September 25th
We have been on a roll since Casey and Alyson came in on Thursday evening. It is so great to have a little bit of home here in Kenya. We have worn them out and made Casey a believer of the terrible and scary traffic. Friday we went to Ilima and they were a part of the priesthood and family lessons. Alyson and I did a quick walk over to visit Sister Anastasia Bernard and her two children before Keyboard class began. Saturday was another view of Kenya. We went to JoGo Market where they have 4 large buildings each three floors high, filled with small shops. Each shop is constructing/making different items; purses, book bags, soccer balls, all types of adult and children’s clothes, blankets, curtains, and more. It is poorly wired, no circulation, dim lighting, much garbage, and it is smelly. Outside there are even more shops where people sell their goods and also food they prepared. I call it a “Hot Mess” and I don’t know why but I love to go there. It‘s just so African. Bruce just keeps telling me “we are never coming here again” but I just keep finding friends that want to go.
Next we went to Steven’s Nazarene Children’s Home/Orphanage. We were able to share this experience with the Broadbent’s and their kids Jeff and Aly, visiting from Ogden. They gave a presentation on personal hygiene and we all helped the kids make a bright love chain, which decorated the school room. They loved their peanut butter jam sandwiches with juice and we just enjoyed being with them. We delivered some school supplies and blankets sent from Plain City.
Saturday evening Casey and Alyson joined with the missionary couples for dinner. Sunday was church at Kyambeke and Monday we headed for Kilili for family visits. On the way our truck rolled over 100,000 Kilometers. We have done a lot of driving in the past 15 months. Monday night was family night held at the Olsen’s. Tuesday our guests headed for the Masai Mara for three day for a Safari. We hope they have a great time. When they get back we have more adventures planned. While they are gone we will have the pleasure of family visits at Mitini and Kyambeke.
September 27th
While Casey and Alyson were on their Safari, we went to Mitini for a family visit at the home of Leonard and Christine. They are new converts and very committed to the gospel. She will have a new baby in October and they walk so far to church. It may seem repetitive but it is up and down steep hills and takes them 1-2 hours one way. Over 60 people came to the small compound and each bore a sweet testimony. We hope that a new branch will be formed soon as there are so many people that are interested in the church and the distance is so far. Thursday we found the same distance problem when we visited Joseph and his wife. They have 5 children and two are very young, just too far to travel. Joseph takes one family member each week with him to church on his motorbike. So his wife can only attend once a month. There is enough priesthood to start a group but President Broadbent will have to make that call. The church really is growing the problem is “centers of strength” have to be considered. They need to be close enough to a church enabling them to be strengthened, continue learning and keep their baptism covenants.
September 30th
Casey and Alyson returned on Thursday evening and had wonderful reports of their Safari. We were so happy to hear about their adventures but pleased that they returned safely. Friday they went with us to Ilima where we visited President Simon’s home. Sister Lucy made scuma wieki and ugali for the kids to try. We also had chapattis and cooked beans. After a fun visit we took a baby gift to Stella Mwende who lives on the hill above the Ilima chapel. Saturday was a fun day spent in Nairobi. We went to Kuzuri beads, the elephant orphanage, a craft shop, and the Junction Mall. The traffic was really bad but the company was great. That evening we went to eat with the couples and listened to their funny stories. Sunday we went to branch conference at Mitini and there were hints of a new branch in the future with over 60 members representing the Matua, Kikoko, and Kilonga areas. The future holds so much growth. Casey and Alyson said their good bye to the wonderful Hills. Monday is the last day we will have our visitors so we will go souvenir shopping tomorrow.
Steven's Orphange
At Steven's Orphange, we danced, loved, and decorated. Then they had a feast of PBJ sandwiches juice and bananas.
Elder Schneider even brought up the keyboard
Just enjoying the moment
Joseph and his family (2 daughter at school) are members of Kyambeke Branch. He is the 2nd counselor
Humble home in Kilili.
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