February 2010 Trip: Here we are in Kenya!

Hi everyone!

We had a hard time signing on so haven't been updating our travels, but have borrowed a modem that helps us connect. We are anxious to share what we've done.

First of all, our flights were uneventful and even though they were long, we did just fine. The only thing was that Lynn's suitcase didn't make it and still hasn't appeared, so she has been playing it by ear.

It was great to see Peter and Irene at the Methodist Guest House for breakfast before we left Nairobi.

We went to Nakuru where we visited the U. Methodist Medical Clinic, the new boarding school and Squatter's Hill where many of the children are orphans living with siblings. They were so excited to see us and we felt like rock stars as we drove down the dirt road into the area. Then we went on safari while Lynn went into town to buy medications that would be needed at the clinic.

We came to a little guest house in Nyamira in the middle of a thunderstorm and all freaked out as water was dripping through the ceiling, the lights went off, we were shown to our rooms with flashlights. We found that the toilets didn't flush, three of the room's toilets didn't have toilet seats. Fran had to have 3 faucets replaced before the water would turn on. Michelle has a twister game bedspread. It took awhile to get things straightened out but by the second night we slept better and our outlook improved.

Sunday we went to church in Peter's families village, Riakong'a Methodist Church. Our doctor, Michelle, had picked up a bug and was sprawled out in the back seat of the safari van during church, and awoke to find many eyes staring at her as the children from the neighborhood found a Mzungu (white person) sleeping in a van on their hillside.

The rest of us enjoyed being with the congregation, hearing the wonderful music by the children's and youth and women's choirs, and then enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by the women of the church.

After church we left to go to the Reading Centre to set up for the clinic. Security men appeared to check things out in preparation for the afternoon visit of the Minister of Health Services for the whole country of Kenya. He toured the Reading Centre, recognized the opening of the medical camp, gave a speech to area people..and reporters and cameras were there from the media!

Today was great! Clement had done an incredible job of organizing, so things flowed smoothly and we saw over 300 people. The eyeglasses are a HUGE hit!!! One third of our patients have been eye patients.

We've eaten dinner, are tired, and are looking forward to getting going again tomorrow, when we're anticipating another big crowd. The news media was here again today... so be sure to watch your local Kenyan station and you might see us.