Nendorko Kenya -- Preparation

A few weeks ago, the driller set a date for drilling the new well in Nendorko.  However, due to its remoteness, and the deplorable condition of the roads, I expressed my concern that the huge drilling truck might have problems getting into the village.  We all agreed it would be good to do a test run with the driver of the rig so he could evaluate the terrain and determine if he could get the drilling truck to the site.  We went in my car, which is tough and has four-wheel drive.  It had rained the night before and the already deteriorated roads were slippery with mud.

We were doing well until we came to a particularly bad section of the road where a huge trucks slid sideways and into the ditch (not pictured).  His position made it impossible to pass, so a "new" road was created by the vehicles needing to pass.  The truck below was overloaded with goods for the market.  He slid into a low spot and couldn't move.  We had to create another new road across a pasture in order to get ahead of this small truck.

The pasture was soaked, but we plowed ahead.

After we finally cleared that bad spot, we proceeded toward the village.  Along the way, we passed these creative ladies who were cooking chai (hot tea) for the travelers who wished to stop for some refreshments.

The road ahead just got worse, but slowly by slowly ( a Kenyan expression) we moved forward.

We came to a sudden road block.  This brush was put here by the Maasai cattle owners to keep the cows from passing.  We are not sure why, but we repected the roadblock.  Pastor John jumped out and moved the brush, and then after we passed, he put it back where it belonged.

We finally arrived at the village school.  The children were outside waiting for us and greeted us with smiles.

This is Pastor Matayo (pastor of the Baptist Church in the village).  The customary greeting for Maasai children is to touch their heads.  You will notice the children approached us while ducking their heads.

After the proper greetings, we took off toward the tree the geologist had marked indicating the best place to drill the well.

The village of the Nendorko is situated in a "bowl" with tall ridges surrounding it.  To reach water, the people of this village have to climb over two of these.  It can take hours and hours to get to the nearest water.

Still walking!

We finally reached the tree marked with a number "3".  The geologist had located 3 potential locations to drill.  This location was located within the four acres that had been donated by a local family.

The spot in front of the guy with the pink shirt is where the drillers should drill.

As we headed out of the village back towards Nairobi, we came to this beautiful scene of the Ngong Hills in the background, an acacia tree, and this serene Maasai cow.  I love this country!

We were all hungry, so as we passed through the next village, we stopped to eat.  Everyone had their fill of meat, stew, greens, and sodas.  I fed 6 men and myself for about $10!!  Gotta love it!

It was market day in this village.  I took this picture through the window of the cafe.  The Maasai women outside were sitting around deep in discussion.  I just loved the colorful picture.

Now that we established that the drilling rig could get into the village, we headed back to Nairobi excited about the drilling that would commence the following week.  Exciting anticipation!