Karanja's Big Day Out

Karanja needed to go to the dentist so we made a day of taking him to Nyeri to go to dentist and do shopping just for him. It was only his second time to go to Nyeri (the city about 1 hour from us). He was so excited to go that he couldn't even sleep and would tell everyone "I'm going to Nyeri". Once we arrived he was scared of all of the cars and people and wouldn't let go of my hand. We were walking between two parked cars and the driver of one of them started it's engine and he about jumped out of his skin! He did great at the dentist after he figured out that the dentist chair wasn't going to attack him:)

After the dentist we went to lunch and he was excited to have beef fry, spinach, cabbages, potatoes, french fries, a doughnut (mandazi) and a coke! This kid can eat- but a trip to Nyeri must include a great lunch! Later we ran into a friend who bought him yoghurt and a snack cake.  This kid can eat- but a trip to Nyeri must include good food! Then we did some shopping for him- getting church and play clothes, socks and a pair of shoes. Then he went to the barber and was all smiles.

We were in the grocery store and he pulled me close- I thought he was again afraid of all of the people but instead he said to me with a big smile, "It's my birthday today, it's Nov 20!"  That's right... Karanja never knew his birthday so when he was at my house in July he decided Nov 20 would be his birthday. Birthdays aren't really celebrated here so at the time I didn't think he would remember the date he picked, but sure enough he did! What are the odds- the first time in his life to go to Nyeri for a day just for him happened to be on the first birthday he has ever known:)

Hit the Ground Running

No time for jetlag.... the schools were scheduled to close on Nov 22 but ended up closing early and I had students at my house on Friday!

I landed on Thursday night and then met with four of our university students on Friday in Nairobi before heading to the house. Arriving at the house was fun! It was great to see Mama Mwangi and the students who I hadn't seen in two months. Then when I walked in the kitchen to see what we had to eat, I had unfortunately forgotten our cupboard here is not loaded with food like back home in America... but there were some leftover beans and corn which were waiting for me :) Yep, I'm back!

On Sunday I went to St. Gerald to see how things have been going there. They replaced the Director while I was gone and I was extremely happy to find the new Director is a Brother who is very capable of improving the school and will be great with the kids! That is a significant relief!!

Today is Monday and I'm already at the dentist with 2 of our boys- with 5 fillings and 1 pulled tooth for a total of $190. Thank you everyone who bought bracelets, your money is already being put to use! It is because of each of you that we are able to get these kids taken care of! Also, we do still have more bracelets for sale, just email me at kenyaamini@gmail.com to purchase.

Next up is shopping- need to stock up on food, cleaning supplies and chicken food. Back to carrying everything and trying to get it all on the matatu and then carrying it to the house. Not in America any longer, lots of natural exercise here!

A Remarkable Trip

A huge thank you to everyone I've spent time with over the last two months. I truly appreciate everyone who hosted me in their homes, took me to dinner, bought bracelets, collected backpacks and items for the kids and sent donations!!! Thank you to each and everyone of you for a remarkable trip!

Now to land of opposites where they:
-Prefer to be old and big vs young and thin
-live for today rather than stress about tomorrow
-stroll vs rush
-walk vs drive
-eat fresh food vs processed

I am looking forward to my next 27 hours of travel to prepare for the adjustment!
Looking forward to seeing everyone in Kenya!! :)