Updates From the Field:  Kenya # 3:  March 1, 2007
Hi Friends,   Another two weeks have gone by!  Actually, two weeks and two days.  I am writing this from my home, because I have been sick for the last four days.  I attempted to go to work this morning, but ended up coming home for one more day of rest.  I think I will be back in the saddle tomorrow.  This is nothing more than a glorified cold, but it has left me with very little energy.  All of the locals say it is the change in climate and altitude.  Who knows?  I'll live.   Kenya continues to perplex me with its contrasts.  I went to visit a community centre this week in a poor section of Nairobi.  They have a nursery school with 23 students who learn in a metal hut that couldn't have been larger than 10 by 12 feet.  I'm not good with judging size, but let's just say it wasn't big.  The children sang songs, repeated the alphabet, and counted to 100 for me.  The school only has one mattress, so at nap time, all of the children sleep around the edges of the mattress with their heads on it.  Can you imagine the uproar in the states over conditions like that?  However, people do the very best they can with what they have and are grateful.  Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera that day, so forgive me for not having pictures to post.  I will go back soon.   In contrast to that simplicity, I went to the National Game Park on Saturday and went on a walking safari.  (in other words, I went to the zoo).  I saw some really interesting animals.  My camera battery died, but I still got some good pictures of Pygmy Hippos, Albino Zebras, and one very large Rhino.  After that, my friends and I went to lunch at a beautiful restaurant serving some American cuisine, including CHEESECAKE! I didn't have the cheesecake, but I tried it.  The restaurant is on a private little compound with beautiful flowers and trees.  It was lovely.   It is strange, because when I go on these excursions, I am often reminded of the poverty I witnessed on other days.  I don't feel guilty, but I am often struck by the different worlds sharing the same city.   I still have not been able to visit all the centres under my administration, but my plan is to visit all of them at least once before I come to Congress in June.  Then, in the second half of the year, I will go back and do the annual inspection and report.  I thought it unwise to inspect a place on my first visit there.  I look forward to visiting the children's home and school for the blind on the coast.  I heard it is VERY hot there, but nice.  It will be a good experience.  The school for the blind recently had an outbreak of a waterborne disease.  Several children had to go to the hospital, and I was worried.  Thank God, they are all doing much better.     The Lord continues to confirm His will for me to be here.  When I feel overwhelmed, the Lord has given me the right perspective to perservere.  My home has become an oasis, which is a blessing, and I feel a lot of love from all those I meet.  The need is overwhelming, but I cannot take responsibility to handle it all myself (those of you who know me well know I have control issues). The Lord loves this country and these people more than I do, and it is only by His strength and His discernment that I can do His work here.  (it's not about me!)   My verses for this week are:   "He has showed you, O Man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God"  - Micah 6:8.     "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" - Joshua 1:9   Well, I should stop writing before you stop reading.   Love to you all! Armida