Thursday, May 21, Kakamega or Bust

Thursday we rose at 4:30 AM, loaded the luggage in a van and a car and then headed for the airport. There were 7 of us, and we had a lot of luggage (despite getting rid of some things in Nairobi). We got through the security checkpoint and headed to the baggage counter. Our ten suitcases were mostly overweight, but a phone call from Joan the day before had paved the way for a smooth check in. No extra luggage charges, and we were on our way to the waiting room. Thank you Joan and Raphael.

The plane was a twin turboprop; we walked across the tarmac and climbed the stairs with our guitars, dulcimer, and assorted carry-ons. The guitars went into coat closets at the back of the plane and the dulcimer just fit in the overhead. About 45 minutes later we were on the ground in Kisumu. Herb, Wendy, and Charles greeted us. Herb is a co-founder of Mission to the Fatherless. Wendy is our friend from Akron who arrived at MTTF a week earlier. Charles, or Pastor Charles, is the director of MTTF in Kakamega. We packed all the stuff into one van this time, and headed down the road.

About half way we heard a loud pop - blowout! Off to the side of the road, unload people, unload bags, unload spare, jack up, change tire, repack stuff and people, strategize how to safely get back on the road (the roads often have a jagged shoulder that drops off 6-9 inches), and we were back on track.

Kakamega finally came into view (it took a little longer as Charles took a shortcut on a new road that was started 3 years ago and he thought might be finished... not). We stopped for water and candy, then drove around the corner to the new MTTF compound.

We had just settled the luggage into rooms when Pastor Timothy and his wife Christine appeared. Soon we were joined by Naomy Ruth (although she had to sit in her taxi for 15 minutes til the rain stopped). Naomy, Timothy, Christine, Gail, and Evey have been planning a womens' meeting, and this was the time to finalize details.

The kids played; the children of MTTF came home from school; the children all played; we had supper and a presentation (singing and a very demonstrative and silly welcome speech) and then I went to bed. Tomorrow we leave for Oyugis (except for Gail and Evey who are involved in a weekend of ministry in Gambogi).