Each morning we are in Kamulu, Maureen makes us breakfast. Today it was chai (of course), bread and butter (with jam) and fried eggs. I love the way they do their eggs, they are fried dry so they can be eaten with the hands. Thanks to Maureen for taking such good care of us. After breakfast we visited a special entrepreneur’s fair that the kids at made in the streets were putting on. It was a day of putting their new found job skills to the test. It was a brief stop on our way back into Nairobi to visit the Ngando feeding station.
This feeding station is different than most in that we were not able to buy any land or have any donated here. Land in Nairobi is very expensive so the church is on a rented plot. There was a typical sheet metal structure, this one with a loud sound system, that served as the church and dining hall for the kids. What was the same is the tremendous outpouring of gratitude and emotion from the church members. Pastors from other churches were there also to show their appreciation, and there was a great meal. We were served first, then as we finished they washed the dishes and served some more. Have you ever been somewhere that people ate in shifts because of a shortage of dishes?
It was an eye opening experience in the difference between city and country life. Their latrine was the worst I have ever seen, not even a deep hole under it and raw sewage seeped out all over. Maureen and Risper declined to use it and I forced myself so that I could feel some measure of empathy. I know I will never know fully how blessed I am but these humbling experiences work wonders for checking your greed. After a quick stop at Simon Karanja’s, our WBS worker, house we sped back to Kamulu, just ahead of the rising tide of afternoon rush hour traffic.
We had a nice dinner and the Coulston’s house, pizza of various types, and conversation about missionary work. I never saw myself as a missionary, and I guess I’m not because I don’t live here, but I found myself actively engaged with the conversation and able to relate to most of it. We’ve been here for two weeks now, with one more to go. Thanks to everyone who has been keeping up with us through the blog, and for everyone who is covering our responsibilities back home. We are getting homesick now, we find ourselves missing our kids and cats and friends terribly.
Exciting times are coming as the medical team arrives Sunday.
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| Ngando |
3 comments:
I am glad to see something of Ngando and hear a report from there. Maureen had visited there once but no snaps. Wish we had some land but to buy some we would probably have to move it so far the church it is serving now couldn't attend due to distance.
John
It feels like you have been gone a long time! Today was very special - Kenya Sunday. I believe it really presented a powerful message. To think you both are there right now, made it even more powerful. Real people, real issues, real needs. We are so blessed here. Blessings on your travels this week. We miss you here too.
Your friends, children, and cats (somewhat furrier chilren?) miss you too! Glad the medical team arrived safely and with everything. I am especially anxious to hear Deborah's experience!
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