We have been in Kenya for nine days now and that is hard to believe; time passes very quickly here. Time in itself in Kisumu is very different. I don't know if I am quoting this correctly, but a Kenyan once said, "A Kenyan has no watch and all the time in the world, but an American has many watches and no time." I am beginning to understand the significance of that. I love that you have time to talk to people every day as you walk down the street or that when you are in the market people will tell you all about their life. The Kenyan people love conversation and enjoy getting to know you. Even the little children who we meet in Nyalenda will yell, "Wazungu" and come running just to say, "Hello, how are you?" Greg and I have decided that we will walk most places that we go, number one because we want to get to know the people and number two because we don't have a car. And, it is always an adventure! Sometimes if we are in a hurry, we will ride on a "piki piki" (a motorcycle) and get to know our driver. This type of transportation is so important in Kisumu, because this is how many men make a living for their families and it is very reasonable to get around that way. Now, it is a little tricky, as Greg and I ride together with our driver and all of our groceries, and I always have on a skirt! But, we fit right in, because this is very typical of all of Kisumu. One day, Greg was busy and I wanted to walk to a market that most Kenyans use, because their prices are more reasonable; well, I started on my trek and I think I ended up walking a total that day about 8 miles! But, once again, time was not a problem and I met many wonderful people.
Since we have been back in Kisumu a lot of our time has been spent getting reacquainted with the children and staff at Ring Road Orphanage and Day School and meeting with the leaders here. The students have been out of school for break that is mandated by the government, which means many of the children are on their own without much food. One of the wonderful things about Ring Road Orphanage is that they provide three meals for each orphan every day that school is in session. I must give a BIG SHOUT OUT to all of the ladies who participated in the "Thirty One" Fundraiser for the orphanage before Greg and I left to come to Kenya. The Director at Ring Road allowed us to use those funds to send 2 kilos of maize and 2 kilos of beans home with 200 children for this next week that the children are out of school! I can not thank you ladies enough for all that you did to raise that money for these children! Most of them were hungry with little resources until school resumes. The food was distributed after worship service today. You ladies are our heroes!
Greg and I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity to be in this place at this time. We covet your prayers as we try to find our "place" in working alongside the leaders here and how to navigate a very different culture. I am sure we will make many mistakes, but with God and these people who are very forgiving, we will find our way.
