Beauty

Maasai Mara Safari Pic

Back Home

So, after just one day back in the country, I am already beginning to think about the future. I wanted to spend at least some time relaxing and just feeling the feelings but I can’t help thinking of the future. Often I find myself wondering what is going on in the village . . . What the kids are doing? What the grandmothers are doing? As I sip coffee at Panera, I can’t help but think about the breakfast fires being lit in the village, kids hauling water and firewood, washing clothes in a bucket, etc. It is a different world. I am a little out of place but am sure I will adapt. I was struck most, as Zac and I drove in - there were no people walking. Only cars . . . no people. In Africa, no one has a car, everyone walks everywhere. There are faces to look at. Then there is the cold. My body needs some time to adjust to the cold. I can’t get warm.

We left Nairobi for London and I had a great time with the three kids. On Monday morning we all headed to the airport to board a plane to CVG. But . . . .some of the worst weather seen in the UK prevented us from getting on the plane and at around 3pm we got on a packed flight to JFK. Once at JFK we had to sleep in the airport with hopes of getting a flight early Tuesday to Cincinnati. Sleeping in the airport was just one more bonding moment for me and the kids! But we made it home Tuesday morning, to the joy of my mom. Thankfully I was able to put on a few pounds during the safari and in London. I think I looked a little healthier by the time I saw mom.

So . . .what to do? I look forward to meeting with friends, visiting the school kids, parents and staff. There are a couple of groups looking for a report and there are articles to write. I guess I can keep busy while I wait for what might come next. Sr. Mary, the Director of Nyumbani has written a couple of times with some good advice to take some time before discussing the next steps for me. I have a couple of options in Kenya, just not sure if it is the right thing . . . but time will tell.

George's Aunt

We were fortunate to travel to Nakuru and visit with George’s dad and rest of his family. Because of the generosity of the folks at IHM parish and school, I was able to give 220,000 Kenyan Shillings to George’s aunt. She and George’s dad traveled (that day) to the Central Province and purchased a piece of property in a safe location. In the months previous, her land was seized, house and belongings burned in the violence in Eldoret. It was the second time she has lost everything to tribal violence. The new location is safe and near to relatives that can be of assistance since she is handicapped as well.

You can’t imagine the joy this gift has brought to the family. They not only purchased property with a simple dwelling on it, but also used the extra money to buy a cow. They move to the property on March 17th. Thanks to all! George promises to get pictures and send them ASAP.

Back In London

I am in London for a few days with Rachel, Jonah and Zac. Zac and a friend came to the Village and we had a great visit and he got a good feel for my life there. I can't describe the feeling of seeing Zac at the Nairobi Airport. Zac - my son, came to Africa. Of course I cried when I saw him. He teared up a little too and said - "you look thin." Zac was able to experience just about everything I wanted him to see and feel in the Village. We spent lots of time with the kids, the animals, the staff. We celebrated my leaving one evening with the staff and also hung with the grandmothers and kids in the homes. The most difficult times for me were saying goodbye to the kids and granmothers I have gotten close to. On the final Sunday, very early, I found Benerd sitting in front of his house. He was home for midterm break. (Long story but he got home by using some money I had given him - sharing it with four other boys from the village. They only had 150 shillings a piece - enough only to travel the 3 hour trip on top of a bus - with the chickens!! I was so angry he had traveled that way but happy he was home to see me off. Anyway, Bernerd is sitting outside his house Sunday mornig, waiting for me. We sit and hold hands - no words - none needed. His brother Charles Darwin came over to wish me a safe journey and to tell me that I was "most beloved." Two motorcycles came to pick us up and we sped away - little children running after us waving. Sweet. We then took a long matatu ride to Nairobi and spent the night in Karen. The safari was excellent. We were also able to visit with George's dad and other relatives in Nakuru. (More about that later.) After a flight to London, Zac and I met up with his sister and brother. We are having a great time now - seeing London but it's freezing, rainy and windy. We saw Les Miserables last night and my sons and I walked the Tower Bridge and around today. They just took off for a train ride to some soccer stadium to see a game. I passed, too cold. Maybe the reggai concert tonight. We travel back to the states on Monday morning. I hear there was a little snow. Can't wait to see the snow - friends and family. My emotions are on the edge - once again. Peace.