Blogs from Kisumu, Nyanza Province, Kenya, Africa - page 6

Today is an exercise in patience. Since I needed money, Bondo was not an option - no ATM, and no getting cash from a bank with my Visa charge card. So, must go to larger city of Kisumu. My new roommate, Jens (pronounced Yens), a 30 year old graduate student from Denmark, has come along. While here, I will get some groceries for my hostess from the large supermarket, Nakumatt. My usual escort, Gaya grandson Roy, is in Nairobi for a while, but I know my way around to the area I come to for ATM, computer, and shops, so no problem. Plus, with Jens coming along, at least will have a partner. And, no problem anyway - everyone is happy to give directions, and could always take a boda boda (bicycle taxi) or tuktuk (3 ... read more

Hello all! Almost 2 weeks here now, and so much to report and describe. I will not adequately do so - only a fraction. I am finally getting into writing a journal, which I have done before. But, I have two journals, one a grad gift from some co-workers at one of my Bastyr workstudy jobs, and one from Kate, for this trip. So, my writing will be scrambled, and soon I hope to be caught up and more chronilogical for you. In addition, I apologize for repeating anything - hopefully, that will also soon end. First, greetings to all, and hope all is well. Thank you for the many messages that I greatly enjoyed. Next, I would like to provide some backfill for those who are not familiar with my involvement here. I am here ... read more

So after the seclusion and peaceful quietude of Kakamega forest reserve, we find ourselves at Kisumu bus station. Kisumu is a fairly big towm in Western Kenya, on Lake Victoria. For us it was a stop off en route to the Ugandan border, somewhere to dry out our stuff after Kakamega. Once we had wrestled our bags from another drunk Mr. Grabalot who liked to touch our sacks, fnarr. We plumped for "Kisumu Beach Resort". Sounded good to us. Lonely Planet describes the 'beach resort' as 'a bit scruffy', no really Lonely Planet, thanks. The staff seem to be permanently ON another planet, merely asking for something produces a reaction somewhere between confusion and alarm, resulting in much repetition ("two Cokes please", "Cola?", "Yes please", uncomfortable pause...... "So two cokes then".... "Yes"...Pause... "So we would like ... read more

Throughout our trip, from start to finish, the one thing that gave our group its strength was prayer. “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:20. We came together as a team and reached out to Kenya in His name. The five day visit to Kisumu was by far my most powerful experience. God not only worked through us, but worked on us. That is the beautiful thing about a mission trip. It strengthens your faith and touches your heart just as much as it does those you encounter. The city of Kisumu (200 miles northwest of Nairobi) is the third largest in Kenya and rests along the shores of Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world (after Lake Superior in North America). ... read more

It's been great to be back in Kenya. It's a bit difficult to cope with the slow pace of things after spending a busy few weeks in Chennai. The change of pace is good for me, but I think Africans are too laid back for my style of things. I really loved seeing the kids again. I really missed them when I was in India. Last Saturday, I met some of the kids. I sat by the side of the road and have a little "chat" with them in little Swahili that I have learnt so far. I wish I had learnt more, sometimes they ask questions, but I don't understand them at all. When they see my hairy legs, they always ask questions about that. Some kids are very cheeky and they pull them to ... read more