Saturday: I would like to reset the scene for you. I showed up to the event (cancer awareness day) It was being held at a local primary school. I marched over to sign up for the 3000 meter race. At the time I signed up there was only one other lady signed up. She came over to greet me as I was at the table. Go figure she is like a real kenyan runner! I come to find out that she just got back from running a half marathon in China...... I think to myself ...."great.......... hopefully more people sign up so it is not just me and her, that's not much of a race..." After the men finished their half marathon (in an hour!) We got ready for our race. By this time a few other women had signed up. They were all around may age or a bit older, but all of them were mamas. I thought "I actually might have a chance here" We lined up, and the race began. These women took off in a full sprint! ...... Now for those of you who run long distances, we usually try to keep one pace throughout, meaning we don't sprint at the beginning. Well I was so overwhelmed, I took off at a much faster pace than I am used to, and still managed to fall behind very quickly.   The race was 7 times around the field, which by the way, was uneven and un-mowed. I did my best to pick up my pace, but I'm also racing at an altitude of about 5000ft.  I finally started to gain up on a mama, and passed her. I finished the race second to last..... and the mama I beat was running barefoot and in a skirt......... a little embarrassing, but everyone was very supportive! and now I can officially say I raced with the kenyans :)  
The races were not the only thing going on that day. There was soccer and volleyball games, as well as free cervical cancer screenings. While all the women were waiting for their turn to get screened, I took that opportunity to teach about breast cancer, and I taught them how to do a self breast exam. So I say all and all it was a very good day. I was exhausted afterwards, and was in bed by 7:30!

 (Friday) I was working with the Living room.  the outreach group that I normally work with, was very busy preparing for tomorrows cancer awareness outreach day, so I felt more in the way than helpful. We did take the HIV positive patients, to the AMPATH clinic in Turbo, so that kept us busy until lunch. After lunch (and more sitting around doing nothing) I headed home. No better way to end the day than snuggling with Kibaibai, sipping an adult beverage, and watching Grease!  Just a way to relax before tomorrows cancer awareness day. I'm going to run the 3000 meter race (against kenyan women) and then give a talk about breast cancer. Susan told me today that they are expecting over 500 attendants, well here's hoping I don't trip while I'm running, or mess up my talk!

Thursday, after a brief house cleaning episode, I went over to visit my neighbors.  It had been over a month since I had visited! I can't believe how much the kids have grown! We settled right into our normal routine, as though I had just seen them the day before. The reheated some lunch for me (even though I had already ate, they always insist) Then I hung around, helped bath the babies and caught up on our lives.  I really miss them when I don't see them. I am so lucky to have families that make me feel like part of their family. It makes being here alone, much easier. I'm planning to go visit again next week, hopefully I will have time to teach them how to bake!