Updates From the Field:  Kenya # 2:  February 13, 2007
Dear Loved Ones, It is hard to believe that another two weeks has passed since my last update.  The time is going fast, which is a blessing.  As they say, "Time flies when you're having fun!"  I am having fun.  There are still days when I feel homesick, but I am enjoying this country and the beautiful people here. Since my last letter, I have traveled some and have visited some of the social centres under my supervision.  My first stop was to the Kibera Community Centre.  This Salvation Army compound is in the middle of the Kibera Slums.  They have a great nursery school there with about 65- 70 children.  The kids all sang songs for me and loved to get their pictures taken.   The school will soon be moving into a brand new building.  They are very excited about that.  One of the teachers took me to visit two of the children's homes in the slums.  It was a blessing.  Both are single parent households, and both mothers are HIV positive.  Their situation is bleak, but they could not have had more grace or hospitality in allowing me in their homes.   Last week, I traveled with the sponsorship department to Western Kenya.  For those of you with maps, we went to Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma and Nakuru.  The roads are something else!  My muscles were sore for about two days after we returned from riding on them.  I think one particular stretch of 40 or so kilometers is one big pothole with some spots of road left.  It was worth every ache.  I saw some gorgeous scenery on the ride and I saw some great animals!  There were zebra, baboons, monkeys, cows, sheep, goats and donkeys (my favorite, for some weird reason) all on the side of the road. The driver and Captain Zennar started to say, "Look, Armida!  There is another donkey!"  I was like a little child at the zoo.   When I can get to my home computer, I will forward on some pictures.   More importantly, I enjoyed the people we met at the centres and Divisional Headquarters.   We saw a few schools for children with special needs.  One school is for the blind, one for physically handicapped and one for the mentally disabled.  The children are gorgeous and so happy!  It warmed my heart to be around them. I especially enjoyed Njoro Special School for the mentally disabled.  The children hugged us and held our hands.  They called me Mama Mzungu (mama for respect and Mzungu for white person).  They were amazed at my hair and my nylons.  If it were that easy to please kids in the states :)  The centre managers and chaplains have a tough job to do.  Please pray for them as they minister to the children and the staff.  Most of the teaching staff are employed by the government.   I am working on several projects in the office.  I am still struggling to understand all of my responsibilities, but my co-workers are so kind and supportive.  Everyone is being very patient with me.  Please continue to pray for all of us as we try to meld as a team. Thank you for all your support and prayers!  The Lord is good.  I have been drawn to this verse as of late: "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus"  Philippians 1:6.   I hope that comforts your spirit as well today.   Love to all of you! Armida