1 Week Remaining

Hello friends

My last week lies ahead of me in this incredible country.

I really have only a few things to write. It is this current space I remember well, where reflection dominates over words. Excitement is still there, inside, but the head and heart are full.

Last night I arrived back in Nairobi from 16 days in Mombasa. It was the most intense time of my 7-weeks so far, busy-wise, but delightful. I spent a bit of time with Anderson Baya's family (1yr old boy awaiting surgery). We still journey through health, doctors and prep for surgery... now from a distance (me). It is our hope that the family can move closer to Mary's school (St. Timothy Academy) and that all 5 of their school-aged children be enrolled. Currently, this beautiful woman, Mary, has allowed 2 of the Baya children into her school at her expense. These kids still walk 10 km to get to school. That is too great a distance for the little ones. I hope sponsorship happens and we can help move the family close to the school - sooner than later.
The next proposed date for Anderson's surgery is early May. Maybe this time the doctor won't have a seminar on surgery day (!).

Much of my Mombasa time was filled with quality time with friends I met last year. Relationships are blessings. The value of friendship is more apparent to me when I realize it was kept alive over time & distance. It amazes me really. So I extended my time in Mombasa to be together with those I grew incredibly fond of and who eagerly awaited my visit.
I became a roadie, titled "manager", for a band/duo my friend plays in at hotels & restaurants in Mombasa (my evening job). I love their music and, wow, there is incredible talent here!! Canada, why aren't we importing these musicians (they are asking!)?!

I am getting better at matatu-ing (at least in my head)...They still try to charge me more because I was born pale, yet I can argue a bit better now about that and do the right knock on the roof when my stage (stop) is approaching. The locals are happy to help me out. I just wish I spoke fluent swahilli.

Among my friend-visits, I saw my fellow Albertan friend, Janelle Kooiker, who is in her 3rd year working at YWAM (Youth With A Mission - Mombasa). I believe Canada has lost her to Kenya...I hear it happens (and I know why). We had a good visit together, shared some "muzungu" stories.

The heat was still as intense in Mombasa as last year. UN-believable! I was only in the ocean 4x (believe it or not) in my 16 days, and it is still hotter than warm bathtub water. When I hold my tea mug (elbows rested on the table like a proper lady) in the morning, arms bent, sweat runs like a river from my elbow creases onto the table. True! I know you wanted to know that. That is the reality of Mombasa humidity & heat. Some of you know exactly what I'm talking about!

The REAL sweat-test happened when I was about to fly to Nairobi last night. The plane had an engine malfunction along with an 'air flow' issue. All 100+ people were trapped on the tarmack in a 'can' (resembling a plane) for... a long time. We were absolutely SOAKED with sweat, it ran down our faces, off our toes, as we sat very very still. Again, AMAZING. I have experienced nothing like it in my life. They finally 'disembarked' us all to get some air. I couldn't help but laugh when I looked at everyone -it was as if we were all trapped in a sauna! We re-embarked (is that a word?) and 1.5 hours after we were to scheduled to depart...we were off, yet not so fresh :). I feel bad for those who had international connecting flights. Actually, I feel bad for the people who had to sit next to them! Adventures in Kenya.

Today I visited a little girl in Nairobi Hospital named Betty. She is 5 years old. I met her grandmother last year and knew her story. Betty was born with a tumor in her head/face. Doctors did not want to operate until she was in her adolescence, but decided to last week to perform the $10,000+ surgery because the tumor was threatening to push out her right eye. Poor little tyke! It was a 10.5 hr surgery at the best hospital/teaching facility in Kenya (two of her doctors are teachers at the facility, graduates from Harvard). They aren't certain if the eye is 'saved' or functioning 100%, but are hopeful. They also do not know if the tumor will keep growing. We pray it doesn’t.
Betty wanted to 'go outside' so we left the room walked outside a bit. She seemed in good spirits, but they say she has been in a lot of pain. The parents are...absolutely exhausted. There were no smiles to be seen in that hospital room today. Actually, there were tears. Betty's mother is in school, writing exams this week, trying to be with her daughter and do her work. The father stays at the hospital and isn't eating. I can say they are completely spent. It has been a hard week for the whole family.

Tomorrow doctors decide if Betty can go home (already) or if she remains at the hospital under observation a few more days. Prayers, again, are coveted. Full surgery cost has not been paid, yet we know Who has everything in control.

Tomorrow I hopefully head back to Mukeu (village). I want to take my (Kenyan) family there to Nakuru National Park on Saturday. I am excited. Many of them have never been far outside of the village and haven't seen the wildlife that their country is famous for. It will be fun. Hopefully the rain stays away. It has been blessing the earth here a lot lately.

Well, that is what I know right now. What else I know is that this girl needs to find a pillow and lie motionless for a few hours and greet another morning when most of you are putting your day to bed.

Thanks for listening to my tales.

God is good.

All the time.

Be blessed.

-Kami