A Week With My Son and His Pastor

I arrived in Kenya the end of February.  At the end of March my son, Jeremy, and his pastor Keith came for one week. I was so thrilled to finally have my son in Kenya!  A favorite place to visit for first time visitors to Kenya is Carnivore.  Its a specialty restaurant that serves game meat.  In earlier years they served alot of exotic meats.  These days, so many animals are protected, so the assortment of meats has decreased.

They cook the meat over an open fire pit on swords.  They bring the meat on a sword and cut a portion right onto your plate.  This is Keith about to enjoy some of the best beef he said he's ever eaten.

The fabulous meal was followed by dessert.  Yum!

A friend of mind took Jeremy and Keith on a walking excursion to an outdoor market.

This is where many buy their clothing, DVD's, fresh fruit and veggies, and almost anything else you might want to find.

The stalls seem to go on forever.  Many of missionary friends buy their family's clothing in these markets.  It comes to Kenya in bales from the US and Europe. 

Cattle corssing the road is not an unusual sight in Nairobi -- especially during the dry seasons.  The herdsboys take their cattle anywhere they can find grass and water.

This is the infamous Kibera slums said to be the largest slum in East Africa.  The statistics are not certain but is estimated there are between 800,000 and 1.2 million individuals living here. 

This young man makes  his living ferrying water on this cart.  These guys are amazing as they run all over with these heavy carts.  Sometimes their feet barely touch the ground. 

We visited a Maasai village.  This Maasai mama is demonstrating a small oil lamp she uses in her "kitchen" in order to see. 

These houses are constructed by the women.  The outside is typically plastered with a mixture of ash, cow dung, and mud so they become waterproof.

Keith had to give high fives to these sweet Maasai children.

Keith and Jeremy stayed out on the property for two nights.    Very brave thing to do for these city boys!

Sunsets in the Rift Valley are stunning!

Washday on the property is always colorful and a busy place for fellowship.

These two adorable children carrying a five gallon bucket of water to their moms for washing clothes.

Goats, sheep, cattle, and donkeys are a part of everyday life in a Maasai village.

My son, Jeremy, carrying a Maasai stick.  I think the smile says it all!  He had a great time and his mama thoroughly enjoyed the week.

Tea Farm

When Zula and I arrived in Kenya late February I knew of several places I had to share with her.  One of the places is the Kiambethu Tea Farm about an hour of Nairobi.  I have done posts on this beautiful place in the past, but I will share here again.  Fiona, the owner of the farm welcomed us into her living room as she tells the "tea story" of her family.  Her grandfather started this farm in 1910.  We sadly learned that our dear Fiona tragically lost her beloved husband last November when he was involved in a car accident.  She is carrying on, but her grief and heartache was obvious.  She is such a dear woman of God.

Joining Zula and I that day was Debi (left) and Joanna.  Debi was visiting Joanna.  Joanna is also a Global Outreach missionary here in Kenya.  They met in a cancer survivor support group.  I love having these Godly women in my life -- plus they are alot of fun!

 

Before we ever got to the "tea" on the this tea farm, we were struck by the beautiful English garden in front of Fiona's house.  My grandmother, mother, and sister would so enjoy these beautiful flowers and plants.  I wish I knew all theiir names, but I don't.  I just enjoy the stunning array of beautiful colors.

This is a colobus monkey.  They are frequent visitors to the farm. They aren't tame, but they are definitely used to people and if you have a banana handy, they will pick it out of your hand.  It is always fascinating and thrilling to get this close to nature.

Zula, bravely handing this monkey a banana.

He's sitting in a papaya tree.  I'm sure he is convinced there is more food available from the visitors!

This is an actual tea farm.  The "dots" you see are the pickers standing waist high in the tea bushes.  They carry large open baskets on their backs and as they pick the tea, they throw it over their shoulders into the baskets.

Carnivore

Shortly after Zula and I arrived in Kenya, we joined several friends and went to the Carnivore restaurant for lunch one Sunday afternoon.  It is a place we often take our guests to because it is a unique African eating experience.  In addition to beef, chicken, pork, lamb, they also serve game meat.  This has changed through the years due to protection of the wild animals, but there are still some interesting items on the menu.

Zula standing beside the menu board.  The next picture will give you a better idea of the menu.

The "wild" selections on this particular day included Crocodile, Ostrich Meat Balls, and Ox Balls!

This is the huge charcoal grill where the various meats are prepared.  They are cooked on swords.

The meal is one price for all you can eat.  They bring the entire piece of meat on the sword, fresh off the grill and slice it at your table.

The process continues until you put down your little surrender flag!  We were all stuffed at the end of the meal, but it was an enjoyable experience shared with friends!

Happy Reunion

Zula and I arrived in Kenya late Tuesday night.  The next morning, I couldn't wait to get out to the propety to see my guys and all the improvements they made while I was gone.   We arrived and got hugs from everyone!

I was greeting the ladies who showed up to wash clothes.  Jeremy stood by with a big grin on his face as I greeted them.

Next was Shadrack.  He is easily one of the kindest men I know!  He is always respectful, a hard worker, and eager to please.

I never get tired of watching the animals come to the watering troughs.

Jeremy showing me the improvements made to our pit latrine.  A shower and sink were added while I was away.

These animals are headed to the watering troughs.

Zula captured this picture of my guest room -- which was her room for the next two weeks.

This is my dining room and through the door is my kitchen.

My kitchen with a wall of windows!  I love this kitchen.

This is a view of the back of my house while standing in my tiny back yard. 

It was indeed great to be home again.  I've been here for four weeks now and am still trying to settle in.  I do love the feel of my own bed after being away for a year!  As I've always said -- there's no place like home!