Jambo sana!
It is now early Saturday afternoon after lunch. This morning we walked with BLISS students from the school to their homes in groups of 2-3. It was a wonderful chance to be outdoors and to get to know our student escorts. We were surprised by the distance that students walk. We were able to visit 3-4 homes and meet their families. The family plot, typically 0.5 - 1 acre, is usually subdivided and shared by extended family with separate dwelling. Homes are typically 2-room wood structures with dirt floors. Each family grows crops for food in their shamba (garden), including bananas, sugar cane, pumpkins, corn, mangoes, and arrowroot. The Kenyan sun is quite intense and hot, even though the air temperature is in around 80 and humidity is low also.
Last night, we had a wonderful dinner celebration at BLISS with the teachers and Board of Governors.Invited guests also included the Chief for Kithoka and his wife, area school principals, community leaders, and others. There were introductions and speeches. Bishop Imathiu spoke and inspired us with many elegant and appreciative words. Moses spoke about the future and detailed our joint accomplishments. We were greatly inspired and deeply moved by his many words of kindness. It was an EXTRAORDINARY time together! Words do not adequately express our time together. We finished about 10 PM and walked outside to a clear skies filled with stars far brighter than I have ever seen. It seemed a fitting end of a beautiful day.
This afternoon we have free time to relax or go to downtown Meru. It has been a special week! We have grown close to our sisters and brothers here in Kenya as well as to each other on the mission team. We have worked well together and learned much about the schools and community here. We have many ideas for the future.
Sunday morning, we will attend the 9:30 AM service at Mwanika Church and sing the Kenyan song we learned for the congregation. Rev Marilyn Brenchley will preach. We will quickly have lunch together, and those departing on Sunday night will be driven to Nairobi and have dinner there.
We have been blessed! You have been in our prayers all week.
Have a blessed day.
For your family and friends,
Gary
It is now early Saturday afternoon after lunch. This morning we walked with BLISS students from the school to their homes in groups of 2-3. It was a wonderful chance to be outdoors and to get to know our student escorts. We were surprised by the distance that students walk. We were able to visit 3-4 homes and meet their families. The family plot, typically 0.5 - 1 acre, is usually subdivided and shared by extended family with separate dwelling. Homes are typically 2-room wood structures with dirt floors. Each family grows crops for food in their shamba (garden), including bananas, sugar cane, pumpkins, corn, mangoes, and arrowroot. The Kenyan sun is quite intense and hot, even though the air temperature is in around 80 and humidity is low also.
Last night, we had a wonderful dinner celebration at BLISS with the teachers and Board of Governors.Invited guests also included the Chief for Kithoka and his wife, area school principals, community leaders, and others. There were introductions and speeches. Bishop Imathiu spoke and inspired us with many elegant and appreciative words. Moses spoke about the future and detailed our joint accomplishments. We were greatly inspired and deeply moved by his many words of kindness. It was an EXTRAORDINARY time together! Words do not adequately express our time together. We finished about 10 PM and walked outside to a clear skies filled with stars far brighter than I have ever seen. It seemed a fitting end of a beautiful day.
This afternoon we have free time to relax or go to downtown Meru. It has been a special week! We have grown close to our sisters and brothers here in Kenya as well as to each other on the mission team. We have worked well together and learned much about the schools and community here. We have many ideas for the future.
Sunday morning, we will attend the 9:30 AM service at Mwanika Church and sing the Kenyan song we learned for the congregation. Rev Marilyn Brenchley will preach. We will quickly have lunch together, and those departing on Sunday night will be driven to Nairobi and have dinner there.
We have been blessed! You have been in our prayers all week.
Have a blessed day.
For your family and friends,
Gary
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