Family visit to Kenya

My family arrived in Kenya safely!

 

Andrea came with me to pick them up, we were all a little teary. Afterwards we went back to the hotel for some "Karibu Kenya" drinks and non stop catching up. Also Helen took this time to show me ALL of the stuff they brought for me.

I'd like to take this time to make a few shout outs: Here's a shout out to Susan! Thank you soo much for all the gifts you sent for me to give out to the kids! I gave some ring pops to my neighbor babies, the LOVED them! And I opened my b day gift early! Im wearing the scarf now! LOVE YOU!
Here's a shout out to Steph! GIRLFRIEND! I thought you feel off the face of the earth I hadn't heard from you in so long! I was in tears looking through all my new VSX stuff, and I think my friends were in tears too, of jealousy!! Thank you soo much for thinking of me. It was just the boost I needed to kick my butt back in gear, and get into shape! LOVE YOU!
Here's a shout out to Grandma! I love the outfit you made for me! I've already worn the skirt several time! LOVE YOU!
Here's a shout out to Robin! How did you know that I've truly missed real coffee! I've been making it everyday! Kibaibai is also thrilled with his presents! and wanted me to thank you for thinking of him too!
If I missed anyone I'm truly sorry. I was sooooooo overwhelmed with everything, but you should know that I am truly appreciative of you for thinking of me!
 

the lions feasting on there fresh kill

At the beginning of our trip at the View point. Looking out over the rift valley

  The next day we were supposed to have a relaxing day in Nairobi, but thanks to my great memory skills, we were awoken very early, by a phone call from our safari driver. I had made a mistake with with dates. But all turned out well. We quickly packed our things and headed to the Maasai Mara.  We stayed at a very luxurious camp, and Andrea and I were spoiled by the never ending buffet of gourmet foods. We went on a total of 4 safaris. During our safaris we got dangerously close to the elephants, not close enough to the giraffes, saw all of the Big 5 except for the Rhino. And on our last day, we thought we were just going to see what we had already seen, our driver sped off and we were one of the first couple cars to get to the Lion Pride feasting on a Buffalo!!! It was awesome!!! We were only feet away!

After the safari we started on our long journey home, dropping Andrea and her dad off on our way. We arrived at my house late Friday night. Kibaibai was sure glad to see us!  Saturday morning, after mom and Ben attempted and succeeded to hand wash their laundry. We headed (by foot) to Turbo for the Saturday Market!


On Sunday morning (yep bright and early again) we headed to visit Susi (my kenyan friend in Turbo) and her family in Mt. Elgon. We took a private car so it didn't take as long.  They were very happy to meet us! The prepared chai and yams for us for breakfast. Her father took us on a tour of their farm, they grow lots of coffee beans. Then we helped (as much as the would let us) prepare lunch.  As we were leaving, I was given a gift, my very own goat!

I named her Lucy (it was Ben's idea) And I had to ride in the boot (the trunk) of the car with her. FUN! until she got so scared she started peeing! TIA

On Monday I took my family, on matatus, to Eldoret. We visited my office, did a little souvenir shopping, and picked out fabrics for them to get traditional Kenya clothes made. And dad treated us to lunch and my favorite new restaurant that has burgers and milk shakes!

On Tuesday we rested a bit. Mom, dad, and I walked to Turbo again. They bought me a new mattress for guests. KARIBU! Then the rains came, and with the rains came hail. My brother, sister, and dad braved the storm and collected the hail in all of my buckets, we had chilled drinks and food up through the next day! It's the little things.

Wednesday was my family health day. We arrived early, in Sugoi. It was supposed to start at 10, but go figure it's Kenya and we didn't start until after 1! But all's well that ends well. The day was a success, with over 240 guests! A reproductive health officer, was there to talk about family planning, there was a nutritionist, and Lindsay teaching about proper dental health. We also had a HIV testing going on throughout. It also gave me new ideas for more events. At the end there were dancers and singers to welcome my family. We finished just as the it started to poor, and we took cover in the unfinished rooms of the health center.

Thursday I took the Family to visit my neighbors. I think they got there Kenya baby fix. My babies behaved so well and didn't even show that they feared all the wazungu. 

Friday we went to Eldoret again. JOYWO presented my family with gifts as well as Lesso's for Helen and mom. They're JOYWO mamas now. We packed up everything that night and headed to Nairobi the next morning.

We spent Saturday and Sunday in Nairobi, then they left......... late Sunday afternoon they headed to the airport. I met up with the girls, they were in Nairobi for a meeting.

Their visit was really great!!! It was sooooooooooooo great to see the family after a year of service!!! THANKS MOM, DAD, HELEN, and BEN for coming to visit and letting me introduce you all to my community. I know it was a bit awkward and overwhelming at times, but it meant so much to my community, friends and most of all, me! Love you!