Getting Settled In

My access to the internet is through an internet cafe at the moment. Time online has been limited. Unfortunately, internet is on and off at school as well, so I (close your ears mom and dad) walked here today, by myself, so I could check my email. I implied that it isn't safe, but it is during the day. I'm learning my way around quickly.

Everyone is busy at work! I moved into my new apartment Tuesday. It is two bedrooms with one bath. Jennie, it’s not quite the place we had in the states. I miss our old place! I have one other person who lives with me, her name is Julie. This means I have a room to myself, something that wasn’t expected, but I am excited about. Julie and I are both new staff members so we have a lot to learn about being on our own, everything from how to sanitize and cook our food to how to pay the bills. There is no mail system locally, so we hand deliver everything. And since we are out a car that means a lot of walking. As a result, I’m thankful this will keep me in shape. We employ an askari (gate guard) for our compound and also house help (a maid). This is very common in Africa. Chores take a considerable amount of time because they are all done by hand, such as laundry, dishes, and cooking from scratch. The house help alleviates some of the daily stress since we are gone a good portion of the day. But it feels weird coming from a place that has slavery in our history. Although, that is not how it is perceived here.

The area we live in would be considered middle class, but at home we wouldn’t view it the same. Most would consider this a low income area. I feel conflicted in my heart because there has been times where I thought to myself… this place is old, and dirty, and I don’t own but a few things, but then I see on a daily basis people that are a lot less fortunate. I’ll admit that this is a struggle. God is good though, and we are taking this one day at a time. We have a place to call home now and that is an answer to prayer. No more living out of a suitcase!

Pictures of school. All week we have been setting up offices and classrooms. Full staff orientation starts Thursday(tomorrow). We finally get to meet the whole gang!

In the wild... real live giraffes. Saturday we took a trip to look at some wild life in Kenya. These long neck creatures were really friendly as long as you had food on you. Otherwise watch out for a nice head but. God's unique African creatures are all around, but birds and giraffes are the extent of what I have seen thus far.