Week Six

Early Monday morning, the huge medical group left for a quick safari in the Serengeti. That left about 10 of us at the house, so we enjoyed a quiet day (and EGGS for breakfast!) While we were in Nairobi at the end of last week, almost every single member of the medical team came down with some sort of horrible stomach bug. For over 48 hours there were over 20 sick people lining the (few) couches and hallway of the mission house, so we did a lot of housekeeping and disinfecting on Monday! I continued with art class for class 3- all the kids finished up their self-portraits this week by writing little essays about themselves on the back.

There was also lots of playtime this week! Between playing games after school and chores and visiting the girl’s rooms for our “big sister” activities some nights, we were busy! Mary, Alice, and I also worked on painting the new school throughout the week. We are hoping to finish it up at the beginning of next week and start work on the new library.

Dau, Tenzi, Bhoke, and Sabina looking very excited for pictures

On Thursday I walked to an overlook in the village behind a local church. There are boulders strewn everywhere, and the view into the village is beautiful. I’m looking forward to going back there for sunrise or sunset one day this week! I could hear babies crying and goats and cows making noise, and see smoke coming from small huts scattered between trees and patches of farmland. It is so peaceful to look out across the valley and not hear a single car or airplane.

On Friday, we ventured back into the village with Mr. Ben, the “gatekeeper” of sorts at City of Hope. We visited an 80 year old woman named Nahire who hand weaves beautiful straw baskets. I visited Nahire about a month ago and placed an order for a basket- it usually takes her about a month to complete a large one. She sent word through Mr. Ben that my basket was ready, so on Friday we went to pick it up! Nahire speaks the local dialect, Kuria, so Mr. Ben acted as translator. Nahire was busy this month and had completed 3 baskets, so Alice was able to buy one as well. It was such an interesting experience, and I always enjoy getting a peak into village life.

Emmanuel John and Naomi showing off our new purchases

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!