hit the road jack

This is just a blog to fill in the stories of what I left out on the last blog...and to add pictures before we leave on vacation! And just a little shout out to my Dad...HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! LOVE YOU!

On Tuesday we went to Kaibeyo, the children's home that Daniel and Meredith used to work at. We met all the kids, had some chi and then Amanda and I went to Eldoret to do her visa paperwork and so I could go visit Robert! It was a fun day!

Soldiers hiking through mud beside the road

The huts Daniel and Meredith lived in at Kaibeyo

The new litter of puppies at Kaibeyo!

Robert and his shop...where I buy souvenirs!

Amanda and I being silly!

Wednesday...Amanda and I went to see a bible school in Ivihiga (or way the heck out in the middle of no where)! We took a bus for about 2 hours, got off, took a boda boda about two min. down the road, and got on a matatu. We sat on this matatu for 30 min. (as it was empty) and watched all these people sitting outside. Then they all decided to get on and come with us! Sheesh! As they got on one of them handed me a baby...which was mine for the ride. Speaking of ride...I have never been on a matatu that was falling apart like this one was. There weren't seats behind the driver on that first row...only three in the back. People sat on maze bags, and to start the van four men had to push it down a hill so the driver could turn the key. Amazing! So, we made it to the next town and got on another vehicle for 30 more min. Once arriving in Ivihiga we were releaved as the pastor of the church and teacher of the Bible school, Andrew, found us! We thought, surely this place is close...we're almost there! Oh no! Wrong! Andrew was surprised that two white girls didn't have a vehicle...but we got on boda bodas anyway and off we went. 35 min. later, hill after hill...getting off, walking up, getting back on, and repeat...we finally made it! The facility was beautiful and placed at the base of a mountain. There were trees everywhere! The compound houses a church, Bible college for pastors, Bible classes for Pastor's wives, a medical clinic, maternity ward, tailoring school, and host site for mission teams. We had lunch, met the women and current mission team and then headed out. Five hours to get there and only time to stay for an hour and a half! Anyway...I was very impressed with their set up and with Andrew. It seems like God is doing a lot in this community and it was a blessing to get to see it!

So, we headed back...35 min. boda boda ride, 45 min. vehicle to the main road, and then another terrible matatu all the way back to Kitale. We had a great time...even with 10 hours of travel!

The Church

Church leadership...Pastor Andrew on the left

The rest of the compound

Baboons on the road

Once we returned home we headed over to a guest house called Karibuni Lodge for a women's gathering. It was pot luck and everything was sooo yummy! Best of all we formed friendships with women from all walks of life! We now have Muslim friends, missionary friends, and a brand new opportunity for ministry! Great night!

With Rhonda from Texas!!!! at Karibuni Lodge for Women's night!

On Thursday our sweet friends Rhonda and Katherine headed back to Canada. They are on the TI Canada board and are good friends of Meredith and Jared. It was so much fun having them with us! They are prayer warriors and blessed with the gift of encouragement! We'll miss them!

Rhonda and Katherine before they left us!

The rest of Thursday was spent getting my hair braided! I've been wanting to do this since I arrived and it finally happened! It took a short 4 and a half hours with 5 people on my head at all times to finish the job! My head was a bit sore and the hair really long...but I love it! You can let me know what you think!

Before!

During...ouch!

And after...with my full team!

So here they are!

Here's how I wrap them up at night! Attractive...I know!

Thursday night we had a girls dinner at Karibuni Lodge...and a dessert bachelorette party for Eva! This was easily the best meal I've had in Kenya- steak, baked potatoes, spinach, acorn squash, cauliflower, broccoli, really good gravy, and even sour cream (we've never seen that here)!!!! For dessert I had a brownie and lime sherbet...weird combo, but very yummy!

Bachlorett Party!

Wedding day was crazy but perfect! Our team was in Kiminini for the morning playing with the kids...then back at the house to help out! We all had bets on what time the ceremony would actually begin. The proposed time was 4pm...Todd won the bet with his guess of 5:30! The ceremony was simple and perfectly Eva and Caleb. Everyone came together and made it happen! We had dinner at the Boulevard...our fav! I'm so excited for them! Please keep them in your prayers!

Prayer before the ceremony

Caleb and Eva Joy Senecal!

Timo, Caleb, Eva and Janell

The girls at the reception!

Alright, that's it! I'm off to the house to finish packing, then it is on the road to Nakuru! I'll do my best to update as we go...but no promises!

Thanks again to Jamie, Nathan, Marissa, and Mom and Dad for the packages and letters this week! I'm sooooo spoiled!

LOVE Y'ALL!!! Pray for safe travel and REST!