Kenya Aventures: The first few days

How is that one country can experience such unbelievable poverty and breath taking beauty? As we all sit at the Cyber Cafe, letting our loved ones know we are well, it is hard to wrap your head around all that we have seen. We began a great adventure upon our arrival about 10 p.m. in Nairobi. The night sky was pitch black yet people were bustling around the city without a care. The methodist missionary hostile we stayed out was so hospitable, we were amongst many missionaries from around the world (a majority from Canada). When we embarked on our first outing Sunday morning, the smiles were endless. The traditional open air market in downtown Kenya was quite an experience. We were greeted with "Brokers" who broke the group apart and quickly tried to price-jack everything. When everyone began feeling the tensions, we quickly escaped back to our bus. (Make sure you hear the individual stories from each group.) Our next adventure was to a farming community outside of Thika. This is where John's grandparents owned land and farmed. We were able to see trees full of avacados, mangoes, bananas and coffee. John's family also welcomed us with open arms. Seeing the traditional family setting was very uplifting. We then went to the Blue Post Hotel in Thika for a great dinner, with live music and two waterfalls in the background. Some people were able to see "reeces" monkeys hanging in the trees by the water. As we headed back south to Nairobi, the open air markets selling used clothing, foods, pretty much anything imaginable were eye popping. Tour buses full of people were everywhere. The school bus we were riding in was rocking and rolling down the entire highway. I have never seen so much traffic, nor crazy drivers. The drive into Machakos was very dark and bumpy but the hotel where we are staying is quaint and homey. We have had warm showers, and plenty of hospitality. Today we spent the entire day at the Hope Preschool. The preschool is in a slum where they never thought they would have a school. We were able to meet the teachers and interact with the children. The books and school supplies were a huge hit, many tears were shed. Some of the team helped build the chicken coop and worked on the housing for the community cow. Tomorrow we will head back to the preschool to meet with a doctor, the "roasting" chicken man and the officials from government and private schools in the area. Wednesday we head towards Tsavo National Park and Mombasa to see more of Kenya. John has shared with us the importance of experiencing Kenya, to be a part of helping. The BIG picture always needs to be in the focus, and this we see when we are experiencing such poverty conditions amongst those who have. We heard a great thought, that charity isn't change, it is just a part of the process. Bless everyone who have sent us with their good intentions and for being a part of this journey. -Jonann