Goodbyes

My last week here in Kenya has been a whirlwind of activity – I have barely had time to process it, much less write it all out in any sort of coherent detail! My mind is a jumble of events; places and people all strung together like colorful beads on a necklace.

I have been rushing to finish my last projects here, gathering up information I need to take back with me, filing folders and trying to tie up all the loose ends. On Friday Leonard and I again went to Marafa, this time to plant a tree. We planted a small young tree that is hardly more than a branch, but it will grow into a big, long lasting tree that will shade the way to the new dormitory. I will have pictures up as soon as I can, but the internet has been rather finicky and I do not want to push it over the edge.

As long and arduous as it is, I really enjoy visiting Marafa. The drive is always beautiful despite being rough and it gives me time just to sit and think. Leonard and I also visited several children who need to be in school, and one of them was several kilometers away from the school. The road was impassible by car, so we took it by foot. Such a beautiful walk in the late afternoon after being jostled around in the car for so long–it was a wonderful break. I was complimented by our guide, who was one of the teachers from the local primary school, on my walking ability. Apparently I am a good walker. I have finally discovered my athletic ability! Excellent. Now if only it were an Olympic sport…

Then Friday night I had my farewell dinner with the Mbonani family and Margaret. They made me a really delicious dinner, with a ton of variety! I had rice, fish, chicken, stew, chapate and greens. It was really too much. It always is. But they gave me several nice presents and I felt very special and honored.

Then today I woke up late (ok, before you think I am lazy, ‘late’ here is 7:30) and went into Malindi with Madame Karo. I still had a few more things I needed to get and finish up. When I finally returned after a whirlwind of a trip I came back and washed a mountain of laundry with the help of the girls at the school. I played around with them for a while, and then Madame Karo taught me how to make chapates, and I helped with the rest of dinner. After dinner, we held our farewell ceremony. Margaret presented me with a beautiful card she had made, two bracelets and a woven basket, and Madame Karo gave me a beautiful laso to add to my small collection. I presented them with the gifts I had bought for them and we sat for a while just chatting and having a good time. It is going to be really difficult to leave, and I am going to miss them a bunch. They have been to kind to let me stay here in their home, and they have been so welcoming. I was able to just slip into their lives for a time, and I felt at home.

Tomorrow is going to be another busy day. I need to somehow figure out how in the world I am going to take everything home with me without anything getting broken or damaged, and pack up my life here in Kenya. I also am going to meet Andy, Kate and their team. They should be arriving sometime tomorrow evening, and we are all really excited to see them. I am sad that I am leaving almost as soon as they get here, but that is just how the timing worked out. Ah, well.

So that is all for now – give the busy schedule the next time I am going to have a chance to blog is probably going to be on the airplane headed to Boston. So unless something spectacular happens, this is my last blog from Kenya. Next stop – Kupenda US!