Giraffes and Goodbyes

Hello!

Hmmm...so much to say. I don't know where to start. I will try to go in chronological order.

1.)Mercy's family is amazing. They have been so patient with us as we attempt to figure everything out. I feel so helpless. Mercy or her mother seem to be doing everything for me. For example, Mercy's mother has been helping in our attempts to get breakfast since we don't know where anything in the kitchen is. Mercy has been getting us water for baths (Kenya is going through a water and electricity crisis right now so there is not really any running water in the house...at least not by the time we wake up). Everyone has been so helpful. Mercy's family consists of: Mercy's father, Mercy's mother, Mercy's brother (Ima), Mercy's sister (Faith), and Kevin (aka K-1) who lives with the family. I love them all and am very grateful for their help and understanding so far.

2.)On Thursday afternoon we went to the giraffe center here in Nairobi, which is the home of 9 giraffes. It was pretty amazing. Once we arrived, they handed us pellets and told us we could feed the giraffes. The giraffes would just lean over the fence and eat it right out of our hands. They basically ate your hand too. It was ridiculously awesome. I have pictures that I will upload eventually.

3.)Thursday evening we went to visit Mercy's friend who is in the hospital following a car accident. She had been in a coma a few weeks ago, so her progress was quite evident. Apparently she is back to her old self for the most part. However, she is doing therapy right now and learning to walk again. While we were at the hospital, Kate fainted. The nurses came running in and took her to a bed to moniter. We think it was probably just low blood sugar, but it was quite scary for a few minutes there. She is feeling much better now.

4.) Yesterday afternoon (Friday), we took a cab to The Village Market, which is the largest shopping mall in Nairobi, to see Jenny Barton (a friend from JBU). We were only able to visit with her for a few minutes because her family was leaving on a trip. However, it was good to see another familiar face and catch up a bit. She was very excited that we were in Kenya. Following her departure, we went shopping at the market in the mall. There they sell all of the traditional African items. We were just looking, so one of the sellers at the market taught us how to say "Today we are looking" in Swahili. I think next week we are planning to go purchase some souveniers.

5.)Last evening we went to Mercy's friend Ana's goodbye party. She just graduated and will be attending a university in Malaysia. Many of Mercy's friends study outside of Kenya, which makes for hard partings. I thought it was tough to say goodbye to everyone, and I will only be away for 4 months. Most of these people leave for at least 9 months at a time. One of Ima's friends who we met had studied in Germany for 5 years without coming home! I can't imagine the homesickness. Anyway, the party was very emotional. I had a really good time and got to know some of Mercy's friends. They are really cool and the party was much like one that we would have in the States. Food, video games, and just hanging out. However, in Nairobi it is not extremely safe at night, so the parties are more in the afternoon and early evening. We were home by about 9.

6.)This afternoon we are planning to go to Faith's concert at Mercy's church. I'm not quite sure what to expect, but it should be fun. K-1 is an MC apparently. So that should be interesting. Tomorrow Mercy's family is hosting a bridal shower for Mercy's friend who is getting married next Saturday. I am excited for both the shower and the wedding! Monday we might head to the beach. We're not quite sure yet because we would probably have to go by bus. It would be about an 8 hour ride. If we do go we will probably stay until Wednesday or Thursday. Mercy is our itinerary planner, so whatever she decides we will do.

Wow. That was a lot. But a lot has happened in these past few days. Hope everything is going well with all of you. I still love you all and miss you very much!