Wow...last week something amazing too place, only orchestrated by God's own hand. On Friday morning, Kenyan witnesses the longest annular solar eclipse. Shortly after 7 am the excitement began, I unfortunately missed the whole thing, only waking up thinking...it is unusually dark outside...it must be a cloudy day. Well it was an overcast day, but that added to the effect of the eclipse. I did see pictures after the fact and it was truly amazing and beautiful!
The rest of the week was good, I was still recuperating from being sick...but I think I am finally 100%. Every time I said I was feeling better, it turns out I was still sick...so much for wishful thinking. Last week just flew by, I didn't even do anything exciting.
I did find out that I have a place to move into, which was a huge answer to prayer, so I spent the weekend getting the Master's house into order...I am convinced that I am a little OCD on a few things...not to mention I put all their DVD's in alphabetical order...I know...I am sick! I am going to continue to house sit for another family, this family went home to the States this past Summer, they intended to be home for a month, during that time Waldo was diagnosed with Cancer, he is undergoing treatment, but in the meantime I will be staying at their house. So packing my bags will be happening this week. I did a lot of baking and cooking this weekend...to get things cleaned up.
Last night we celebrated a birthday of a girl here, we went out for Lebonese food, I had been there once before for my birthday, but it is so good, and delicious! If you haven't tried it...check it out sometime, it is very similar to Greek food. There were five of us, three ladies that are heading to S. Sud*n to work, we had a great time of fellowship.
These past couple of weeks have been quiet in the office, we are between Director's, so work is especially slow for me, slow...
Monday, January 18, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
January Musings
Well I made it back from Kijabe, sorry for the delays in the update, I also didn't use any internet while I was there, my choice to be able to enjoy the week of holidays.
I came back on Sunday afternoon, after getting caught up on my laundry I was able to relax. My plan for the week consisted of packing and getting ready to move by the 15th (still destination unknown).
The unknown plan for the week was that I would be in bed from Tuesday until Friday unable to do anything but move between the bathroom and the bed. Couldn't even consume a banana I was sick, sicker than one should be without a mom around. With a mild fever and an unsettled stomach, I was quite the sight. I had numerous offers of, can we just come and check on you...just incase you have malaria? The next was...are you sure you don't want us to come in? I finally said...if you come...ginger ale would be a great gift!
The good news is that it wasn't malaria, I sort of figured it out from the beginning that it was just a stomach thing...
I started to feel better by Friday, thankfully! A few pounds lighter and still on a bland diet of rice, toast, crackers or soup broth, my fever subsided. This was all in my plan of doing a detox for the new year, start a fresh!
The rest of my weekend as I recuperate was getting my stuff organized to move next week. Slight problem in the plan this week is that the guy that is telling me where to move has taken the week off. So looks like I will be homeless. this is one BIG frustration I have right now is not being told where I am going to move, I was suppose to move a week ago but it got delayed. I have been advocating for the past month and a half of where I want to live. The hardest part is the fact that I am the only advocate and everyone else just keeps asking.
So...here is to a new week!
I came back on Sunday afternoon, after getting caught up on my laundry I was able to relax. My plan for the week consisted of packing and getting ready to move by the 15th (still destination unknown).
The unknown plan for the week was that I would be in bed from Tuesday until Friday unable to do anything but move between the bathroom and the bed. Couldn't even consume a banana I was sick, sicker than one should be without a mom around. With a mild fever and an unsettled stomach, I was quite the sight. I had numerous offers of, can we just come and check on you...just incase you have malaria? The next was...are you sure you don't want us to come in? I finally said...if you come...ginger ale would be a great gift!
The good news is that it wasn't malaria, I sort of figured it out from the beginning that it was just a stomach thing...
I started to feel better by Friday, thankfully! A few pounds lighter and still on a bland diet of rice, toast, crackers or soup broth, my fever subsided. This was all in my plan of doing a detox for the new year, start a fresh!
The rest of my weekend as I recuperate was getting my stuff organized to move next week. Slight problem in the plan this week is that the guy that is telling me where to move has taken the week off. So looks like I will be homeless. this is one BIG frustration I have right now is not being told where I am going to move, I was suppose to move a week ago but it got delayed. I have been advocating for the past month and a half of where I want to live. The hardest part is the fact that I am the only advocate and everyone else just keeps asking.
So...here is to a new week!
New Year's Eve and Welcome to 2010!
A New Year, can you believe it? We have reached 2010 without a major crisis, the world did not disappear and we are still here.
Well celebrating a New Year often brings a new beginning, wondering what new adventure will come this year. Well as I was thinking about it, it was another moment of God was asking me to do something more for Him in serving Him. Now I don't even know what that means but that just means that this year is still yet the ultimate adventure that I have being the follower of God.
Our day was spent together, as mom and dad were in meetings. I got the girls ready in the morning, braided their hair, and took Ella off to the park. Where we sat on the swings and played on the monkey bars. When we got back to the house...there was Cassidy and Titus...still watching cartoons. That was it...tv time was over. I forced the kids to get dressed, and we started making lunch for mom and dad. When they left later for more meetings, the kids banned from TV were trying to be creative in spending their afternoon. So then...they got an idea...we talked at lunch about running up 'Killer Hill'. 'Killer Hill' - a section of the guards trail that is a steep incline for about 500 meters. So, we got the kids...Ella in the stroller and we were off as I was four by fouring with the stroller to get to this hill, Cassidy assured me that it hadn't started yet...just wait. Then we got there, the kids were off...they scooted up the hill, to the point I couldn't see them any more...so I started up my way with Ella, half way up I needed to stop for a breath, Ella didn't seem to realize one needs to breath, and urged me to go faster. But the kids made it to the top, they stopped at least once on the way up.
Back to reality...New Year's Eve started with the excitement that the kids and I were going to have our own little party to ring in the New Year, Titus was ever so excited that Aunt Jo jo, was wanting to stay home, he was very sure that mom and dad needed to go out and leave us be. The fact was the day before he was had made the comment, we need to find a way to get mom and dad out so we can stay with Aunt Jo again. His motive...to stay up and watch a movie.
Well this movie...was not no ordinary movie, ok...this is not on Joelle's recommended watch list, unless you want a good laugh, which I don't really like stupid movies...so this is not for non stupid movie lovers.
The Movie Plot:
As four lifelong friends, Will, Bryan, Matt, and Corey, are on the road trip they've been planning their whole lives, Corey's beloved grandfather unexpectedly dies. When going to claim Corey's inheritance, the gang meets Matt's beautiful cousin Jessie and embark on a hilarious, extreme sports-filled adventure.
Ok...I should've known...four men in a car...are on a trip together, what do you expect? Seriously, kids love it.
Titus, though was the most funniest person to watch the movie with. He decided that before each funny scene, Aunt Jo you have to watch this, this is the funniest part. After about the 10th scene of it being the funniest part...I was convinced that he thought the whole movie was hilarious. Even to the part that they were sitting in a dark room...lighting their farts on fire.
After we called, ShoSho and Gooca (Grandma and Grandpa), they came over, we counted down 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - Happy New Year's, we screamed, we ran around the house and we celebrated the New Year's (all at 9 pm).
So, after they went to bed the excitement of the campus came alive. The fireworks began, they were going off all over. They were down on the field ...about four different displays plus the few that were so loud...that they shook the whole house, including setting off the car alarm. Fortunately, Ella slept through it all. Titus got up...and went into Cassidy's room.
But at midnight the display was pretty good, the oh and ah's of the spectator's added to the enjoyment that went well on for about an hour.
Welcome to 2010
Well, 8 am came awfully early the next day, even without the wild party I had a hard time getting up.
We were coming together to have a Pancake breakfast, with a few of the single girls on campus, before the parade.
A parade you ask? Yes a parade!
After the parade they all gathered in the school field for field games there were three legged races, spoons of water relay, egg toss, relay races, tug of war, the list of games went on. It was incredible to watch.
So it was a great start to the New Year, lots of fun and excitement for all!
Happy 2010 to all and to all a great year filled with God's blessings!
Well celebrating a New Year often brings a new beginning, wondering what new adventure will come this year. Well as I was thinking about it, it was another moment of God was asking me to do something more for Him in serving Him. Now I don't even know what that means but that just means that this year is still yet the ultimate adventure that I have being the follower of God.
Our day was spent together, as mom and dad were in meetings. I got the girls ready in the morning, braided their hair, and took Ella off to the park. Where we sat on the swings and played on the monkey bars. When we got back to the house...there was Cassidy and Titus...still watching cartoons. That was it...tv time was over. I forced the kids to get dressed, and we started making lunch for mom and dad. When they left later for more meetings, the kids banned from TV were trying to be creative in spending their afternoon. So then...they got an idea...we talked at lunch about running up 'Killer Hill'. 'Killer Hill' - a section of the guards trail that is a steep incline for about 500 meters. So, we got the kids...Ella in the stroller and we were off as I was four by fouring with the stroller to get to this hill, Cassidy assured me that it hadn't started yet...just wait. Then we got there, the kids were off...they scooted up the hill, to the point I couldn't see them any more...so I started up my way with Ella, half way up I needed to stop for a breath, Ella didn't seem to realize one needs to breath, and urged me to go faster. But the kids made it to the top, they stopped at least once on the way up.
Back to reality...New Year's Eve started with the excitement that the kids and I were going to have our own little party to ring in the New Year, Titus was ever so excited that Aunt Jo jo, was wanting to stay home, he was very sure that mom and dad needed to go out and leave us be. The fact was the day before he was had made the comment, we need to find a way to get mom and dad out so we can stay with Aunt Jo again. His motive...to stay up and watch a movie.
Well this movie...was not no ordinary movie, ok...this is not on Joelle's recommended watch list, unless you want a good laugh, which I don't really like stupid movies...so this is not for non stupid movie lovers.
The Movie Plot:
As four lifelong friends, Will, Bryan, Matt, and Corey, are on the road trip they've been planning their whole lives, Corey's beloved grandfather unexpectedly dies. When going to claim Corey's inheritance, the gang meets Matt's beautiful cousin Jessie and embark on a hilarious, extreme sports-filled adventure.
Ok...I should've known...four men in a car...are on a trip together, what do you expect? Seriously, kids love it.
Titus, though was the most funniest person to watch the movie with. He decided that before each funny scene, Aunt Jo you have to watch this, this is the funniest part. After about the 10th scene of it being the funniest part...I was convinced that he thought the whole movie was hilarious. Even to the part that they were sitting in a dark room...lighting their farts on fire.
After we called, ShoSho and Gooca (Grandma and Grandpa), they came over, we counted down 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - Happy New Year's, we screamed, we ran around the house and we celebrated the New Year's (all at 9 pm).
So, after they went to bed the excitement of the campus came alive. The fireworks began, they were going off all over. They were down on the field ...about four different displays plus the few that were so loud...that they shook the whole house, including setting off the car alarm. Fortunately, Ella slept through it all. Titus got up...and went into Cassidy's room.
But at midnight the display was pretty good, the oh and ah's of the spectator's added to the enjoyment that went well on for about an hour.Welcome to 2010
Well, 8 am came awfully early the next day, even without the wild party I had a hard time getting up.
We were coming together to have a Pancake breakfast, with a few of the single girls on campus, before the parade.
A parade you ask? Yes a parade!
Yes, Kijabe put on a New Year's Day Parade, this is a first for most African's but they had it start off complete with the piki piki's (motorbikes) and a marching band (which most of the route was uphill, and they didn't waiver). The most exciting part...
The RVA representatives...
The RVA representatives...
After the parade they all gathered in the school field for field games there were three legged races, spoons of water relay, egg toss, relay races, tug of war, the list of games went on. It was incredible to watch.So it was a great start to the New Year, lots of fun and excitement for all!
Happy 2010 to all and to all a great year filled with God's blessings!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Christmas All Around Me...I feel it in my toes!
Well the excitement of Christmas was all around, the weather had turned chilly (very cold to my body's thermometer). I may have the lyrics backwards but with my cold feet it was Christmas!
Christmas Eve!
Today we got up this morning with a mission. I joined the staff and their families at RVA in delivering food hampers to the surrounding Kenyan neighbours. I met some great people that day, as we delivered some food basics, and prayed for these families. Most were widowed seniors that were left to raise their grandchildren. It was great to see grateful people, sad to see horrid living conditions. But a sense of joy of light in their eyes as we sang Christmas carols together. Please pray for these people as their crops try to grow still, this week was the first time that they got rain in the past five weeks.
The rest of the day was spent preparing for Christmas, getting the last of the presents wrapped and under the tree.
That evening we all jumped into my little car, over the bumpy road and went down to a friends house for some more Christmas goodies, a live Nativity with the children, and then off to the Kijabe Hospital for Christmas Caroling. It was a great way to give during this Christmas season, we got to go into the Maternity Ward, we gave gifts and greetings, and we came with balloons, these women loved them. I also got to see some adorable Kenyan babes!
It was a great day of giving to those that needed love and joy!
Merry Christmas!
Well our Christmas morning started off at 6:30 am...I pulled myself out of bed, but I had a thought...I haven't been up this early for Christmas morning since...I was 10 years old...yikes! But there wasn't any pidder patter of young little feet yet. So as I rolled into my clothes, our day was starting with a trek, a fun trek. Soon we were joined by the family of kids, and with our chai and cinnamon buns in hand it was off to visit the guards of the compound. this tradition has been one that the Stenstrom's (Kylie's parents) have been doing for years, I think since they got there in the early 90's. We visited all three gates with warm greetings and singing a Christmas carol, we made our way back to the house.
Ella, excited she got Winnie the Pooh Smarties, she stopped there for a while
and was ready to break into them until she realized that there was more presents in her sock!
Titus, digging a little deeper
Ella, and her first Princess Barbie of her own
Ella, getting the hang of opening gifts, Cassidy ready to help her little sister
Ella, and her princess themed gifts, all fit for her Barbie too
Todd, now I told Todd about the poker game we had in Canada...he was speechless...ha ha...
What they do in Kenya...Just kidding...he would get me good if I started to spread rumours, apparently this is for a game that they play...not the game poker!
Ella, so as Ella opened gifts, she played with them, not realizing that there was more for her under the tree. I gave her a colouring book with crayons and a new dress, unfortunately the dress wasn't pink...so her first words were "I don't like it" but she did wear it to Christmas dinner and she looked adorable in it. Sorry no pictures of it!
Cassidy, really did get gifts...she really cleaned up, as you can see she is wearing new slippers, and a new headband, I got her a couple of her own DVD's, including the new Hannah Montana movie and a CD burned with new songs for her to sing and dance to, I also got her some headbands that she can wear to ballet. She loves it!
Kylie, got these great presents to decorate her home with, Todd made her the great lanterns!
Titus, is becoming a little boy...watch out...here he is with his Maasai knife...he also received a leatherman (a pocket knife)
So by the end of the morning, my camera was getting low on batteries, I didn't get pictures of the Stenstrom's who were there as well. As well, I was there, I got some cool things from the kids this year, they were so proud that they were able to get things that everyone liked.
Christmas Dinner
The next part of the day we spent it getting ready to have 17 over for Christmas dinner, it was great, I helped by moving furniture in and out of the house, setting the table, decorating and helped cook with making the gravy and testing the stuffing before all the goodies and side dishes were brought over. It was a great day, and ended the evening with board games. I played games with the kids to keep them entertained with Apples to Apples, and Ella who was good and tired by then needed a good cuddling.
I then got to talk to my mom, first time in 7 1/2 months of being here. I got to hear of all the cold weather I was missing and the fun excitement of my cousin, Jackie and Chris' triplets all growing up. They were born a few weeks after I left I have yet to meet them but they sound like they are a joy to be around.
So by the time you were all pulling yourselves out of bed and before your morning coffee, my Christmas was over, presents all put away, stomach all stuffed with turkey, and joy that our Saviour was born on this special day.
Christmas Eve!
Today we got up this morning with a mission. I joined the staff and their families at RVA in delivering food hampers to the surrounding Kenyan neighbours. I met some great people that day, as we delivered some food basics, and prayed for these families. Most were widowed seniors that were left to raise their grandchildren. It was great to see grateful people, sad to see horrid living conditions. But a sense of joy of light in their eyes as we sang Christmas carols together. Please pray for these people as their crops try to grow still, this week was the first time that they got rain in the past five weeks.
The rest of the day was spent preparing for Christmas, getting the last of the presents wrapped and under the tree.
That evening we all jumped into my little car, over the bumpy road and went down to a friends house for some more Christmas goodies, a live Nativity with the children, and then off to the Kijabe Hospital for Christmas Caroling. It was a great way to give during this Christmas season, we got to go into the Maternity Ward, we gave gifts and greetings, and we came with balloons, these women loved them. I also got to see some adorable Kenyan babes!
It was a great day of giving to those that needed love and joy!
Merry Christmas!
Well our Christmas morning started off at 6:30 am...I pulled myself out of bed, but I had a thought...I haven't been up this early for Christmas morning since...I was 10 years old...yikes! But there wasn't any pidder patter of young little feet yet. So as I rolled into my clothes, our day was starting with a trek, a fun trek. Soon we were joined by the family of kids, and with our chai and cinnamon buns in hand it was off to visit the guards of the compound. this tradition has been one that the Stenstrom's (Kylie's parents) have been doing for years, I think since they got there in the early 90's. We visited all three gates with warm greetings and singing a Christmas carol, we made our way back to the house.
We started off with a quick breakfast, then on to the Christmas story, as the children were reminded of the birth of Jesus, we then sang Happy Birthday to our Saviour! The excitement started as the stockings were handed out and let the games begin!
Present Opening
Present Opening
Ella, excited she got Winnie the Pooh Smarties, she stopped there for a whileand was ready to break into them until she realized that there was more presents in her sock!
Titus, digging a little deeper
Ella, and her first Princess Barbie of her own
Ella, getting the hang of opening gifts, Cassidy ready to help her little sister
Ella, and her princess themed gifts, all fit for her Barbie too
Todd, now I told Todd about the poker game we had in Canada...he was speechless...ha ha...What they do in Kenya...Just kidding...he would get me good if I started to spread rumours, apparently this is for a game that they play...not the game poker!
Ella, so as Ella opened gifts, she played with them, not realizing that there was more for her under the tree. I gave her a colouring book with crayons and a new dress, unfortunately the dress wasn't pink...so her first words were "I don't like it" but she did wear it to Christmas dinner and she looked adorable in it. Sorry no pictures of it!
Cassidy, really did get gifts...she really cleaned up, as you can see she is wearing new slippers, and a new headband, I got her a couple of her own DVD's, including the new Hannah Montana movie and a CD burned with new songs for her to sing and dance to, I also got her some headbands that she can wear to ballet. She loves it!
Kylie, got these great presents to decorate her home with, Todd made her the great lanterns!
Titus, is becoming a little boy...watch out...here he is with his Maasai knife...he also received a leatherman (a pocket knife)Christmas Dinner
The next part of the day we spent it getting ready to have 17 over for Christmas dinner, it was great, I helped by moving furniture in and out of the house, setting the table, decorating and helped cook with making the gravy and testing the stuffing before all the goodies and side dishes were brought over. It was a great day, and ended the evening with board games. I played games with the kids to keep them entertained with Apples to Apples, and Ella who was good and tired by then needed a good cuddling.
I then got to talk to my mom, first time in 7 1/2 months of being here. I got to hear of all the cold weather I was missing and the fun excitement of my cousin, Jackie and Chris' triplets all growing up. They were born a few weeks after I left I have yet to meet them but they sound like they are a joy to be around.
So by the time you were all pulling yourselves out of bed and before your morning coffee, my Christmas was over, presents all put away, stomach all stuffed with turkey, and joy that our Saviour was born on this special day.
Merry Christmas to you all, and Happy New Year!
Be blessed!
Monday, January 4, 2010
It is Beginning to Feel alot like Christmas!
So as I was preparing for Christmas, it didn't feel like Christmas, as the Christmas tunes were playing...the snow and the cold was missing.
Well, be careful what you wish for!
As I was driving out of town for Christmas with the family, the weather turned worse drastically fast, I took a video of it but am unable to upload it, but the picture was taken when I was able to see and wasn't gripping on to the stirring wheel while staying close enough the vehicle in front of me. It is amazing only because some parts of the road...just looked like it would drop off, to the left you can usually see the huge Rift Valley, it had disappeared into the fog.
There was unfortunately a bad accident on the way up, there was car that had been completely engulfed in flames, sadly I learnt the next day that the whole family didn't make it.
Doesn't this remind you of Winter driving in Canada? Minus the snow!
Oh and little taste of driving on the right hand side inside the car...yes I am driving...not a passenger...it is really weird, but as to Kelly as my witness...I have learned to drive like the locals...in good defensive/offensive tactics! And I am driving on the left lane of the highway...
It is usually fun driving here, even when I am navigating through the matatus, pot holes (which are crater like and would eat my car up) and other crazy drivers! Oh yeah...that happens all the time...It is a pleasure!
Monday, December 21, 2009
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