Time to wash

Well today I did my first load of laundry since coming to Kenya.  Just to be clear when I say load of laundry I mean washing everything by hand.  I only did part of what needed to be done as it is hard work for my lazy body.  Hoping for more sun tomorrow to do the rest.   The rainy season is starting which means either rain all day or sun in the morning and then rains for the afternoon.  So the sooner you get the laundry done and hung the better chance you have of it drying or almost drying before the rain comes.  So I started at 8:00am.  Was able to get what I wanted done and hung and dried.  So good first day of laundry.  Now I just need to stay on top of it.  The rains will start to come more often which means less time to wash and have it dry quickly.  So staying on top of it will be important if I want clean close.  So one down about 20 more washes to go.

Going to Town

How long does it take to get into town?  This question usually has an easy answer.  Unfortunately the answer is not so easy here in Kenya.  There are many ways to get into town.  You can walk which can take about 50 – 60 min.  You can take public transport by either Mattu (van) or motor bike.  Either option can work and are cheap.  The other option is to get a ride into town with someone that is already going.  This was the case this time.  The issue you run into going this way is the delays that can happen do too many reasons.  When we were ready to leave we found out that the driver was in town waiting for us.  So we waited for him to come back and pick us up.  All in all it took about an hour and a half to get into town.  There is no rush here and many things to do.  Once in town you want to make the best of your time do to how much work it can take to get there.  Make a list check in twice and make sure you get what you need.  Can be a hard adjustment when you use to just jumping in the car to pick up what you need and if you forget you just jump in the car again or know you can go the next day.  I do love being in town.  It is busy and much to see.  You always need to keep your eyes open especially if you are trying to cross the road.  No rules just walk when you can (and say a little prayer).  I am working on getting the hang of it again.  It is all coming back to me and soon it will be the norm.

Camp

My first few weeks have gone well.  The first week the team that I traveled with spent time getting settled.  We spent a few days before camp started getting to know the teachers and going through how it will look.  We showed the teachers how to put up tents so that when we got to camp they would be able to help.  Sunday morning was spent at church.  For me it was going back to my Kenyan home church which felt good.  For lunch we took the team to the local tourist attraction, Thompson Falls.  Then it was back home to get ready for camp as the kids were coming.  We spent the first evening with the kids getting to know them and breaking into groups.  Monday was getting ready and packing up the bus.  This is always a long process.  We were hoping to leave around 10:00 but did not leave until 12:00.  Which is Kenyan time.  Travel went well.  We arrived and had camp set up before dark.  The kids were excited.  There was no place to keep all the things we brought to camp so we rented a room which I stayed in, so no tenting for me.  During the next few days the kids got to climb part of Mount Kenya, swim and enjoy some shopping with money that was giving to them by the team.  We also had time to play games and do some crafts with them.  We traveled home on Thursday and on the way we stopped at a place called chaka ranch.  This is a new place that is set up with ATV’s and dune buggies of different sizes that the kids can ride.  There also a big play group for the smaller kids.  So the kids got to ride and have fun for a few hours.  They loved it.  We arrived back home around 6:00.  We had supper and they joined the kids at the school were they were staying for evening snack.  We made them banana boats.  Yesterday was the last full day of camp.  The kids got to ride horse, make cookies and some crafts.  They also got to practice driving, which they love to do.  Yes all ages.  They have big truck that everyone in Kenya learns to drive in and the kids take turns.  Never would that happen in Canada.   Friday night we had our final night together.  It was filled with many good byes.  This morning we met after supper and said our final good byes.  The team leaves this afternoon.

Today I will move to my house during my time here.  It will be good to get settled and start getting the library ready for the kids.

I am here

Well after 25 hours of travel I arrive in Kenya safe and sound.  Travel went smooth and are luggage all came which is a blessing.  We spent the first night in Nairobi.  The next morning we left for home.  We made a few stops but arrived around 1:30.  We enjoyed a great meal (love my Kenyan food especially when someone else is making it).  Then I took the girls from the team to PACE to show them around.  They needed to go to the bank so we all headed to town.  I love town.  It is busy but just feels good to be there.  We got home and relaxed a little before supper.  Today I am relaxing as the rest are on safari.  Weather here is warm which is nice.  It is dry but we are praying for rain as they need it for the crops.  Of course rain here means colder but they need the food.  So all in all a good start.  It feels so right to be here and be back home.  I have seem so many people already that are happy to see me and it is so good to see everyone again.

Time to leave

Well everything is packed (I think) and it is time to turn the computer off for a few days and start this new adventure.  Really looking forward to getting started. 
Next entry will be from Kenya.

The adventure soon to begin

Well it is hard to believe but tomorrow at 5:30pm I leave for Kenya once again.  I am excited to get back and to see what the Lord has in store for me during my 4 1/2 month stay.  I will be using this blog to keep everyone up to date on all that is going on.  I can't promise how often it will happen but will do my best to keep you posted.