Updates From the Field:  Kenya # 19:  January 2, 2008
Hello Friends, Happy New Year!  The New Year usually brings new beginnings and thoughts of resolution.  Unfortunately for Kenya, we are starting 2008 with unrest and uncertainty.  Some of you may have seen the news about Kenya, and the first thing I want to reiterate is that I am fine and safe. The election results (which seem to be inconsistent with the vote) have caused some riots, looting, and other violence.  This is happening mostly in western Kenya and the slums of Nairobi.  Many people have been injured or burned out of their homes.  As I understand it, the police have been given authority to shoot to kill any demonstrators inciting problems. This violence and unrest erupted as I was travelling back to Kenya, so there was no chance to stop my return.  As we traveled home from the airport, we all held our breath, but returned with no incident.  It was very strange, however, because the roads were practically empty and everything was closed.  It was like being in a different world, since Nairobi is usually alive with activity. Monday brought some calm, but most of the stores remained closed and there was no fuel or money at ATM's available.  I remained in Monday and Tuesday to help get over the jet lag, and because it seemed safest to stay on the compound.  Today was the first day I went out, as a friend and I went to the grocery store.  Things seem pretty normal on the streets today, though the grocery store had no fresh produce or dairy products.  The lines were long, and as seems many people are stocking up. There is a demonstration of the opposing political party scheduled for tomorrow.  This may incite more problems, though we are hoping for the best.  Most think it is best to stay in tomorrow, so that is the plan. Our compound is removed from any of the troubled areas, and it has been quite quiet here.  There are no reports that Kenya as a whole is unsafe.  It is just recommended to stay away from the areas where there is trouble. We do have some extra security guards just in case, but we are very secure.  I do not feel unsafe in any way.  One of the guards said to me this morning, "Please feel at peace in Kenya, Captain.  This is just political". As I said, things are already calming down, and the general feeling is that things will continue to return to normalcy.  I appreciate your prayers for peaceful resolutions. My verse of the week is : "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."  -Isaiah 26:3 All my love, Armida