SO Much to be Thankful For

We had a wonderful opportunity to host an American style Thanksgiving feast at our home here. Earlier in the week I checked the nearby grocery for a turkey with no success. I ended up buying three chickens instead. The day before we were to begin cooking Brian and I headed out to the City Market where we asked about a kulu kulu. The part we were in consisted of animal meat hanging in windows our just out on display, an open air butchery if you will. The smell of raw meat was a little overwhelming for this soft American. At first we were told there were no more turkeys to be found, only parts could be purchased. We stepped outside and as we waited for our cab driver one of the gentlemen sidled up to Brian and mentioned he could find a turkey for him. He made a phone call and then as if conjured up from a secret passageway an old man carrying a bag rushed past us. He and Brian disappeared back into the city market. A seven kilo frozen turkey was magically found and we now had ourselves a Thanksgiving staple. Now our only hope was that the power would stay on during the four hours it would take to cook this bird.

We invited the Bakkers, missionary friends, as well as Peter Ondeng and his lovely wife May to join us. I don't think I have been involved in a conversation so thought provoking in a long time. We discussed everything from the good and the bad that goes on in Kenya and Africa as a whole. We talked about Kibera and Niger. I was completely aware of how extremely fortunate and blessed I am. My heart was deeply touched. I was amazed at  how easy the group got along and how comfortable everyone felt. I was blessed beyond my wildest dreams by this gathering! Despite living in the U.S. for several years the Ondengs had never had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Brian and I spent an hour or so at the Embassy on Wednesday signing papers and having them notarized in order to finalize the refinance on our house in the States. We got word earlier this week that the property manager found three guys to rent our house at least for the month of December. I hope and pray that we will have someone in there for the rest of the time we are here.

We looked at two vans to purchase and got a heads up on a few others. Yesterday some missionary friends who are going on furlough to the U.S. offered the use of their very large Land Rover. We now have a vehicle and will basically only have to cover the cost of maintenance.

Over and over again I am amazed by the way God has provided for us. Although we have been here a little less than a month I have learned SO many things about myself and the love God feels for me. I have been struggling so much with really random emotions. I find that I am already thinking about the struggle my family and I will have in going back to the States. There are so many things here that I have come to love and have found value in. While we may not always have power or water we always have each other. I am blessed by my family and by the experience we are having. I do miss my multi grain cheerios but I love the fresh fruit and the sweet flavor you don't get in the States.

I love the friendships my children have formed and the comfort there is in knowing they are safe. I like being able to send them out without wondering if they will be stolen from under my nose. I like that I am comfortable letting them go from one apartment to the other without fear of what (or who) they are being exposed to. The kids care for each other in a way they don't in the states, they respect elders unlike in the states. They teach each other and they have taught me too.

Please continue to pray for Brian's research work. Pray that he has a good system and that the information is available. So far he has been surprised at the swiftness that things have happened. Please pray for wisdom and grace while we make some decisions over the next week in regard to our living situation. I am blessed by all of you in my life. I am SO very thankful for all of you. I miss you very much. I am also glad I don't have to be there for the crummy weather... :)

Giraffe Tongues and Car Sales

This weekend saw a few more adventures. On Saturday our crew had the pleasure of meeting the Bakkers. This couple worked with my bonus parents here in Kenya for several years. I should start by saying that Saturday morning Brian and I went to the store to get a couple things. On the way home  a gentleman who was walking in front of us fell to the ground and had a seizure. Brian moved him to the side of the road and stayed with him to make sure he was okay. He had a very sad life story to share. It made me put in perspective the things that happen in my life and how fortunate we are to have medicine, and work. Before we met with our friends we were able to help this young man get medications for the next week.

The six of us, Laura stayed home, piled into the car and headed out to lunch. On our way to eat we made an impromptu stop at one of the Giraffe orphanages. The kids and I had a blast taking turns feeding these giant, majestic animals. Their tongues felt almost like slimy Velcro. Once Jasper figured out they would eat the little pellets from the top of his head he couldn't get enough. His hair was coated in Giraffe slime. I have come to like giraffes more and more!

Several of the eating establishments are outdoors and provide areas for kids to play. I find this aspect of dining out both amusing and wonderful! If it were warm enough at home I would open a restaurant just to build a huge play place. The dining experience is much more pleasurable for the adults. Another difference in culture is that here the older children take very good care of the younger ones, without having to be asked and without moaning and groaning. It is something our kids could greatly benefit from learning. I think it would make us more responsible people. It would serve us well to be more relational in the sense of community than we are. Our schedules at home and feelings of independence do not lend to a society focused outwardly, not inwardly. I am as guilty of this as the next so please do not take offense.

Sunday we had another visit from the Vervet monkeys. The kids had a blast watching them climb the trees, over the fence and also by the windows in our kitchen. We set out the last of our papaya in order to get some pictures. Later we bought more of the wonderful fresh fruit and veg that I love SO much! All that we bought totaled $30. The stuff in this picture would have been at least that if not more back in the states. I haven't included the vegetables.

Brian and I went out that afternoon to look for a vehicle. In essence we are helping to buy a car that we will rent from Mutisya. We found several vans that would work and also Brian's dream car; a 1976 short bed Land Rover. The price is extremely low and the car is in working order. Both of us have been thinking about it all night. This morning Brian mentioned calling about it. Ideally we would transport it back to the states, but we will see.

This morning Brian and I took a short run. It was nice to get out, move my legs and spend a little bit of time with my hubby. I also needed a bit of stress relief. I still find it challenging from time to time to have to delegate duties. In some ways I think I expect that things will get done and that I am not the only one that sees all the things needing to be done. I remember being a teenager but not very well. At 18 I had already been out of the house for two years. In some ways I think we are doing a disservice to our young friend as this is not what it would be like in a college atmosphere.  We are blessed to have our help and she has been a huge help thus far. I just need to get over my selfishness and sense of entitlement.

I ask that you continue to pray for our life here and for Brian's research stuff. We are blessed to have you all in our lives. I will send warm weather thoughts to you all. :)

Loss Of Control

Some of the kids' playmates

The connection as I write this is extremely slow. I may have to add more pictures later.

This week we finally got our curtains. What a huge difference it makes! I no longer feel like our family is on display. Since we are in the ground floor apartment at night the lights from the parking lot flooded my bedroom. I wondered if the watchmen, whose station is directly across from the bedroom window, could see when I had to get up in the middle of the night. Brian tried to convince me otherwise but I couldn't bring myself to believe him.

Brian and I went out to one of the second hand markets to find some household items. It was nice to have some time with just the two of us. It was also nice to move my legs for a few miles. I have been feeling the itch to run. I do believe the lack of physical activity is getting to me. I suffer a bit more in the insecurity and patience areas when I am stationary. I am desperate to run. I can't have my running shoes gathering dust. Also, if I don't run now I can't race later and I would feel silly for not taking the opportunity to run the Kili Half Marathon while I am here.

I find it challenging to give up control of everyday things. Back at home I do it all myself. I do not know how to properly delegate duties without feeling like a parent. Which in itself has provided challenges. The lack of a regular schedule also does not help. We plan to figure something out this weekend. We have decided to home school both boys as it will provide more financial room for us to do traveling while we are here. There are enough families with young kids in our apartment complex that socializing will be no problem. Also once we establish a church the kids should meet more playmates.

More and more things are feeling like home. It has been a challenge for Brian to live in Nairobi as it is not the Kenya he grew up with. Though it is a lot like the U.S. it does have some significant differences. I hope to post pictures of the second hand market as well as the place where we do most of our shopping. You will find that it is very much like what you would see at home.

I miss my family and my friends. In some ways it is very lonesome. Alaina still asks to come home everyday. Do not get me wrong, I am enjoying my stay here. I find a number of things that I enjoy and will miss when we leave. Have I mentioned the fruit and the price of the food? I hope this finds you well! I am blessed by all of you in my life. Thank you for your love, thoughts and prayer. You are also in our thoughts and prayers!!

What is an Hour?

I am thinking this should be done a little more often. We have had another exciting week here in Nairobi. On Tuesday we moved in to our apartment. Which meant that our suitcases and our bodies came to inhabit the space. Lucky for us just as it got dark and all the kids were ready to settle in to bed Brian showed up with mattresses and blankets. Wednesday we waited for money to come over the wire so we could purchase furniture and other household items. In the meantime Brian and I spent the day gathering plates, bowls, cooking utensils and towels. Not to mention a thing or two to nibble on. I was struck by the fact that this apartment really is bigger than my own home and has four more bathrooms. By late Thursday we had most of the furniture in the apartment. The beds for both the boys and the girls are being made as I type and should, God willing, be here by tomorrow. We picked out fabric for curtains which were to be here yesterday. In Kenya time that could mean today or tomorrow.

Our visitor. This was taken from the kitchen.

The pace of life is far different than that at home. I have found that the stress I carry in my neck and shoulders at home has all but disappeared here. This is something I hope to bring home with me. That and a willingness to be more hospitable, especially in my own home.

On Friday another Mzungu from upstairs invited me and the kids to a play date at a local cafe. The place was not your average get together for moms but very relaxing. I should mention that a number of women here have house help. This person not only does the cleaning but often will do the cooking and looks after the kids. While I have essentially brought my own help I find it hard to give up control. Aside from that Zoe has a hard time giving up my arm...

On Saturday our family along with Mutisya, Beth and their daughter Mwende went out with intentions of visiting Nairobi National Game Park. Instead we ventured through the Animal Orphanage that was in the park. The kids enjoyed seeing all of the animals, though I think Laura had the best time.

Sunday we had the privilege of going to church with Mutisya and Beth. The church service was very similar to something you would experience at home. The message was a powerful one on the importance of not becoming too concerned with our sense of entitlement and to use ourselves to serve others.  Before the service even started I was in tears.

In my last post I made a reference to The Black Dog. Before we left our friend Tim explained to me that in South Africa they have a term for the emotional crash that comes after the emotional high, that term is "The Black Dog". I have been anticipating its arrival since a week before we left. On Saturday I was overcome with feelings of inadequacy as a parent, a wife and most importantly God's servant. This is not a new feeling for me and it stayed well into Sunday. I was encouraged by the fact that God will help lift my burdens. I need to remember that there are more important things in life than what I look like, how my children act and how capable I seem. I know I will struggle with those feelings again but I know I have someone to turn to.

Now that things have settled a bit more I find so many things that I love about being here. The food, particularly the fruit and vegetables, are fresh and sweeter than home. Not to mention SO much cheaper! I love the sun and the millions of people walking. I look forward to going to the second hand markets and picking out fabric for curtains back home. I look forward to sharing more of life "on the other side of the world" with my family and friends.

I ask that you would pray for Brian as he begins digging in to his research. I ask that you would continue to pray for the girls to adjust to life here. Please pray about a school for Jasper and activities outside of our home for Laura. Pray that we continue to adjust to each other and that our household is full of grace and love. I am blessed by all of you in my life! I would love to pray for you as well. Sending our love!!!

Mzungu and Mattresses

On Saturday Brian took us to the Nairobi National Museum and the Snake Park. It was fun to get a glimpse into Kenya's history as well as see some of the reptile life that resides here. We were accompanied by some local school children who were more than excited to show the little white kids around.

On Sunday we had the absolute pleasure of joining one of the employees from the guest house to his church. He is the choir director and I have to say he did a wonderful job. His only instrument, aside from his voice, was a keyboard that he navigated beautifully. He manuvered the seven of us in and out of shuttles, busses and walking traffic. We are living and staying on the west side of Nairobi which is fairly clean and wealthy. On our trek to his church we travelled into the area known as Eastly, and to some Somalia land. The atmosphere shifted seamlessly to a dirtier and poorer Nairobi. I cannot describe well enough the difference. I hope to get pictures that will accurately capture what we saw. We left for the church service at about 9am and returned to our room sometime around 3pm. On the way back we had a greeting from a kiosk that went like this, "Hello, white people!! Welcome to Kenya!" The wife of our escort smiled and quietly said, "welcome to Somalia".

Today we moved in to our apartment. Our clothes are put away in our respective bedrooms and now we wait for furniture. The boys have already taken a dip in the swimming pool and now we all sit on the floor while Brian meets with the landlord to discuss options regarding the furniture and our rent. Since we have been here we have experienced several days with rain. The red dirt, when wet, sticks to the bottom of your shoes like chewed gum. Our clothes already have the remnants of red ingrained in the fabric and our white shoes are a light shade of red-brown.

I do believe we have adjusted to the difference in time and to being in a new environment. I think it has been most difficult on the two youngest girls and Zoe is paticular. I would ask that you pray for her to have peace and comfort in this time of transition. Also I pray for wisdom in the decisions we need to make about housing, schooling and scheduling. I ask that you would pray for wisdom in how to manage our household in a way that works for everyone and helps us all to grow the way God wants us too. Already this has been a learning experience. I have been breifly visited by "The Black Dog" and anticipate it will come again. For the time I am trying to be the strong tower for the young people in my care, Lord help me!!

I am blessed by all of you in my life! Thank you for reading this and for making the comments, I do read them. I am just delinquent in replying to them. Thank you for your love and support!!!

I apologize for the spelling an dgrammar mistakes. But the point of this is not how I write, it is to close the gap.

Who Ever Heard of Jet-Lag?

Jambo! I suppose I should start with our Halloween. The kids got dressed up and went, enthusiastically, around the block to load their bags with sugar.

Tuesday morning we set out to the airport with feelings of excitement and trepidation. Upon arrival at the airport we found that at least three of the tickets had been exchanged. Which meant that we had to first find the tickets then check in at both stops as well.

The kids were excited about the first and second plane. By the third plane we were all so exhausted all we cared about was sleeping.



Zoe in Amsterdam





We arrived in Nairobi and headed to the "Fast Track Lane". We waited for an hour while others went from the back of the line to the front. The kids did very well being patient in spite of being tired and having been confined to a seat for almost 24 hours. Brian's friend Mutisya was waiting for us and helped us to load our 9 suitcases, 7 bodies, carry ons and other random items into his van. He then took us to our temporary housing.

By the time we reached Nairobi we discovered that the apartment we had secured before we left was not available. Brian and Mutisya spent the first full day we were here setting up Internet, phone and housing stuff. The kids, Laura and I played in the yard outside, slept and generally recovered. Today we spent the first part of the day driving around Nairobi looking at apartments and eventually securing one...for real. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that our apartment here is nicer than my home in the U.S.

Brian met up with some missionary friends while we were out and about. They offered to let us stay at their place while they were out of town. Brian is very excited about the idea since this is an area he has wanted to show the kids and I for a long time. While we are there he will take a day or two to get our new placed furnished. We are all ready to get settled and start living our life here. Already we have started to pick up Swahili words and Jasper has now let the rest of us look at and study his phrase book. Jasper desperately wants everything to be different and is coming to realize that many things are similar to home. Already it has been an experience to learn from and remember. I cannot wait to see what the next several months bring.

I appreciate all of your support very much! It is a comfort to know we have so much love and support directed our way. I cannot tell you enough how blessed I am, we are, by all of you in our lives!!