Back to School

The school year here starts in January so we have been busy shopping and sending all of the students back to school. This becomes quite the job since our students, high school and primary, are all at boarding school. So they require more than just backpacks, pens and paper. They have to go with mattresses, blankets, lockers, soaps, buckets etc. We were lucky to find a sponsor for one of our high school boys, he showed up to report to boarding school in jeans, a t-shirt and an old pair of shoes. Nothing else, as he has absolutely nothing else. As we started shopping he was embarrassed to go into the shoe store. It was so humbling but I was honored to be able to be there to help him start his new life. When dropping him off at school, he was all smiles and said "I had always wanted to come to this school! I am going to return to my village as somebody with a future!"

And I earned a valuable lesson- never shop during back to school week!! It's twice as crazy/crowded as Christmas week!

As of Friday all of the students are now back to school except the freshman. They are waiting to see what school they have been accepted to attend. Then they will report in early February- hopefully we can get their shopping done early! However, I am going to be a bit busy since my parents are arriving tonight for a two week visit!!

Carol - Form 2 (Sophomore)

Daniel - Form 2 (Sophomore)

             I'm sure my mom is going to love it here but two weeks will probably be enough for her... and stay posted for Dad's reaction!! :) Anyone who knows my Dad, knows that this is a bit of a miracle to get him to Kenya for a visit. He is quite content staying at home enjoying the views on his own property or traveling within the US :) But luckily my mom was able to convince him he would enjoy this big journey to the other side of the world, as this is their first trip aboard. Their adventure started yesterday when they boarded the first of three flights and 24 hours of travel. I heard that they seemed pretty excited but also wondering why they were actually going through with this ha!

I will pick them up in two hours and I am praying the flights were mostly comfortable. We will then spend the night at a hotel in Nairobi, where I have Kentucky Fried Chicken and cold beer waiting. Yes, that even includes mashed potatoes and gravy!! Hopefully this will welcome them with some comforts of home and ease the culture shock a little.
I can't wait to introduce them to my "other world"!

Abby's Visit!

My Christmas present arrived on Dec 22- my cousin Abby from St. Louis!! This is my second Christmas away from my family and it makes it much easier having a family member here to celebrate with me!!

Abby and I at the Endarasha market

We started our Christmas celebration at the house on the afternoon of the 24th. Kimathi, who was the oldest of the boys/guys at the house, was designated the appropriate person to slaughter the sheep. We asked Abby if she wanted to do it, but the chicken she slaughtered about 30 minutes after arriving at the house on the 23rd seemed to be enough for her:) After slaughtering the cooking began- everything gets cooked including all of the intestines which smell awful- I would not allow them to be cooked with the other meat and had to be cooked in the outside kitchen.

On Christmas morning we woke at 6:30 and had special breakfast of fried eggs and chai. Then we left the house by 8:00 for our 2 mile walk to church, looking for elephants along the way. After mass we went home and Abby and I prepared presents for all of our kids. Everyone received a new backpack, at least one shirt, prayer cards, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss and deodorant. We also had many "house gifts" including books, sling shots, games, and balls! A huge thank you to my parents, sisters, aunts, cousins and friends for sending so many items and giving us a great Christmas!

We spent the afternoon playing with all of the new toys and many of the kids were so excited about their new backpacks that they wore them while we played. It was a really fun "family" day with many visitors and everyone playing board games and cards late into the night!

Abby and Karanja 

Abby and our kids on Christmas

Karanja trying out the new slingshot.

Kids playing with the new balls on Christmas afternoon

Njoroge cutting the sheep meat

Competitive game of Chutes and Ladders- that I won!

Abby's last day at the house with some of the kids.

Abby stayed at the house with us for a full week. It was amazing how quickly she adapted and fit right in with our kids! I would say the things our kids were most surpised by are she can drive and has her own CAR, she doesn't really have chores at home and that she can sleep until 10am. And for Abby one of the biggest differences is how the kids were hanging out together all of the time. They were never in their rooms. All day they are either doing duties/chores or just spending time together- listening to music, playing games or talking. Also, she was impressed with their English and education and commented that they were "very well spoken". 

For Christmas week we had mostly high school and university students as Brother found guardians to take many of the smaller kids. Abby is a senior in high school so it was perfect that there were so many students her age. Of course we had Karanja with us who absolutely loved Abby and was very sad to say goodbye.

After leaving the house we went on safari to the Ark in Aberdare National Park and to the Masai Mara.

Abby on safari at the Ark

Cute elephants playing in the water

A Rainbow! How appropriate, we were staying at the Ark which is actually in the shape of an Ark and were blessed with a rainbow!

Thank you Abby for making our Christmas extra special! It was great to spend so much time with you! Hope your adjustment to life in America is easy. Glad you were blessed with few snow days upon your return. Looking forward to a return visit!! Everyone here passes their greetings to you!