It's hard to believe we're sitting in Africa. We arrived last night late, after a very long day. Thankfully, we were upgraded AGAIN, and so the trip was quite comfortable. However, when we arrived in Nairobi about 9\;30, we stood in a line for over an hour to get our visa. Then we arrived at baggage claim to find that our giantic dufflebag had not arrived, so at 10:55pm we were in yet another line to register our lost bag. But they waved us through the customs line when we said we were carrying supplies for a school in ALL our 6 bags, so that was a very good thing. I was never so glad to see two people in all my life as I was to see Gladys and Gershon Mwiti. They embraced us like two lost lambs and we could feel how happy they were to have us here. By the time we got to the Methodist Guesthouse, it was past midnight, and we were soon to sleep in our cozy little room.
Both of us awoke to dogs barking somewhere in the distance....and the dogs woke the birds, so it was quite noisy for awhile, but things soon settled down again and we went back to sleep. Surprisingly we awoke by 7am (don't faint!) and made it to breakfast an hour later, where we were treated to a feast.....not just ugali. I was very relieved!
We have returned now from having lunch at Oasis Africa's offices, where we met the staff and got our itinerary for the next few days. Tomorrow we'll be going to the Nat'l Park, baby elephant park, and the animal orphanage. Then Sat. we'll do the Natl Museum, Karen Blixen's home (Out of Africa) and do some shopping. They are planning on driving us up to Mashaka on Wednesday.
What we've see of Nairobi so far has been interesting. You wouldn't believe the driving! There are NO stop signs or traffic lights anywhere that we've been. People just drive every which way, and you just have to bull your way through each intersection......there's no taking turns. How they avoid accidents is beyond me. I'm so glad I won't have to do ANY driving!
The people we've encountered so far have been very warm and kind, but then, we are staying at the Methodist Guesthouse. Walking into Oasis Africa was like coming home. It felt like we were visiting old friends. They are very excited about the quilting project, and very enthusiastic about the quilting samples. Gladys and Gershon loved their wall hanging, and Gladys was blown away by Meg's prayer shawl, and Monica's picture book about her time with them last winter.
Thanks again for your emails, and all your prayers. Even though we're so far from home, it doesn't feel so strange when we can keep in touch.
Love and big hugs to all of you,
Kitty
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