Homeward Bound

Wednesday, July 10th

Today we started our journey home. Two weeks have come and gone much too quickly.

 Jackson sharing a gift with Freida's son.

 Proudly showing his activity book!

 Group picture with Freida, a neighboring shop owner to our hotel.

I gave Freida two skirts.

Our luggage truck was late arriving so we were left outside out hotel with nothing to do. No worries, we had plenty of entertainment to cross our path!

A random herd of cattle came walking right by our vans, taking up the whole road. Connie couldn't pass up this photo opportunity!

Even better than the heard of cattle was seeing this goat straddled in between these two guys on the moped. Bet you haven't seen this site before!

Mac sporting her sweater from our Maua Basin hotel!

We finally got on the road and drove for about an hour before stopping at an overlook, perfect for a photo op!

This is a breathtaking view at the lookout over the Meru National Park Basin.

 Next we made a random stop at a cattle nursery. At this nursery genetically engineered cattle are raised. These cattle cost $3,000 American dollars. They produce triple the amount of milk that a regular cow does. These cattle looked a lot healthier than the cows we are used to seeing on the side of the road here in Kenya.

Cute baby calves.

 Onward! Here we saw men on the side of the road chipping away at large stones to make gravel.

Produce for sell! Roadside service!

We stopped halfway to Nairobi in Nanyuki at the Equator for some shopping. Wow! These shop owners were no joke! They immediately swarmed our vans the minute we parked. They were eager to "wheel and deal". I was pleased with the bartering I was able to do. I walked away with some great souvenirs and gifts.

We have arrived back at the Methodist House for an overnight stay before flying out tomorrow night! I may not know what to do with myself now that I will have Wifi Connection!

While at lunch today, which took forever to come- but was hands down the best meal I've eaten since I've been here, Dee Dee was interviewed by an Australian journalist for a documentary. Dee Dee explained our purpose for coming to Kenya and the work we have done. Too bad we'll never get to see the documentary!

Here is a "Krunk" van group picture. We shared van rides throughout this 14 day adventure. These van rides provided time for many good laughs & heart to heart conversations!

Showing off our "Krunk" sides!

Mac and Meredith with "Dan the Man!", our awesome van driver for the week.

Final day at ARI school

Tuesday, July 9th

We spent all day fellowshiping with the children at ARI school. What a joy it was to love on those children- I am confident I received just as much a blessing as they did, if not more from just being in their presence.

When we arrived some of us went into term 8 (8th grade) as they were studying Swahili.

Here the headmaster John is instructing them. Notice his huge sponge eraser!

Their tutor (teacher) asked us to check their work with a red pen. Don't worry, answers were written on the board for us to refer to!

 I felt right in my teacher element!

We left the 8th grade class and walked a few feet to the dining hall where "the babies" (preschoolers) were waiting to be served their morning porridge. Porridge is made of maize (corn). It looked to be a consistency between grits and cream of wheat.

We jumped at the opportunity to serve the porridge.

Serving porridge with Jackson- such a sweet moment!

Students are not served a drink with their meals.

After porridge I introduced them to bubbles. It appeared to be new to the teachers too!

The bubbles drew them to us like magnets! 

Between shouts of "more! More bubbles!" and "mzungos" (white people) those chatterbugs couldn't have been any cuter!

We were also able to help serve lunch.

Here is some of the preparation

Pastor Cecil stirring the bean and maize concoction which would be served to the older students.

 

Then I took a turn!

Now giving it a taste test

Preparing the rice and green pea concoction to feed the younger children.

These babies are ready for round two. They eat the same meals day in and day out. I dare say most American children wouldn't turn up their nose to eating the same foods day after day let alone such basic meals as these kids get.

Jackson talking to a preschool teacher.

 Someone enjoyed their lunch...

Rechael and I took right to each other

We spent time in class with them

Students chasing a green balloon we had  brought. This simple (non helium) balloon brought sheer joy to their hearts!

  

Students terms 1-8 put on a talent show of sorts for us. Here a group of boys is performing a rap- but I commented to Delinda that this wasn't the same rap I am using to hearing in the US.

 MacKenzie was challenged to a race!

After the talent show we gathered them in the chapel to present them with gifts.

We had salvation necklaces, toothbrushes and toothpaste, more bubbles, a nerf football, soccer ball, woofle ball sets, frisbee, school supplies and glow in the dark bracelets to share with them. It was definitely "Christmas in July" for them.

 

 

We taught them the sign language for "I love you!"  "Nakupenda" in Swahili.

Mac sharing "see ya later" hugs!

Scott & Jackson sharing sad goodbyes!

Dee Dee and Mac share a silly moment over afternoon refreshments!