with a strategy for ensuring there is no violence during the referendums due in August 4, 2010 for Kenya (on adapting the new constitution) and 2011 in Sudan (for cessation from the north) as well as elections in Kenya 2012 - very good opportunity to share my pre-emptive idea with the people there. Many organizations are willing to partner on this important initiative.

Alpine Initiatives and Evolve Chile Partner

2010-06-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

Alpine Initiatives is stoked to announce that we have found a new and energetic ally in Evolve Chile.

Evolve Chile in a Chairlift Ride...

Evolve Chile is the premier South American camp destination for skiers and snowboarders that want to improve their skills, while at the same time seeing a bit of the world. They cater to teens and adults by offering training camps and Signature Sessions instructed by pros like AI’s very own JP Auclair.

Speaking of which… JP will be down in Valle Nevado, Chile practicing his Spanish and offering skiing wisdom to anyone interested, between the 13th and the 23rd of August 2010.

So basically, with Evolve Chile you get to trade in your North American summer slush for fresh powder turns, winter terrain parks, incredible food, surfing and international travel with super-fun people. That’s what South American ski and snowboard camps are all about, right? Evolve also gives campers the opportunity to flex their volunteer muscles with their “Give Back” community service program. The program fuses the alpine community with communities in the areas that Evolve travels to and empowers all parties involved to take initiative in making the world a smaller and better place. 

What We Hope to Achieve Together…

AI and Evolve are going to tackle the inequalities of our world. By partnering up, we plan to offer community service trips to Alpine Initiatives project in different locations such as the Amani Community Home in Kenya. We will also be collaborating to improve social responsibility and environmental awareness amongst those in the mountain community.

Lots to come about this partnership in the near future. We’ll keep you posted!

AI Board Meeting.

2010-06-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ahhh.. it was great to be all sitting at the same table. It had been too long!

We had so much to share and catch up on.

Cell phones, emails, texting, social networks, skype, video comferences... means of communication are good enough that you'd think a small group of people could run a non-profit without having to see each other in person.. But every time we all meet, I realize how important it is to take the time to be together. When we are all sitting in the same room, that's when the best ideas are born and when the inspiration levels start going up..!

Emmanuelle, Lisa, Mikey, Seth, myself and new AI members Erik Wardell and Gretchen Schramm all got together in Steamboat to discuss Organizational structure, current and future projects, new partnerships, community involvement, fundraising... good energy, good motivation!

Ski lift powered entirely by solar panels.

2010-06-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

I came across this short article on ecofriend.org and thought it was worth sharing:

Eco Factor: Ski lift powered entirely by photovoltaic panels

Tenna, a small town in Switzerland with a population of just 110 inhabitants, is about to get the world’s second ski lift that will be powered entirely by photovoltaic panels. The ski lift’s solar panels will have an energy generation capacity of 90,000KWh, which gives three lifts to move on renewable energy, each consuming about 22,000KWh.

All excess electricity will be sold to the grid. The lift features solar panels that are incorporated on the same lift, without having to build additional buildings. The panels are adjustable and can be removed to clear accumulated snow. The panels are anchored to the lift’s cables and bear the entire weight of the panels.

The panels are attached in a fashion that allows maximum sun exposure for maximum electricity generation. The opening of the solar lift is planned for December 2010.

Karambu on TEDx Du.

2010-06-08T12:17:00.001-07:00

On may 13th, University of Denver hosted an independently organized TED event where Karambu was invited to speak about getting marginalized people out of the dependency vicious cycle. Check out the video to hear Dr.K's views on changing the way we see others, about how and why she started IPI and more..

"The right kind of action can change the course of history, creating opportunity for generations to come."

-Dr. Karambu Ringera

Click here for more information about TED, TEDx, TEDx on Youtube and TEDxDU.

HOME

2010-06-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a year since Yan Arthus Bertrand released his documentary film HOME. With it's breathtaking cinematography (almost entirely aerial shots), Home shows us the current state of our planet. It showcases different life forms that inhabit it and how every single one of them are linked and interdependent. Not one organism can be self sufficient. Inevitably, HOME also goes into how the human species is threatening the delicate ecological balance of the planet.

We are living in exceptional times.

Scientists tell us that we have 10 years

to change the way we live, avert the depletion

of natural resources and the catastrophic evolution

of the Earth's climate.

The stakes are high for us and our children.

Everyone should take part in the effort,

and HOME has been conceived to take a message

of mobilization out to every human being.

If a year ago you missed the largest film release in history, no problem, the film was made under a creative commons license, It has no official copyright and it is still available for free on Youtube.

Here is a lecture Yan Arthus Bertrand gave at TED in February 09.

Dining hall progress

2010-05-28T00:25:00.000-07:00

The dining hall is almost complete! we have also built several walls in the landscape so the kids can sit around the new basket ball court! Getting close and all is well!

IPI LONDON MAY 26th

2010-05-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

A very successful meeting on May 26th in London..... All parties who support IPI were in attendance. IPI US, IPI Kenya, SKANSEN and AI.
We discussed accomplishments, goals, possibilities, collaboration and our future together... there will be much more to come!

New Benches

2010-04-13T08:20:00.001-07:00

Check out our new benches!!!!

Ruiri in Bloom

2010-03-24T06:45:00.001-07:00

We headed to Ruiri with our newly formed dream team as Judith put it. Chris, Karambu, Kathy, Mark, Judith and I . We were astounded by the beauty, potential and quiet of the site. Wildflowers and sweet smells lay in drifts across the property and were accompanied by bird songs. The desert had come alive! The potential for another Amani Home and supporting guest house is incredible..i can just imagine waking up under acacias, heading to the spring for a swim and playing soccer with the kids. The site is abundant with limestone which could be used for building and lime mortar, there are three springs and approximately 2 acres of tilled land for gardens or orchards. the idea is the home clusters and guest houses would lay nestled in the many groves of acacia and be linked by trails and a community gather space. We still have loads of work ahead of us but are working on getting a survey, soil and water tests done this next few months and soon to begin our collaborative design process on creating this amazing Amani home!

Kids

2010-03-21T22:54:00.000-07:00

The spark that keeps this project going!!

BB Ball!

2010-03-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Oakley the BB court was finished last week! it is impossible to keep the kids off of it they love it so much!

Murals

2010-03-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today Ceila, Karamana and I added some needed color to KACH's interior and welcomed help when the children returned from school at 4pm.

Just a little love and color makes everything a bit brighter !!!!

Field Trip

2010-03-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

A day on the road.... we went to a nursery owned by John an amazing horticulturist who has been trying many new varieties from Embu and always improving his plant stock. He fed us yellow and red tree tomatoes and export grade avocados and sent us off with red bananas and purple sweet potatoes. We stopped by our friend Ayub's to collect the Amani gate and buy some vines for the entrance to KACH that will climb to the second story. We also visited a lovely garden Karamana had found to get ideas.

11 Acres

2010-03-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Monday Kathy, Bernard, Chris and I set off from KACH on foot and after a lovely walk through forests of thitonia and an alley of grevillia trees we came to the 11 acres. I actually looked at this land in 2008 with Karambu and even at that time saw it's huge potential. Currently Karambu is renting it and planted a supply of maize and beans, It would be an amazing avocado orchard. It is set on a slight hill with a view of surrounding mountains and it's back to the forest. There is a very nice house that has been sitting empty. Chris and i immediately saw the possibility for a country guest house that could generate good income for KACH and provide a magical farm experience. At Present we are trying to raise funds to get some more help to plant the land before the rains stop as well as looking into a potential purchase. Surprisingly it is quite expensive and the owner is asking around $75,000USD.

Sugar Cane Kids

2010-03-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

A little afternoon sweet snack....I was just sitting in the garden and soon come Clifford, Mercy and Bessy with a bucket and sticks of sugar cane.. sure enough it was devoured in a matter of minutes!

KACH Garden!

2010-03-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

WOW! look at this landscape just a few short months and it is totally transformed!

Campfire

2010-03-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

The Second night in Meru a special night was arranged with a campfire, stories and a dance from the kids... It felt wonderful to be cozy by the fire and see a dream of true community come true!!!!

Dr. K's 2 acres

2010-03-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

Dr. Karambu had acquired these two acres last summer and we laid out a loose farm plan before I left last July which Bernard and Simon implemented. This is what it looks like only 7 months later. It provided a crop of maize and beans and has been planted with fruit trees. The kids each have a Bio intensive plot of their own and it is doing very well. We learned some good lessons about intercropping such as that pumkins are big feeders and use alot of nitrogen and that our fruit trees should be at least 18' feet apart. I really had no idea just how fast and big things grow it is almost incomprehensible to me! We enjoyed tea on the lawn many afternoons. A group of women from a village near chugu came to inquire about KACH and looking at starting similar. It is incredible what a community has been created in such a short time from the office with Silas and the two Purity's, Sweet Ann's amazing cooking to the fertile gardens.

Meru bound

2010-03-13T19:36:00.000-08:00

On my way back to Meru! A long flight over from San Francisco to Nairobi.... I met up with Chris Seely with Skansen , IPI's European partner and we took a small 8 seater to Nanyuki and then a short hour drive on to Meru. We spotted mount Kenya, a rare site. We will be climbing it in October for a fundraiser for the Ruiri Amani Home. I forgot just how beautiful the highlands of Kenya were!!! Feels good to be back and looking forward to a few days of planning and being at KACH!

Thank you Oakley for the basket ball court!!!

2010-03-01T08:20:00.000-08:00

Thank you Oakley!!! for your generous donation to help us fund the construction of 1/2 basket ball court. We are excited with the progress and getting close to completion. I bet the kids can't wait.

Tiles for America

2010-02-04T00:12:00.000-08:00

Came across this while strolling down 7th ave in NYC last Sunday......Tiles for America was the initiative of Lorrie Veasey a local resident of Chelsea. She wanted to contribute and did so the best she could. Wanted to post as a reminder of the opportunity we all have.

AI Members in Vars, France

2010-01-27T15:10:00.000-08:00

I have been in France for almost a month and a half, what an awesome experience and awesome time. I arrived on December 16^th and spent 10 days in La Plagne and then on the 26^th it was off to Vars to prepare for the Redbull Linecatcher Event. We had two weeks to get ready. We would hike an hour and a half, day in and day out to shovel, shape and construct jumps to add even more possibility to the already feature speckled terrain. In order to keep the venue in as pristine shape as possible, we were never able to ski down at the end of the day, instead we had to traverse, side slip and even hike down. I had to laugh, I have never hiked a pair of skis to the top of a mountain just to hike them back down, completely absurd, and yet completely necessary. Through all the time I spent on this mountain I certainly created a bond with L’Eyssina, the Yeti Couloir where the event was to be held was merely a small portion and I looked forward to the day when I was able to freely explore and play amongst L’Eyssina’s grandeur. Although my main title was shaper, on certain occasions I was teamed up with Vincent, the French guide responsible for making sure the venue was absent of obvious danger. This was a fun experience as I was able to take what I have learned in Jackson and Alaska and apply it to completely new terrain, while watching and learning from another, more skilled, French certified mountaineering guide.

Julien, Mathieu, Gretchen and I logged hours getting everything ready, and we did so in time for perfect conditions, which in turn led to an amazing comp. The jumps where awesome, the terrain was incredible, the conditions where perfect, but it was the athletes who truly made the event spectacular. To lay witness to the skill, the finesse and the love these guys embody was a joy and inspiration to watch, even more so than watching the greats of professional sports leagues. Seeing these guys perform in person with only three runs to perform their best, where there is no editing, no picking and choosing of best lines is to clearly understand the work ethic these guys have and to understand how truly difficult what they do is. It was incredible. I admire each and everyone of these guys and on this day hats off to Candide Thovex, Sean Petitt, and C.R. Johnson, whose best was that much better.

Because we were fortunate with the weather and the comp ran smoothly and quickly it meant we had some time to freely explore and ski in Vars and the magnificent L’Eyssina. We spent almost another two weeks in Vars, sometimes helping these guys set up and prepare for a shoot, but mainly enjoying the mountains in which we had spent so much time. Julien, JP and crew were busy, so Gretchen and I hiked L’Eyssina daily, usually twice daily and were able to ski the lines we had been eyeing each and everyday while helping to set up for the comp.

Feel free to check out the links below and catch some of the footage and photos from the comp and for even more check out www.redbullskiing.com.

Photos by Elina Sirparanta

Line Catcher.

2010-01-18T11:12:00.000-08:00

The comp was super fun!

I finished 6th which I'm happy with considering the fact that I look up to every single skier participating in the event. Because we work for different ski companies and have different sponsors, I never get to ski with Sage, Sean, CR, Chris, Sven etc.. It was so nice to be able to share some turns together. My favorite part of the weekend was when the weather was too bad to do the scheduled course inspection. We all looked at each other with huge smiles. We spent the rest of the day skiing together in a huge group, hucking ourselves off any roll or lip we could find, laughing and cheering for each other. We must have looked like a bunch of kids and I can assure you that all the riders had sore necks even before it was time to compete in the event!

Check out these vids about the comp. On this first clip from french national tv, you can see Richard Permin proudly displaying his AI/peace sticker. Richard has been showing great interest and support for AI's projects.

Red Bull Linecatcher au JT de 20h TF1 / 17 Janvier 2010 from gingini75 on Vimeo.

REDBULL Linecatcher 2010

Redbull Linecatcher 2010 - Riding News 2.6

Githinji Mibre

2010-01-11T22:44:00.000-08:00

A visit to West Oakland led me to Githinji Mibre, a Kenyan, a resident and a member of the Village Bottoms. There was an immediate connection to this very talented and elevated spirit when I met him in October at the West Coast Green Conference. He has been working and creating beautiful and impactful art in the bay area for the past 20 years.

With 2010 upon us we are embarking on several mural projects, a seed project and others in Kenya, Oakland and Madagascar. Keep posted to see what we create!!!!

Welcome 2010!!!!

2010-01-08T23:43:00.000-08:00

JP and Mikey will be reuniting this week in Vars, France for the Redbull LINECATCHER! They will fill you in with great shots and stories when they return. JP's season is in full swing and we are fulfilling the Alpine part of our Initiatives. With a new year upon us we are looking forward to bringing focus, energy and creativity to our projects.

Thank you for all of your support and contributions during 2009 it made a world of difference for IPI and KACH. We look forward to an even better 2010 and as always are learning, growing and continuously evolving!

Letter from Dr. K

2009-12-18T09:33:00.000-08:00

Here is a letter from Dr, Karambu that I wanted to share with you as I think it speaks to the leadership, heart and commitment that we hope to nurture and grow and the tremendous possibility it has!

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for your mail and understanding. I feel peaceful reading your email. And yes, it has been a constant reminder that this thing i started is no longer mine alone - i really love the way it has evolved and the way it has brought many together. That is the goal of this work - creating global partnerships that help us communicate better across cultural divides. Imagine Lisa-IPI has partners virtually in all continents of the World except South America - that is phenomenal!!! And this is just the beginning. So, i honor and thank you for 'BEING' with us and being part of this wonderful work. Like i always say, "IPI is not about building buildings, it is about building community." The buildings are part of that community building - and in the process there is transformation at all levels - intra and interpersonal; intra and intercultural; intra and intercommunity - across the world.

In our endeavor to create better communication, we bring this vision and intention to life. It is an intention that comes to 'BE' when we recognize, each one of us, our intricate dance with our humanity. Always being present to our responsibility and roles, and always being present to our limitations.

I like the idea of how RACH is beginning - with a vision and intention: a plan. It is an exciting model and I see it transforming things at many levels - and i see it being a more solid project.

KACH is beautiful - and it has the greatest 'spirit' in it. You will ove it when you come next year - i am looking forward to that - very much.

Blessings and Peace!!!

Love,

Dr. K

Grown in Detroit

2009-12-16T00:23:00.000-08:00

Grown in Detroit ....love this! an amazing initiative transforming how we live and what is possible.....let's get growing!!!

Meru Bound

2009-12-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

Heading back to Kenya for a quick trip, before the ski season is in full effect.

This is our last chance to catch up with everyone in Meru and see how everything is going. Purpose of the trip:

-See how the dining hall will be added to the kitchen

-Plan for a half basket ball court. (Oakley eyewear's Christmas present to the kids!!)

-Set up an AI bank account in Meru.

-See if anything else has come up that we need to plan ahead for. New needs.

-Talk to the local workers about their coffee fields/personal development.

-Measure and take photographic survey of the gardens and assessment of what has been accomplished so far.

-Last but not least; we'd promised the kids we'd show up for a quick visit before winter hits! ..and we've been missing them a ton! They just got done a school semester and are all back at KACH..

Thanksgiving " Board meeting"

2009-12-06T02:09:00.000-08:00

JP, Lisa and Mikey's brother Brock apre ski.....All of us got together over thanksgiving to discuss next steps for the upcoming year! We hadn't all been together since June.... there were long nights of planning and fun days on Vail's few runs!!

KACH Gardens

2009-11-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

Below is an update and some photos from Karamana...looks like all is going well on the newly acquired 2 acres! these gardens will provide food for all the kids at KACH as well as be sold to the local community. So exciting!

"Hello,

Here are some pictures of the farm blocks on the other side of kach. Kids are giving a hand on a saturday when they are out of school. Crops are very green and healthy now that the rains came. This week we have a tree planting day in the forest. I am on my way to hear about the plans, I will get to you soon.

Lots of Love from
Karamana."

TRUCK FARM

2009-11-05T20:22:00.000-08:00

Check this out!!!! if you don't have room for a veggie garden you can look into this option! i love that they use green roof components ( especially my friend paul's gaia soil), amazing resourcefulness, and brilliant documentation of what is possible just when it looks there are no options! get gardening!

TRUCK FARM - Episode 1 from Wicked Delicate Films on Vimeo.

TRUCK FARM - Episode 2 from Wicked Delicate Films on Vimeo.

Toronto! Cities Alive!

2009-10-29T23:29:00.000-07:00

Hello,

JP and I met in toronto mid october and it has been a flurry of activity ever since... we went over all that has happened in 2009 and where we are headed for 2010. There was no shortage of ideas and direction for AI... so stay tuned

After JP left I headed to the cities alive conference and had a close look at some of toronto's beautiful green roofs! There is alot happening in the world of green roofs and cities alive was the place to be. There were delegates from all over the planet: germany, the Netherlands, France, China, Chile and Brazil. There were tons of unique projects from green walls in subway stations to clean air in Santiago, to forest rooftops in Singapore. there was also some definitve research showing that green roofs reduce annual temperatures in cities by 1-5 degrees ( i know that doesn't sound like alot but it is a big accomplishment as it that much of a difference which is raising our oceans and melting our ice caps! so here is to green roofs! and aren't they pretty!

Architecture for Humanity: Cameron sinclair

2009-10-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

Open source architecture that is changing the world.... It is amazing how easy and possible it is for all of us to make a huge difference quickly!

Confession's of a Radical Industrialist

2009-10-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt from Ray Anderson, a keynote at the West

Coast Green Conference I attended at the beginning of October.

He has a very interesting point of view and has changed

the face of how we look at Industrialism and big business.

Good Stuff!

Karamana's Letters

2009-10-07T23:59:00.000-07:00

Seems as all is going well with KACH and the gardens.... Here are a few excerpts from Karamana's recent letters

October 2nd, 2009

"Hello
Hi Lisa how are you? we are all fine here in meru,kach is doing really well

The gardens are doing good we use the vegetables from the gardens most of the times.

The onions are very good and have an amazing taste in the food .

Several Blocks have been prepared on the other farm and the children help over the weekends.

Simion and benard have done a good job.They instruct the children while working on

the blocks.Am sure youll be amazed when you see the pictures.The Gate is now fixed ,there is a beautiful round about with a path leading to the kitchen and to the

animal shed.

About the Permaculture conference i would really love to be apart of it.this will enable us get very good information on how to bring the change we are advocating to our community.

i have been sharing the idea of bringing nature back to nature ,with several groups.The biggest challenge is there interest to come and see our gardens.

We were hoping to see you in nov. but since things have changed we undestand and we will keep doing the work here at our level best.

we wish you all the best and thank you for each and everything.Thank you so much for the books you sent us.there is one that is really helpfull(herbal body care business)when i finish reading i will tell you more about it.asante sana.....

regards to all your friends...

peace and love

karamana."

October 6th, 2009

"Hello Lisa,

How are you? It is my prayer that you are doing well. I am writing to thank you very much for the organic gardens which provide vegetables for the kitchen. There were 3 malnutritioned children who came to kach. The vegetables from the gardens have done a transformation in their health. Asante sana.

We are expecting the rains any time from now. I will grow bushes of Rosemary. Simon and Bernard have really changed the face of the other farm. The blocks already have vegetables and the kids were working on others on Saturday. Will forward pictures soon.

Pass our warm greetings to all.

Peace/Love
Karamana."

SEEDS WORKSHOP

2009-09-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots of the seed workshop by the Organic Seed Alliance at Abbondanza Farm. I will be taking over several varieties for testing in November!!!

Bikes and bikes part 2.

2009-08-22T00:58:00.000-07:00

Since we've been staying at KACH, we don't make the commute from Makutano to Kithoka on our bikes. We've been enjoying the time we get to spend with the "fortunate" few who moved into KACH but in the last few days. I've been thinking a lot about Makutano's main intersection kids, the ones who still sleep on the street every night. A lot of people have given up on chokoras because they are "too hard to rehabilitate". To be honest, I know I don't have what it takes to truly help them myself.. or is it courage I'm lacking?

We've heard about how a lots of them escape homes like KACH to go back to the streets... too addicted to glue or simply unable to integrate with other kids their age. In the street, they have their own world, their own rules, I assume they find some level of comfort there.

Lisa talked to Simon (who looks after the garden at KACH) about starting gardens in Makutano, where the street kids would work and eat from. Everyone is exited about the idea but more thinking needs to be done before it becomes reality.

Funny how our encounters with the chokoras was the part we dreaded most about our bike ride home. By the end of the trip, it was the part we were looking forward to. As we approached the main intersection, we'd wait to see little barefoot people running out of alleys, screaming "Mike! ..JP!". We'd nod and invite them to follow us if we had food, a couple would jump on our bike racks, we would go around the corner and pull over at the next gas station's parking lot, step back while they eat, share food with each other, fight a bit, yell a bit, throw rocks at bigger kids coming to steal from them... Watching them eat was like watching the animal channel. But once the food was all gone, there was no more reason for them to hurry or to be on their guards. That's when we could enjoy a bit of time with them, learn a few more swahili words, learn about where they are from, how they got there, share smiles and laughs.. (they always got a kick out of our ki-swahili and ki-meru lines, and how hairy our legs are...!)

Statistics say that by the time they are 20, most of these kids will be dangerous criminals. Desperate to belong, kids who are left on their own are more prone to be pulled in the wrong direction. As I'm about to go back to Canada, I can't help wondering what will happen to Kevin, Lino, Patrick, Emmanuel, Bundy, Tony, Francis and the rest of the crew we met this year.. When will I find the courage do something about it..?

Tina.

2009-08-13T01:10:00.000-07:00

Tina Fleishman is a psychologist from Vail. She came in just a few days ago to spend some time with the kids. Some of the things she will discuss with them are peace, group dynamics, the concept of family, cooperation, character education and values. It's so great to have her around.

Smiles

2009-08-10T00:49:00.000-07:00

We keep telling ourselves that, even though we came here to work for the children, we don't need to be able to see them or have any kind of interaction with them.. We like to think that we can be self-less enough to just do our work without meeting with the people it will affect. But the truth is, all these thoughts go out the window the moment we get to see the kids or the people who will be working at KACH. I can't explain how happy it makes me when I see them smile. Today we put work aside to go play with everyone and enjoy some of these smiles. That's our real pay off. If I had to, I would do 10 times the amount of work I did here just to see one of these smiles.

Anyone who helped along the way, These pictures are dedicated to you,

Enjoy.

Clinic.

2009-08-08T07:08:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to a free medical clinic set up by the Kenya Red Cross. They are in fairly good shape, some we showing signs of malnutrition, most of them got de-warmer medication and they all handled going to the doc like champs!

When we got back home it was arts and crafts time..

First morning at KACH!

2009-08-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

Some of the kids got up at 6:30 to do their chores (make their beds, clean the floors and bathrooms). Before breakfast, we did a morning workout with Dolphine, our dance instructor! Lots of laughs...

The kids are in!

2009-08-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

Today is extremely hard to describe with words... and I don't think pictures can do it either...

We went and picked up the first kids who will be staying at KACH. Some seemed extremely excited about going (mostly the ones who had no real home and/or the ones who already knew Karambu, Mikey or myself) some of them seemed scared and a little confused. KACH is such a great concept to me that I forgot about how, no matter how gentle the transition may be, moving to a new house with new faces can be difficult and scary. As we drove through the Meru district, stopping at different boarding schools and houses, I became progressively more anxious to see how well the kids were going to adjust to their new surroundings..

As they moved in, they all seemed super happy and comfortable with each other! Mikey, Karambu and I spent the night at KACH with them. As I was laying in bed, I felt like I had to pinch myself to realize where I was and what was going on. I kept telling myself: "I can't beleive I'm laying down on a bed in KACH right now! The kids are here, they have a home, a new family and they seem happy! Their new life starts right now!!"

I can't wait to see alice smile!!

Looking for Nora and Mercy was kind of like "where's waldo"

Faith and Patrick's father past away two weeks ago.

Their mom had been gone for a few years and they were now living

with their grand parents, who were having a hard time providing

for them. All the kids moving in today have their stories..

most of the stories are not pretty..

Linet was picked up on the road by a lady who lived with her

110 year old mother. She stayed with them for a few months

while KACH was being built. As Linet was leaving them today,

the old lady grabbed her hand and gave her some advice about

boys, about being herself, making choices etc... Very powerfull..

"Welcome package"; toothbrushes, soaps, cups, towels, home made quilt

and beanie babies!

Playing games to break the ice.

Taking a tour of the place with Karambu.

Dennis was so excited to move in that he forgot to pack half his things!

Ethically Engaged Youth

2009-08-05T22:30:00.000-07:00

In June, right before we showed up, a group of students from the Vail Mountain School came to Meru to build a chicken/goat/rabbit pen for KACH. Mikey and I heard lots about their trip from the Meru community and wanted to say:

Dear Ethically Engaged Youth of Vail Mountain School,

The housing structure for the goats, chickens and rabbits looks incredible! It definitely added to the shock factor of not seeing the KACH site since October, and now we are able to see something from our crayon drawn plan come to be. I have heard stories of the work that took place while you were here and I chuckle as I am sure you now know exactly what I was trying to explain to you at VMS back in April. The first six chickens just moved in the other day, and I can't wait to see the completed picture with chickens, goats, and rabbits. It has been great to hear about how much fun it was for all the workers to have you around for 10 days. They tell us that there was an energy and excitement everyday that really impacted and motivated everyone on the site. Bernard asks my mom everytime he sees her, "Michele, What have you done with my students?"

One thing that I have learned is the impact we have on the locals through the work we do. You all have definitely left this mark behind, as the workers are still trying to wrap their heads around the fact that a group of students came all the way from America to help remove old nails from scrap wood, and with such enthusiasm and conviction. In their eyes you gave them dignity in their work; you gave it a meaning that it previously lacked; you inspired them to take pride in what they were doing and helped define what KACH is really about. For this I applaud you!

We are also staying with Auntie Kathy and Juju Anna and the overall effect you had here is the same. There isn't a dinner that goes by without a mentioning of the VMS students and how fun, polite, interesting and intriguing they were. Actually we have heard the same message from just about everyone who was lucky enough to cross paths with you. I feel a tinge of pride every time I hear about the Students from Vail, as I know we come from the same place and am honored to have worked on the same project as you.

I want to say Asante Sana Sana for the incredible work that you did as the impact that you left behind has rippled through to help open eyes and touch hearts. I am sure that Meru had a similar effect on you. It is the showing up and doing like you did that truly inspires those who lay witness. You provided much more than food for the beautiful children who will call KACH home.

Amani,

Mikey Hovey

Hello Vail Mountain School crew,

Mikey pretty much summed it up but I wanted to add a few words and tip my hat to you as well! The goat/chicken/rabbit pen looks awesome and I really enjoyed hearing all the stories about your visit in Meru as well. One of my favorite story is about how some of the workers were rolling their eyes when they first saw the girls trying to pull nails out of the old boards, and how these 16 year old girls learned, gained confidence and were working just as well as any of the guys on the job site ...and impressing the heck out of them!

I wish I had the guts to do something like that when I was your age (such a cliche thing to say..! but it's true). I know you had to go out of your comfort zone to come all the way to Meru so that you can help the Kithoka community and that's no small thing..! Bravo! The veggies you planted are looking good too, Simon insisted I included some pics of that as well. Bernard says hello!

JP Auclair.

PS; The pen is also one of my favorite spot to hang out at, later in the day when the work is done.

On our way to work.

2009-08-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures from the trip; Glue bottle in hand, Kevin runs after Mikey at the Makutano intersection.

Greening the Desert: another plug for permaculture!

2009-08-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

Plastering

2009-07-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

My wrist is finally good to go for plastering so I got out of what Mikey referred to as the prison cell to help with the plastering of the cook's bedroom. It's a super messy job and it's super fun! Especially when you cram 6 guys in a tiny room.

Injuries happen every now and then, usually minor things,

cuts and scrapes. Mikey and I have our first aid kit

and a little knowledge so we play nurse...

When a worker cuts or scrapes himself, they come

right to us; "Dr. Mike!, Dr. JP!" They're not used to clean

and dress cuts.. when we are not around they just let it be

and even though they were skeptical the first time

we got the first aid kit out, I think they enjoy the care

and now ask us to fix the smallest cuts!

Today, Denis got a hammer on the head...

On our way back, we hung out with Francis,

one of our favorite street kid. It can get hectic when

12 of them see us biking by the Makutano main intersection.

When they all run after us, we don't have enough food for everyone

and it gets a little tense. It's nice when we get to watch one

or two enjoy a quiet meal without having to fight...

he still looked over his shoulder as he ate though,

afraid an older kid might come to steal his prize.

Chippin' away part 2.

2009-07-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Still chippin'... On the second day of chiseling the slab I pulled a muscle in my right forearm. To keep going I had to learn to use the hammer and chisel with opposite hands. Having my right hand holding the chisel was a very good to way to give it some rest... the down side was that, since my left hand doesn't have quite as much control and precision, I ended up beating on my already injured hand with a hammer. I did that for two more days while Mikey moved to plastering. I would have loved to join him but I had to let my wrist heal a bit. My wrist is better but my thumb is killing me! I did get my "mark of Kenya" as our co-workers call it.. When I used my right hand to hammer I'd only hit myself about 10 times a day. For the first few hours of using my left hand, I'd hit myself about every 5 to 10 minutes... After a while I felt as if I would collapse each time I'd hit my thumb. I eventually got better.

The blistered hand is the one that holds the hammer..

The bruised hand is the one that gets hit with the hammer..

cactus tree essay

2009-07-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

a few shots of the amazing cactus trees in the desert on July 18th.....

Harambe = Togetherness

2009-07-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

Fundraising is an event that happens all over the world; it takes different forms and is used for various reasons; and interestingly it is an event and thing that we, as Alpine Initiatives, have spent a lot of time recently thinking about. So it was very fitting for us to be involved in a couple in Meru, where they are given the Swahili term Harambe.

The first Harambe we attended was a unique experience as Lisa, my Mom, and I were with Karambu, so immediately we were marked as special guests and asked to sit up front. Of course it would have been rude to refuse so up we went and not only were we up front, but pretty much on stage looking out at the rest of the audience. I like how Lisa put it when she said " Well I guess this is one way to help get over the dislike of being stared at." Super amusing because as Mzungus (english speaker/white) we are always the focus of the peoples gaze and here we were, front and center on display.

Today JP and I attended another Harambe in the Chugu village, the guest of honor, he who the money is raised for, needed a surgery for pancreatic cancer. Chugu came alive this afternoon as the forest intermixed with small farms was brushed by the brilliant bronze hues of the afternoon sun. We were honored as special guests and upon arrival, similar to most fuctions, served some mixture of rice, corn and beans along with a cup of chai. This was merely a start to the festivities as everyone was getting primed and ready. After thinking about it I realized that I have been to many different fundraisers around the world and realize that they all have one thing in common, there is either an auction or a raffle or both. The difference is the prizes that are presented for these events, and although very different, similar in a sense that the items are representative of the community. For example our raffle included many items like skis, goggles, outerwear, all things relating to the ski world because that is what we are a part of.

The touching part of this auction is that everyone in the community brought whatever they could afford to bring. Since many have little the items being auctioned included fruits and vegetables from peoples farms, chickens, bags of beans, and lots and lots of sugar cane. JP even made a comment to our friend Purity about the amount of sugar cane and she replied that's because of the drought and the peoples condition, therefore, this was all they could afford to donate. It is very interesting to witness, how among a very poor community, everything that was brought was then bought for some price during the auction, and I think they raised a fair amount of money for the guest of honor.

JP and I partook and bought a few things. We got a large bag of Avocado and Papaya for 20 Kenyan Shillings, about $0.25, can you believe it? JP also got a chicken, which we named Little Nugget, to join the chicken, named Muffin (short for Egg McMuffin) I had bought at the first Harambe, who now both live at KACH.

The Harambe was a great experience as we experienced a part of the culture and were able to be part of the community we have grown to love so much. We cherish the activities and events like this as our relationships with the locals strengthen and we are continually invited into their lives.

Bikes and bikes.

2009-07-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

This year, we welcomed three new members to our AI family in Meru. The Amani Crusader, Kukukachoo The Locomo Bike, and Miriam. These are the bikes we decided to buy and use as our mode of transportation to and from work. The buying of the bikes turned out to be an adventure in itself only highlighting the adventures that lay ahead. We by passed the idea of getting mountain bikes and instead bought a cheaper version of the cruiser style bike, like those popular in Asian countries. There is only one gear and as we have learned these bikes aren't as solid as bikes like we know. The excitement of buying the bikes led to immediate riding of them, as anyone who purchases a new bike does, and it was a mere matter of minutes before pieces started falling off. We later learned that after buying the bike, even though we watched the store keeper put the bikes together, that one is supposed to take it to a bike mechanic to really get it in working order. The store where we bought the bikes was in the heart of Meru Town, and even though its our second year here it was our first time to this spot. It was exciting being immersed in the busy bustle of the city center and a different look at the culture of the town we have become so comfortable in. While waiting for our bikes to be assembled we were approached by a Chokora, a street kid usually identified by the glue bottle hanging out of their mouth; a substance that curbs hunger and gets them stoned. We refused the usual request of money, fearing he would use it to buy more glue, instead took him to the market down the street to buy him some bread and yogurt. This would not be our last bike influenced encounter with Chokora's.

The road from our house to the job site of KACH is about 6 miles, 2 of which are on rocky dirt roads. The ride to work is quite easy as most of it is down hill and doesn't require much pedaling, the difficulty lays in the journey home. After putting ourselve to the grindstone all day we have the 6 mile ride home, mostly up hill in the heat of the day on bikes with one gear. Funny that we bought these ones because they were much cooler than the mountain bikes. But trust me they are pretty cool! Oh Yeah, we are also carrying our oversized backpacks, weighing at about 30 lbs. each. The first couple of journeys, due to the fact we never had a mechanic look at them, resulted in broken bikes, but we have seemed to figure them out and they are proving to be a great method of transportation.

So we ride our bikes home at the end of the day and struggle to get our oversized cruisers up the hills. At last we reach a flat section that ends in a down hill to our house, fewww! easy sailing from here, or at least we thought. We once again meet up with the Chokoras. The main intersection known as Makutano is a four way stop, and popular area for the chokoras to hang out. The minute we are spotted in Makutano the chase is on! A group of 4 or 5 were after us. At first they were running right beside, glue bottles in position, yelling hello. It seems to be a fun race, but that is quickly ended when they latch on to the back of the bike and refuse to let go, seeming as if they would hang on forever. One even attempted to jump on to my rack, scaring the heck out of me as i weaved through the traffic of people and cars with 2 ten year olds super-glued to the back. The decision to stop was made by JP and I followed suit as i didn't feel it was right to leave him behind. We had similar experiences as the kids begged us for money, of which, we had none. Unfortunately reasoning was out of the question with some of them as their glazed over, blood shot eyes merely represented how stoned they really were. Truly a heart breaking moment. Without money or food or the ability to reason the only option was to hop back on my bike, and pedal like hell. We have not encountered the Chokoras for a bit, but are armed with food as we know they are very hungry. We hope to create some type of relationship with some of them and learn how they ended up on the street and learn more about their sub-culture, with hopes of helping them. This may also produce pictures and stories. You can learn more about the Chokoras from the Documentary " Left Behind" by Christof Putzel found on our video page or at www.leftbehindfilm.com

Our experiences with riding the bikes has opened different windows to the local culture, a benefit we did not expect. Although difficult at times, it has been an enjoyable addition to our life here especially when the bikes inspire smiles and waves and great looks of curiosity as the Mzungus (english speaking/white people) ride by. Not only do they provide transportation in a environment friendly way, help keep us in shape (haha who woulda thought), and create adventures they will also be a nice item to leave to the Kithoka Amani Community Home!

Patrick, 14.

Quick stop at the local bike shop!

London

2009-07-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

so here I am back in a world that feels closer to where I come from. It is hard to comprehend and compute all that has happened in the last month. Yesterday I was eating mangos on a dusty dirt road and now I am surrounded by endless lawn, flowers, art, smooth music by Anya Marina and a well spoken Englishman. It brings on a series of questions....Like what do I really really want? what is important? what do I want for the world? I feel lucky to even be contemplating.

We are all on the same planet and some things feel so similar everywhere and others feel completely foreign. I definitely see and feel that there is a path and much hard work ahead to create love and beauty everywhere...yet in someways it already exists it is just connecting to it and bringing it out of everything we see.

I often had the sense in Meru it is so much more about connecting to people and creating community vs. building or designing. More about empowering people and giving a nudge of confidence that they are brilliant, creative and already working in a good direction and doing things right. I guess we all want that confirmation and approval in a way... it gives us strength to keep going.

Chippin' away.

2009-07-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

The past 4 days JP, a couple of our co-workers and I have been armed with hammers and chisels. Our task, to chip the floors of the kitchen. This entails hammering out little holes all over the concrete slab to give a texture to the surface so the mortar that will be laid on top has something to bond to. The process of continually hammering is tiring on the arms, annoying to the ears, aches the back and painful to the thumbs. In the beginning the moment focus is lost one usually misses the chisel and strikes their thumb, which after many really hurts and starts to leave a mark. Our co-workers laugh and say this is the mark of Kenya, as they all have one as well. As the days passed we got better and better and it was easy to focus on the task while giving time to think.

As I was hammering away, in between shots to my thumbs, I realized how much time, effort, and sweat I had put into that exact spot. Chiseling away had a strong similarity to the smashing of rocks, which lay beneath the slab we were now indenting. Instead of being armed with a large mallet to perform the task of turning large stones into gravel, we now were armed with small hammers and chisels and were in a sense doing the same thing. Below that exists layers of dirt and stone that were gathered from all over the property and thrown within the foundation. The foundation itself was a huge task as we dug the trenches with shovels, pick axes, and crow bars. Then, we were the machine that mixed the concrete after collecting wheel barrow after wheelbarrow of sand, gravel, and cement bags. Each step was done for the same purpose of adding another level or layer to the building being transformed into the kitchen responsible for feeding the children of KACH.

This kitchen at the Kithoka Amani Community Home is not only the place where I have done the hardest work of my life, but it is a spot has come to represent so much to me. It represents all of the Kenyans that we have bonded with through hard work and with who our relationships grow each and everyday. We have truly morphed from strangers to co-workers, from co-workers to friends, and from friends to brothers. It represents the kids who will soon be able to call a place home, the ones who on a materialistic level have next to nothing, yet are so inspiring as they so easily give away their beautiful smiles, giving a true feeling to as what this place is about. It represents the community that we have become a part of, one that has no boundaries and extends across different cultures, genders, and generations. As our bonds tighten our thirst for collaboration grows and we are able to watch this idea mature into something great!

Seat (with cushion, for extra comfort), chisel, hammer,

concrete slab... pretty straight forward.

getting started; 798 suaqre feet to go...

Tribute to the garden

2009-07-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

One of my best memories form last October was pulling rocks out of the ground to get the garden started. It was a real therapeutic experience for me. My life style is so different at home; stressing about work, dead lines, contracts, fixing the house and everything in it, getting mad when my computer crashes or when the internet doesn't work... In the garden, I was 100% happy. Every time I pulled a rock out of the ground, I would think; "One less rock in the garden!". So simple, so tangible, so real... ...so awesome! That's when I realized I didn't work with my hands enough and acknowledged that I have a need to build and grow things. I think that a lot of us are losing touch with that aspect of being human, including me. Many of the things we do these days happen on a desk or on a screen and we don't get to experience the satisfaction of watching something we created come to life.

Coming back to see the state of the garden 8 months later was truly satisfying. It looks beautiful. At least once a day, I take time to walk through, look, touch and smell... It's amazing to witness how it changes from one day to the next. Not to mention it will provide food for the kids. If you've never done it, try growing something!

Farm Visit #4 Morioki's Farm

2009-07-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

KACH landscape

2009-07-19T23:07:00.000-07:00

below is the rough sketch of the landscape as it is now and picture of the site currently... we have a "circle of love" which will be planted with guavas, we will have flame trees, ever flowering yellow trees, fruit and nuts galore! with many areas to rest and retreat to as well. On the upper terrace we will be creating a permaculture style orchard and passion vine trellises. After the rainy season all ground should be covered with lushness!

The gat the gate for the road to the goat pen

African Rain

2009-07-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Great interpretation by a cappella jazz choir from Slovenia...

http://videos.komando.com/2009/06/18/african-thunderstorm/

Duel at Sacred Lake

2009-07-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

Up high near the base of mount Kenya the vegetation became somewhat reminiscent of home. A shepherd led us to the sacred lake where there were elephant tracks and a duel!

Permaculture Demo at Ayub's

2009-07-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

23 farmers came yesterday to watch a impromptu demonstration of permaculture and bio intensive farming. When we arrived in the morning I was a little worried it would be just me, Ayub, JP and Mikey.... But sure enough people started coming in from every direction. We sat in the shade of the banana trees and went over basic principals. All of which had to be translated into Kemeru. We did a small forest guild with sheet mulching, Which all of the women were so excited and got their hands right into it! we finished the guild in no time. We then moved over to some beds Ayub had prepared and Ben Muia talked about bio intensive...but surprisingly he put a permaculture spin on it. I was so impressed as I had literally given him Gaia's Garden by Toby Hemenway the day before and here he was converted!

We had an amazing conversation over sodas and white bread(still need to work on why eating only organic food is important for diet and tried to make a point that future meetings we will only eat from the garden...one step at a time). They agreed to form two groups and visit each others farms once a week and get together once a month to discuss all they were learning. They are so eager to do anything that will improve their shamba and for so long they have been fed such crap information. The intentions I believe were good to start but now their only seed source is treated/ GMO seeds and everyone is planting the same crops as that is all they have access to.

So here we are to start a new way and give them confidence that their traditional ways and instincts are correct and to keep going and take back their power and their gardens. Have something that sustains them and provides for generations to come. It all starts in the soil and the roots! At the end of our day together they sang a little song for me and said that they were so happy I had come and brought a little light and love...The ladies even renamed me farmer lady in Kemeru "karimi" or something like that.... it was an absolute honor to bring something and have it so well received. I often feel it is someways easier here than in the states as there is a bit less resistance..... and still we keep going to crusaders for love and beauty and a healthy planet.

mikey contemplating an amaranth

Planting a kale plant into sheet mulch

Bio intensive demo

bio intensive with a permaculture twist

What?

Farm Visit #3 CHUGU

2009-07-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

I was cordially invited to one of Chugu's( my favorite village) weekly meetings to discuss organic farming as well as go visit some of the local shambas. The lay of the land is hilly and lush and somehow feels cozy, a place where you could settle into. Chad and I had been in October last year with Karambu to give them water pipes to complete their project to receive government water. It was an absolute pleasure to come back. They had been collecting their own maize seeds and had some very old varieties. It was a successful meeting with 30 new farmer's interested in and committed to organics!!! we are growing!!!!