Seriously

We've had quite an interesting weekend.  This is generally what happens when your commander-in-chief goes on furlough for five weeks.

On Friday, one of our girls was taken to the hospital because the arm she "sprained" was swollen, not better.  Her arm is now in a cast.

Saturday night at 1:30, one of the mamas had to be taken to the hospital because she was so sick.  She is still there, but getting better.  Last I heard they thought maybe it was malaria from the last time she traveled upcountry, but that's usually the first guess, and I haven't heard if it's true.

On Sunday morning a little after 7 or so, a lorry missed the curve, caught the ditch and landed in our wall.  Thankfully the driver was unhurt and honest, so he didn't run.  An emergency crew was brought in to rebuild the wall so we wouldn't have a gaping hole for thieves at night.  And the driver actually came by and paid for the damage!

That very same morning, Richard preached at a local church.  Two cottages of our kids went to hear him preach, and while they were waiting at the church for the bus to take them home, several kids saw a man steal from one of the elders.  They told their mamas who cried "Thief!" and people began the chase.  I believe the man was caught and the items returned.

Monday morning, a kindergartner had a "seizure-like episode" and had to be taken to the Children's Hospital.  She is totally fine and was back at school today.

So.  This weekend was like a combat-zone with one thing happening after another.  And yet, we know God is on His throne, ruling all things.  What if the Lorry had lost control on Monday morning, after 7-ish, when all of our community students were walking to school?  What if there were no local hospitals to care for our sick and hurt? What if our kids thought stealing was OK, or funny, or hadn't seen the thief?  As much as this weekend has been a pain (and I wasn't on duty!) it has really shown me God's care and grace through the easy times and the rough spots.  Although our village director is away, our true Leader never is.

Ode to Strapped Chickens

Dear chickens strapped atop the bus,

We know you put up quite a fuss;

But there you ride in highest style,

While inside salesmen shout and smile.

You might be sad to leave your home

Upcountry where you used to roam.

But ride with grace to meet your fate

Beside ugali on my plate.



It Speaks For Itself

I would love to hear your captions for this photo.  I just can't decide on one!

Burned Out

I know it's natural for everyone to complain of being burned out every once in a while.  But whoever owned this car has a legitmate excuse.  It was completely roasted. 

These guys were salvaging what they could when we drove by, although I can't imagine what was worth keeping.  Who knows?!  Maybe I'll find amazing earrings made of funny looking metal at a market one day and everyone will ask me where I got them and of what they are made.  One man's trash is another man's treasure, as they say!

The New Mini

This minivan is a staple mode of transportation here in Kenya.   And I do mean MINI-van.  You often see them hurtling towards you, bravely navigation pot holes twice their size and crammed with people.  See the itty-bitty wheels?  How the two front seats nearly touch the ceiling? 

I bet you don't think it looks that small from this picture.  Try this one:

Richard is standing in the same parking space.  That is one tiny minivan!  

In other news, at this point in my photojournalistic expedition, I was reprimanded by the security guard for taking pictures in a parking lot.  I really wanted to ask if I could take a picture of him to complete the story, but I thought better of it.



Signs of the Times

While traveling last weekend to Nairobi and our favorite breakfast spot, Richard and I passed several very illuminating and engaging signs.  Usually when I saw one, I would scream, "Slow Down!  I have to take a picture!" And then Richard would say, "Did you get it?  Because this bus is about to run us over."

So I will start with signs on buses.  Their are two main bus companies in Nairobi: City Hoppa and Paradiso.  There are also privately owned buses with names like "Negotiator" and "Honesty is the Best Policy."  These names are prominently displayed on both windshields and the sides of the bus so there can be no mistake.  In addition, many buses have spoilers.  Yes, I said spoilers.

My favorite road sign of the day is the caution triangle of the silhouette car falling off the cliff created by road construction.  I'm so glad they posted these signs every 20 feet or I might have tried driving off the road thinking it was safe.

As evidenced above, there is a major road construction project on the main highway which is being managed by a Chinese company.  They have kindly hung banners to ease the tension this construction causes.  My favorite banner?  "Any inconvenience is highly regretted."

As we were coming home, we got stuck behind a huge, smelly, dirty smoking lorry.  When the exhaust cleared, we realized the lorry was called the "Exhauster" and you could call them to come and "Exhaust" something (your septic tank, come to find out).  At least there was no false advertising going on!

Quick Tidbit

I have one quick tidbit to share with you before I go to bed.  Richard and I were driving today and realized traffic was merging from two lanes to one.  The reason?  Someone had a flat tire and a small problem: no jack.  No worries!  His two buddies held the car in the air by the wheel well while he changed the tire.  I of course was so astonished that no camera emerged in time.  But I bet you can imagine it.

Share the Road

Today's lesson will be how to drive through a herd of cattle.

Rule 1: Nothing changes whatsoever about traffic.

Rule 2: It's easier if you ride a motorcycle.

Rule 3: People hoot (honk) at you if you stop to let the cattle pass, or to take pictures.

Exhibit A.  Track the bus in the following pictures.  Notice how quickly the purple monstrosity moves up in line.  And how the motorcycle is not crushed, but actually slips through the cattle.

Please do not be distracted from our task by the crooked power line.

The motorcycle is zooming through.  I think it needs a "No Fear" bumper sticker somewhere.

The bus is third in line to come through.

I turn to take a quick picture of the herder.

Now the bus is next in line because the other two cars are on their way.  The motorcycle in true "frogger" style is now through the obstacle course.

Don't feel bad, cows.  Traffic doesn't wait for me either.