Speed Bumps

We have safely arrived in Kisumu, Kenya - YEA!!!!  It was quite a journey, with many speed bumps along the way - some metaphorical and some literal.  Our journey was long, which of course we were expecting.  There was 20 hours on airplanes, 9 hours spent in airports, and then we were blessed with an 8 hour van trip to go from Nairobi to Kisumu.  I think my daughter said it best when she said that driving in Kenya is "funner".  If by that, she means that it scares the poop out of you, then yes - it is funner...  Rules of the road:  the left is right, the right is suicide.  Center lines are meant to be ignored.  Passing is ALWAYS an option, usually done 3 wide on a 1 1/2 lane road.  Swerving towards oncoming traffic is not only encouraged, it is required.  At night, both parties are expected to flash their brights at each other, and then left one when actually passing so that everyone is equally blinded.  Fun!!!!

Some speed bumps were harder than others.  One team member from the ECC team had her laptop stolen in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  Later the same day, another team member from Overlake had her backpack stolen from under her foot (literally), while eating parts is parts "chicken" from the Chicken Inn.  Unfortunately, her backpack had her prescription medication and passport.  Please pray that she would be able to get a new passport issued in time for her return.

After all of that, we started the drive which was originally estimated at 4 hours but took at least 8.  A big part of that was cleverly disguised ninja speed bumps that sneak up on you and knock the teeth out of your head, as well as pop tires (we had two flats during the journey - who carries two spare tires in one van????  answer: Kenyan People!!!!)  On the bright side, we saw 3 giraffes which is supposedly good luck (didn't work for us), a gang of baboons (or is that a pod), zebras and jackasses galore (the 4 legged kind).  We were completely exausted when we finally reached our destination and hoping for a more quiet day which we were blessed with. 

Today included the opportunity to speak with leaders of the largest Church in Kisumu to encourage them to take up the cause of the many orphaned street kids that are in their city, and a trip to city market.  It's fun to be the one that sticks out in a crowd.  The kids are very cute and very clever in their attempts to get your money, or at least buy them an ice cream. 

We are going to bed, and are very much looking forward to attending Church here tomorrow morning, then helping out in the afternoon with an organization that has a great ministry for many of the street kids.  Pray that we would trust God for the wisdom and direction we will need to clearly communicate the tremendous love God has for each and every one of them.

Lala sallama ("have a safe night" in Swahali).

- Dave, Laura and the Kenya Team