Kenya FAQs

I have decided to do a post on questions I have been hearing (and answering) rather frequently the last few weeks. I hope this helps. If you have questions I didn't answer here feel free to ask and I will answer the best way possible.

Q. Where exactly will you be living? Is it civilized?

A. We will be living in the city of Nairobi. The estimated population is 3.3 million, so I would say it is civilized. We will be living in a bottom floor apartment that so far looks nicer than my house here. We have four bedrooms and two bathrooms (with toilets that flush and electricity). There is an on site swimming pool. We will be within walking distance to, as Brian puts it, the nicest mall he has ever been in (which also houses the nicest theater he has ever sat in).

Q. What will the boys be doing for school?

A. We have asked both of the boys' teachers to put together material for us to use while we are there. We have also bought workbooks in math and writing from Staples. Word is that there are a couple private (English speaking) schools in close proximity to our apartment. If we home school, Laura and I will probably take turns teaching.

Q. What are you packing? Are you sending over a container or having things shipped?

A. We are packing up our personal belongings from the house to go into storage. Most of the furniture will stay in the house for potential renters. We will not be shipping anything over or packing up a container with stuff. Each of us has a suitcase containing a notebook or two of Brian's research. Clothes enough for about a month. Maybe a book or two and the kids are allowed two items from home. I am packing running shoes and sandals. We will be bringing a few gifts for Mutisya and his family as well as a computer, my camera and possibly the Wii. Oh, and we will bring toiletries too. Whatever we forget we can buy in Nairobi. If we can't find it there we will go without.

Q. Will you be in contact with family?

A. Yes. We will have access to Internet and so will be using skype, a little bit of facebook and I will blog occasionally. We will also have cell phones and good old fashioned snail mail.

Q. What is the weather like?

A. Wonderful!! The average highs for the months we will be there are around 80 degrees. The elevation is roughly 5,000 feet so it will also get a little cool. We will be there for the short rainy season which is during December and January. February is the warmest month of the year (I will be running the Kilimanjaro half marathon in Tanzania then).

Q. What will you be doing there?

A. I will be doing pretty much what I do here. Brian will be sitting in archives, hob-nobbing with people in the electricity industry and interviewing, otherwise known as researching. We will not be sitting around idly while there. We plan to do a safari or eight ;). We also plan to spend some time on the Kenyan coast as well as other "hot spots" in the area. We plan to spend time in the area where Brian grew up and where his parents served the first part of their mission. This is going to be educational for everyone involved. I expect to be changed!!

I'm sure there are more but since I am stressed my brain is not functioning at 100%. I have been blessed recently by the outpouring of help from people on this end and in Kenya. It is wonderful to see God working in this and helps me to feel even more secure in the knowledge that this is exactly what we are supposed to be doing right now. I will admit that from time to time I find myself worrying specifically about finding renters. I know God has someone I am just trying desperately not to freak out about it.

If you think of it over the next week I would appreciate prayer for my children. The boys in particular are feeling both excited and a bit nervous. Also, please pray that I will be sensitive and attentive to their needs as I know it will be easy for me to be absorbed in my own issues. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for what you are to our family and to me!! I am blessed by you in my life!!

If you have a question feel free to ask!!

Pumpkins and Packing

  This last week we had the pleasure of attending the Harvest Fest at Renken Farms. Since we plan a lot of our activities around weekends the boys are with us we had never been to this event. The kids were excited and I admit I was too. We rode the "train" and the horse drawn cart.

Three of the kids went down the slide and we all picked out pumpkins.

    We had the pleasure of carving pumpkins on the back porch.

    Most of this week has been spent packing. Or should I say wandering from room to room wondering what I should pack next. I have managed to get the kid's rooms mostly packed up as well as a suitcase or two. I have enjoyed sorting through stuff and getting rid of things here and there. A small sick part of me knows that the kids will forget about certain things so it makes it easier for me to stash it in the go away box. I know, bad mommy. This weekend we take most of the boxes up to my bonus parents house to store. I cannot believe we are so close to departure!

   Usually with change or moving I get very anxious and down-hearted. The idea of starting over and leaving what I know is difficult for me. I have found, however, that this transition feels different. I have decided it is because I know I will be coming back to my home and people I know and love.  I am hoping that this trip changes me. In what way I'm not exactly sure. I am hoping that I will be more confident and willing to step out of my comfort zone. Maybe I will be able to bring a little of the African culture into my own life and more specifically my home.

   We are still on the search for renters so if those of you who are praying would lift that up I would appreciate it. I find it amusing that Brian and I take turns stressing about different things. In this final stretch we are finalizing packing and doing all the random things necessary for taking an extended vacation. So, that means I need to stop rambling and get to folding and sorting laundry.

  I am blessed by you all in my life!! Thank God for you!!!! Thank you for your love and support!  One more post then its Kenya or Bust! 

Marathon Madness

    Last week saw a few more breathless days and a number of stress tears for me. Last Thursday we had our second doggy play date. The dogs, once again, did well together and we have solidified care for our puppy. I feel blessed that the Wilson's are more than just willing but excited to take care of such a huge part of our life. We know she will be in very good hands.

    This weekend found me in a very tough place mentally and emotionally. I spent Friday and Saturday "actively" resting. I was down two kids which made that a little easier. Though, in my sedentary state worries about my impending race flooded my brain. I became stressed out and emotionally taxed. Unfortunately I think all of that spilled over to race day. Sunday I took part in the Portland Marathon.

    For several hours I ran in the rain, trying at first to avoid puddles. I was soaked from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. Water sloshed back and forth in the bottom of my shoes for several miles and I almost ditched my soaking wet underwear in one of the honey buckets. (sorry guys). At the half way mark I started to question my judgement in running such a long race. The rain stopped about then but the chill had just begun. My muscles started to seize up and I couldn't seem to get warm, no matter how much I moved. At mile twenty my loving hubby and my bonus dad showed up, once again, and walked with me for a mile or so. At this point I had been walking (and continued to) for several miles. I was trying desperately not to break down, fighting back tears and trying to overcome negative self talk and doubt. After their pep talk, my husband handing over his jacket and my dad his hat, I was able to push through the next five miles. Every step hurt, I vowed I would never run again. As I approached the finish line my father in law gave me some words of encouragement and I was able to muster enough power to jog my way to the finish line. My finish time was 6h:55m:29s.

Feeling good around mile 6

  I was more than happy to be finished. I felt calm, subdued and absolutely famished. I wanted nothing more than to eat and nap. Yesterday I battled tired feet, a few stiff joints and more than my fair share of demons. My next endeavor will be the Kilimanjaro Half Marathon in February. I am already planning two years out for more races. I am determined to run another marathon. I am also determined not to be disappointed in what I accomplished on Sunday.

Mile 20

Limping across the finish line

   Yesterday I had the pleasure of actually packing boxes. Actually I think Laura packed more than I did. As I was packing/sorting I thought, "holy cow, we have a ton of stuff". Though as we went along I was struck by really how little there is. I almost wanted to purge more. Now is the time right? We also signed on with a property manager yesterday in hopes of renting the house. If anyone would like to look after 16 house plants I would be ever so grateful. ;)

I am blessed by all of you in my life!! Thank you for your support this weekend and every other day.

Housing Upgrade

We have officially found an apartment in Nairobi. With the help of a property manager and our friend Mutisya we have found a place that suits us well. For only one hundred dollars more than our mortgage we are getting a place with four bedrooms, two baths and access to a swimming pool. Brian will sign papers today and start looking at options in furnishing the place. From the pictures the place in Nairobi will be nicer than my house here...

I still have not started packing. I have been able to find projects that have nothing to do with getting ready to leave. I have also decided that I am feeling a bit of stress about my race. I am getting a little nervous and feeling like I haven't done as much as I should have to prepare. I am very happy that I will have this behind me after Sunday. None of my family will be there so I have to admit that I am dealing with feeling a little sorry for myself and trying not to take it personally.

As I write this I have the pleasure of basking in the scent of gingerbread. My bonus parents brought over several containers of pear sauce the other day. Since it is my turn to bring food to small group I searched for recipes and found a Spicy Gingerbread with Cinnamon Pear Sauce cake. Next is carrot muffins and maybe some fruit crisps. Our neighbor brought over more apples. I guess he knew I needed distractions from packing.

We are still looking for the perfect renter, is that possible? I am trying desperately to keep my cool and maintain some order at home. Yesterday I wanted to disappear for a while. Today is better, so far.

Again, I am blessed by you all in my life! Thank you for joining us on this trip.

Knocking on Insanity's Door

    Oh the joys of motherhood, or life in general. As with most families this time of year seems to come on like a train and leave you wondering what exactly you did. This week has been no exception. Brian was on the road for work the first half of the week and had to drive out again yesterday and today. I was left to run around like a wind up toy stopping frequently to be rewound.

    On Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of coaching Milo's team for soccer practice. I could remember what soccer practice was like for me but that was in 9th grade. I couldn't make these little guys run three miles, run drills for 45 minutes and scrimmage for an hour...or could I? In the end I did go easy on them and have to admit I felt a little silly during and after practice. Hopefully I didn't ruin their chances of becoming AYSO superstars.

      Thursday afternoon we had the pleasure of meeting with our potential dog sitters and their dog at Sorosis Park. Aside from Moyo trying to protect her people, the dogs got along very well. We have another doggy play date next week to see if our dog will get along with the other on his home turf. Assuming all goes well we have pawned off, I mean established care, for our little puppy.

   
      We have been in contact with various housing agencies in Nairobi and have the pleasure of looking at potential rentals online. Brian's childhood friend, Mutisya (or Dan as some of you know him), has willingly set up appointments to look at several of the properties we have been considering. It is a huge blessing to have a set of eyes on the other side of the world.

    Today I picked up a stack of boxes provided by Stefanie. She has made it impossible for me to procrastinate packing any longer. I don't know whether I should be thankful or irritated. :)

  Laura got to see first hand what life will be like with the Casady crew. We even threw in some extra attitude in an effort to see if she could be scared off. Luckily for me she is a trooper and was able to take it all in stride. Though she did tell me she couldn't watch my kids today because she was "busy". ;)

I have felt truly blessed this week. A number of people stepped up to help out on Wednesday when I couldn't stand alone. Others have offered help in ways simple as well as complex. I may even make it to next week because of the love and support I feel.

We have a month to figure out the rest of the details. If you think of it, please continue to pray for renters. If you happen to know of someone looking for temporary housing send them my way!  Thank you all for being who you are. I am blessed to have you in my life!