It was an immensely successful trip for Tim - the last before he rolled out his household survey (the bulk of his dissertation data collection)- and a very enjoyable trip for Eleanor and me. The cooler temperatures, the (little) improvement in my Kiswahilli, Eleanor's independence of mobility and interest in other children, shorter grasses which make for easier walking, and the fact that we didn't spend all day, each day, in the car all helped make the experience easier for both of us to handle.
It was also a real pleasure to watch Tim at work. I get glimpses of him conducting field work- through his stories and the stories of others- but to witness (and experience) a group interview in a boma or hear the exchange between Tim and his new field assistant as they discuss the upcoming questionnaire and walk up and down the river in Terrat where herders were gathering to water their cattle made everything a little more...well...real. I am so thankful for that opportunity.
-kjd
"Mom, look!"
"I'm sorry, did you want that water?"
Dusk at the boma entrance.
The resident chameleon.
Chairs, fire-side.
Chopping firewood, Isaya (front) and Tim.
Newly built health clinic, Landanai Village.
Inside the clinic, USAID food bags.
After lunch, mom and Eleanor.
Laughing at goats.
Red earth. Red pants.
Group interview, Maasai boma.
Training the new field assistant to take GPS readings.
Dam and cattle trough, Terrat Village.
Calling to the giraffe (standing by the tree).
Same giraffe sighting.
Eleanor.
Early morning reading with dad: Turtle Splash Countdown at the Pond.
Playing in bucket of water- fun; being soaking wet as a result- not so fun.
Eleanor, Sukuro Village.
Outside the village administrative offices, Sukuro.
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What an awesome experience! Sounds like you've "found a rhythm" that works for all of you in the treks to the bush! it's amazing to see the growth in E. as time has gone on this year. Her personality seems to be emerging more and more, and she clearly seems deeply engaged in her environment! Love the picture of her with her herding stick (?) and the smiling villager (or assistant) in background . . . AND the wonderfully colorful village meeting. Phenomenal! Dad
ReplyDeleteI read your comment aloud, dad, with Eleanor sitting on my lap. When I finished I turned to her and said "Is your personality emerging more and more these days, Eleanor?"
ReplyDeleteShe turned her head down slightly toward her shrugged right shoulder, batted her eyelashes, and laughed. I'm not kidding. It was priceless.
-kjd