November 5, 2006

Today was yoga with Charles, breakfast, bible study, and then church. it was really exciting with lots of dancing and clapping under a huge tent. It was African dres day whicyh was pretty interesting to see. A lady in the front had a huge gold foil headdress.

There was no real sermon. It was a dedication to Pastor Oscar and his wife, Bea. It was also the church's anniversary. Then, we ate at a very American restaurant. I had a burrito.

Then we went to the market which was a little bit difficult for me to manuever through. I couldn't tell a good deal form a bad deal. I have not concept of their money. I don't even know what I spent today. I started buying something from a Masai lady and Susan said it was a bad deal and one lady was pulling on my arm, and the other lady was upset. It was crazy.

Tonight, we ate a bunch of different kinds of meat which have made my stomach feel not so great. I talked with Dee which is always a great experience. We all had lots of fun.

Nov. 4/5, 2006 Journal

I just realized Leslee's birthday is today. I forgot to send her something. And Brandon's birthday shoudl be here, too. And then Aunt Peggy's. I'm in Kenya.

Susan is sleeping.

Today, we went to the New life Home Trust. The babies were beautiful. I wish I could have kissed every one. And also I wish I knew all their names.

Blessed--the biter and one I got to feed--kept wanting to sleep. I fed her potato/carrot/meat mush.
Clint--the one that loved Dennis--kept saying "Uh-oh" when Chris was throwing a fit in his high chair. He had lots of teeth.
Chris was the tiny bully who would cry after he pushed someone down.
Amber was the sweet baby in pink.
Krissy was the little one we thought was Amber.
Andrew was the chunk that looked like his name should be Bubba.
I got to feed May a bottle and mushed banana.
Lena was a special needs child and liked it when I clapped my hands.
Wyclif had cerebral palsey. He would smile a little.
Joseph..Alicia..so many babies.
Eva the Queen...
Clive the streaker...
God bless their caregivers. God bless those children with homes.

Last thing: Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell/Chinese Restaurant/Nairobi, Kenya. Somehow these things all fit together.

Nov. 3, 2006 Journal

I don’t really know what day it is, but I think it’s Friday.

We arrived in Kenya this morning. The Sudan team also made it with us. By the grace of God, all our luggage arrived. We saw Susan waiting for us in a whole sea of drivers with signs. She introduced us to Tom and Bernard. They are both driving us around. As soon as we pulled away from the airport, we could see giraffes in the distance. Whoah.

We saw the plains with thorn trees. We saw huge birds that were scavengers and beautiful purple flowered trees and other flowers. And Africans of every kind and some other cultures as well. All kinds of people were walking along the street. The others were crowded in vans almost sitting on top of one another.

We then went to Tina’s house (Susan’s sister), then to our Methodist hotel. And then to Bashara (?) street in downtown Nairobi—which is crazy (tall buildings, business people, but no driving rules, and then other things that look completely third world). Then back to Jane’s house (another sister) and we got to meet Baby Grace who is only a week old.

I’m so sleepy. I’m fading. Susan is my roomie. She’s sleeping soundly.

I met Derek, Brennan, Timothy, Hazel, and Kevin—all nieces and nephews of Susan. And I met precious Dee. I don’t think I’ve ever hugged anyone like that before. Praise God. Praise God. I suppose that’s what hugs will be like in heaven.
http://www.supportdee.blogspot.com/.

Nov. 1, 2006 Journal

Somewhere near Detroit, Michigan, USA.
I'm on British Airways which should almost serve as a trip in itself. It's kind of weird.
All of us are spread out on the plane. I'm so thankful for my down blanket which is nice and comfy and warm.
The group going to Sudan is also on board with us. Maybe now I can better understand the excitement people have been feeling for me.
The lights of Detroit are out the window. We're getting a new crew and some additional passengers.
There are about 15 movies available to watch and music to listen to. It's pretty cool.
God bless this journey.
I can't wait to see Susan and see her smile.
I love God.
We've got one little strange system of life we've tinkered with as man.
Ciao for now.

This is the story...

I went to Kenya. With Charles (Chalo), Dennis, Trena, and little Beth. :) I am not the same. None of are the same. I'm going to use this blog to share my journal entries and try to share the beauty and the warmth of this country and its people. Thanks for reading.