Tusker

We are back in Kenya settling in once again! This picture taken over looking the sea from our veranda.

Year 1 Review - Second Year Begins

Ty was a bit scared and sad about coming to Africa, but quickly got to know people and thinks they are quite nice. He liked to go to the playground and swimming at the school and has many friends. He looks forward to coming to the big school (the Academy). Ty likes the big house and likes playing soccer with Isaac and Samuel (security guards). The people in Africa are good and kind because they “smile a lot”. Ty rates the first year 5 out of 5. He looks forward to swimming at the waterslides and in the sea.


Tait was very nervous at first meeting new friends at the school but has met some really nice friends. She really enjoyed the weekly Friday assemblies at the school as they were creative and entertaining. “There are lots of bugs and lizards at our house”. Our house is bigger than I thought. ”Tait likes having Canadian neighbors and being close to the ocean. She thinks the people in Africa are friendly and generous, “ but look much different than us – but that’s okay.” Tait rates the first year 4 out of 5. She looks forward to being with her African friends.


Kyle was unsure of moving to Africa at first and took some time to “get use to it (the new surroundings).” He likes the school activities and sports and has made some “good friends.” Kyle thought the house would be small and made out of straw, but it is “ hugh with a swimming pool.” He feels that African people, including Asians, are “nice and kind.” Kyle recalls playing on many of the sports teams. Kyle rates the first year a 3.25 out of 5. He is looking forward to other African adventures.

Jordan found the first few days scary as we were arriving so late and we didn’t know were we were going to live. He thinks the school is enormous big and enjoys sporting activates like soccer (football) and basketball. It took a while to find a group of friends but now has a small group of friends that he goes to movies with. Jordan really likes the swimming pool and finds the beds “hard and uncomfortable”. He finds the people kind and shy. He finds that the people “give to others even if they don’t have much to give”. Jordan rates it 3.5 out of 5. He is looking forward to going on safaris and moving into the Senior School (grades 7- 13 (IB).

Scott has seen a real adjustment and resiliency with his family. From the initial stages of “what have we done?,” and “have we made the right decision?” to the comfortable feelings of settling in and making a difference in the school and the community to which we live.

Providing and exposing the children and family to a global perspective that far stretches beyond Canada. The children have experienced the reality of life situations that affect humankind such as poverty, AIDS and other aspects of the third world. We have discovered a simpler life style that includes much more ‘family time’ by being at the same school and spending time together on weekends as well as traveling. This has partly been achieved by decreasing the ‘techno’ world we live in terms of computer, game-boys and television. The ability to be outside on a regular basis is very therapeutic, especially Scott (Brenda is planning to buy a shirt that says ‘solar powered’). Having the opportunity to travel to Dubai and Rome showing the children other cities in the world is simply wonderful.


The family has learned to be more generous towards others as we feel very blessed and fortunate with what we have. These life experiences can not be learned only by discussions, but by seeing, feeling and living in the same community. We see people everyday that are disadvantaged and could use assistance in one form or another as well as hearing the many stories of hardship with the people we have become friends with. But in saying that, we are continually shown that the people of Africa are very spirited and have a very unique ‘spark’ for life by being joyous, kind with a strong sense of connection with others and the community.

A couple of examples to ponder – traditionally when you greet and African you do not simply say ‘hello and how are you?,’ it is a sincere greeting - there are moments to minutes that you have a discussion with them before you move on or before you ‘get down to business.’ A further example, as the roads in Kenya are a challenge, I have had a few flat tires, it is remarkable to see how many people walking by will stop and want to assist without an intrinsic motive. Basically their first word spoken is ‘sorry’ and want to help immediately. Before we left back to Canada for the school break Jordan was in the hospital for a few days. Gladys and Florence, our house helpers, were very concerned so they cut some roots/leaves from bushes, by climbing on the roof of the house, and boiled them for him. Overll there is a commitment to humankind not just your own circumstances!

Scott resigned at Mount Royal College (pictures) as the decision was made to remain in Africa. Although he will miss the people, the decision was a clear one that was made for his own well-being and that of the family. Africa is a place we need to stay! He was able to finish is last course towards his PhD. in psychology and will be entering the comprehensive exams the dissertation aspects next. His job in Kenya continues to evolve. Last year he had many responsibilities including counseling, career counseling, Head of Department as well as overseeing the Professional Development. The year is will be concentrating on career exploration/development and the role as Dean of Professional Development. Scott is very much looking forward to this year in his newly defined roles.

Brenda will add her comments shortly!

Roma, Italy

The McLean family arrived into Rome after 2 flights from Calgary thru Toronto. We immediately wanted to see the sights of unique old civilization. The children enjoyed the “time elevator” which was a 5D high tech virtual projection show, telling the vast Roman history.

Needless to state, Rome is rapidly emerged into world history with unique and ancient architecture from the buildings, galleries, monuments and museums. Absolutely breath-taking, unbelievable sculptures, art and paintings, with very fine creative details. We toured the city on a “double-decker” bus that stopped at the sites- to mention a few, Trevi Fountain, Roman forum, Collosseum, Vatican City (St.Peter’s Basilica).

We had a difficult time with jet-lag. It seemed that we could not synchronize our sleeping schedules. We enjoyed the many pizzerias with the tastes and smells that increased our appetites.

Fairmont Weekend

The final weekend in Canada before the trip to Europe and back to Africa.

Fairmont, British Columbia, is located three hours by vehicle west of Calgary. Located in the Canadian mountains. Activites included a hike/climb of the Hoodoos and a family swim in the natural waterfall.

Birthday celebrations included Grampa Bud who turned 70 years young on August 06 and for Tait and Ty who will be having their birthdays in September.The weekend also included a sleepover at Grammie Bunny's house in Calgary and Jordan being able to participate in a soccer(football)practice with his old team mates.

The last couple of days was also spent seeing friends at Edworthy Park and seeing Dean and Kurt's "funky pad", which included many artifacts from Africa.

Book Commentary about Africa

In the Company of Cheerful Ladies
(The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency)
Author - Alexander McCall Smith

Look at Africa - there has been so much to shake one’s head over - corruption, civil wars, and the rest - but there was also which was now much better. There had been ignorance, but now more and more people were learning to write, and were graduating from universities. These were good things that happened and one had to remember them.

Some of the difficulties in Africa was a consequence of increasing prosperity, which, curiously enough, just seemed to bring out greed and selflessness. Africa needs to be defend the old ways (closer friendships and connected communities) of doing things.

Waskesiu Lake

Fond memories of Waskesiu Lake emerged quickly as the McLean family spent three weeks in northern Saskatchewan.

Waskesiu Lake
I am the water, the ice, the rain,
I am the wind moving the mist,
and racing around the rocks below.
I am the hill holding the evening sun.
I am the pulse, the rhythm,
of the wilderness.

Rekindling lake friendships and sharing the past year experiences assisted the parents and children to settle into a Canadian environment. The relaxed lifestyle, and beautiful scenery allowed the children to gain freedom and independence like going for bike rides/bike jumping, riding to Archers and Bakers for cinnamon buns, cheese sticks and ice cream.

Traditional camp outs, breath-taking sunsets, wiener roasts, water sports, golfing, bingos, fishing and the annual tennis tournament and Grey Owl Howl were plentiful and very enjoyable for all.

Grammie (Bunny McLean) joined us at the lake for a few days of the festivities. She had not visited the area for over 50 years. Jordan won the Under 12 tennis tournament as well as the doubles with Baba (Ken Tidsbury). Scott celebrated his 43rd birthday boating with the ‘boys’ and was successful at wake-surfing. Brenda attended the annual Diamond Charity Dinner and went for a cook out with the rest of the YaYas at Nemekus with the children. Our time also overlapped with Uncle Joe and Aunt Ev and gave us a chance to have a barbeque, ice cream and a visit.

A new activity the families engaged in was boogie boarding down the Waskesiu River. The first day, on a cold and rainy day, we went for a hike pareleel to the river and then ended up swimming, some with their clothes on and others with only one or two items on... and the following day for about six hours, the children spent the day floating down the river to a bride and walking the 1 km back to start all over again.

Memories for another year!