Ongoro

Yesterday morning we left the Tea Hotel behind at set out for Kisumu.  Kisumu is the third largest city in Kenya, situated on the far western side of the country, right on Lake Victoria.  We were going there on a mission to find a welding supply place within reach of the VTC for a vocational trip later this summer.  We did find a BOC Gasses location there, and it is quite large.  They lacked any stock of welding machines, however, since they only special order from Nairboi when they need something.  They had a massive stock of rods, wire, and gasses though, so it’s good to know where we can go in the future.

We also stopped by a place in town that carried at least a few professional audio products.  I wanted a small, easily transportable sound system for Stephen so that when he visits orphanages with while I’m away, he can bless the kids with a movie or two.  I found one at a good price, though it is not anywhere near the quality I am used to working with at GCR.  We ate a nice lunch at a hotel there and then moved down to Ongoro.

Tobias Olweny runs this place for us, and I can say that he is doing an excellent job.  There was a time when I was not too sure about him, but now Ongoro is one of our nicest, best run locations.  The name “ongoro” means, “dry place” in the local tongue and it is indeed quite sandy and dry by Kenyan standards.  I certainly wouldn’t call it as dry as Midland nor even Kinyach, but growing crops is a challenge here compared to other areas.

We sat down with a widow and Tobias and did our fact finding about food, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how close to ideal the nutrition they already are.  Tobias seems to have a unique sense of what is needed for the kids, and he definitely loves them very much.  He is always trying to do his best for them and it really shows.

After dinner, we played a movie for them and I was so impressed by how quiet and well behaved they were.  Even with a brief stop because of power failure, they were polite and considerate.  This is a very well disciplined group of kids, to be sure.

This morning we got to worship with the Ongoro church.  The other area churches sent delegations as well, so it was a full house in the large church building.  The service went well, and I again shared the “forgiveness” sermon, this time the full version.  Tobias was impressed that I went as long as I did, probably about an hour.  It’s amazing how much they appreciate a long sermon here, quite a contrast from America!

After lunch we left Ongoro behind and made it safely to the Dados in Kisii.  I like visiting this hotel, mostly because, for some reason, they have the fastest internet in Kenya!  So here we are.  We made it in time to see the second half of the Liverpool – Manchester City match in the Barclay’s Premiere League.  Being in Kenya has turned me into a bit of a soccer fan, and though my team, Arsenal, is not in the title chase this time, I am really enjoying the sport.  It gives me a nice point of conversation with most Kenyans, as they all seem to follow it closely.  Liverpool won, by the way, if you care.

Tomorrow, we will make a fairly long drive to Uriri, near the Tanzanian border.  We have two orphanages there, and I am excited to see them and our man, Kennedy Chandi again.  Then it’s on to Ndhiwa and Alfayo Bodi.  We will be three nights away from a hotel this time, as we begin the second half of this trip.  Be blessed!