Goodbyes

As a missionary in Kenya it is customary and encouraged to hire house-help. Our house help is Shuke. She is the sweetest woman I have met here, and possibly anywhere. She understands more English than most, but if she doesn't understand she'll still smile, nod and probably laugh. She is known in the community for her honesty and generosity. We are leaving all our donations with her to give where it is most needed Two weeks ago she made chapatis for us, and I stayed to learn how! Actually, she taught me to make Anjera, Chapatis and Tortillas all at once! It was great spending so much time with her and sharing with eachother about our families. This was in some ways my goodbye to her. She had us over for lunch (on my birthday!) and gave us traditional Gabra cloth dresses as a goodbye present to us.

There were alot more events in the last week that all helped us to say goodbye. Here are some of those stories.
The youth put a party on, which mostly involved fingerfood chapatis, beef and spaghetti. The party was also a welcome back for the chairmen of the youth who had been gone to Secondary School. An odd thing about being the guest of hon.or -- they essentially serve you food and then leave you completely alone till the eating is done. Only then can mingling happen.
Another day we went up to David and BJ's camp in the Huri Hills. They are white nomads who own tons of camels, sheep and goats. They had a 2 day old camel calf that had a very protective mama that got right in Emma's face! We also slept outside under the stars right next to all the sleeping camels.
The very last night we walked around and said a few more formal goodbyes after playing a game of pingpong with Duub. I'm not sure Duub understood that it was our last day, but he really enjoys pingpong so I don't think it matters! Then we ran into the two pastor-friends we made, Stephen and Benard. They so graciously helped us with the last bit of painting the living room in our house. They didn't mind one bit becuase we paid them with cookies and swimming!

Now we are in Kabete waiting for conference to start on Friday. I believe there are even plans for a Thanksgiving party tomorrow!