Safe Arrival

Kenya is such a long way from Australia and my mind was prepared, however not for passing out on the plane about 2 hours out of Sydney. Staff of Emirates were wonderful and attended to me like the other 4 that 'dropped like flies' according to a staff member.

At least I did not hit the floor like a lady I found coming out of the loo. On her back on the floor with 2 staff and being given oxygen. I remained up-right ( and no it was not the drink I had to celebrate my birthday) even though I was still feeling woozy.

All good now.

A day in Nairobi settled me down and then the trip to Nakuru by matatu was uneventful. Local bus service inter-city.

After a phone call, Mary from MIA met me, for the short trip out of town to the Mission in Action base. First impressions are that I will thoroughly enjoy my stay.

I have my own hut fully equipped.

                      The view from my front door is very different from home.....I wonder why???

                                                   Very lush garden with familiar plants.

The vista from the property towards Nakuru is very relaxing and comforting.

The Menengai Crater, to the east adds a backdrop to the city, the morning mist rising

with the collective smoke haze from the burning household charcoal fires.

The children were full of action when I arrived on Sunday afternoon, playing kanga cricket.

The squeals of delight upon hitting the ball and running to the other end of the wicket.

Then it was inside activities.

I must be showing my age as I forgot how noisy they are inside enjoying themselves. What is your  name? will you read my book? plenty of hugs wanted, and given.

After a while my head was ringing and I retreated outside, before I returned again. I'm sure I will

become used to the sound of young children playing.

Monday morning after the children had departed to school I toured the different areas of the complex.

The main building and then the classroom complex. Children are divided into 7 classes according to age and class sizes vary.

Then into the kitchen.......Damaries, the amazing chef, put us to work to knead the dough for the 

bread rolls to accompany the soup for the evening meal. Another volunteer , Michelle, at the sink.

 Kneading the dough

Damaries glazing the next lot of proofed buns for cooking alongside the previous batch...They were yummy!!

Then onto the outside kitchen where I blended the pumpkin mix for the soup, then peeled

and grated approximately 3 kg of carrots for coleslaw for lunches. Very orange fingers after that job.

The Kitchen facilities are wonderful and make the huge task of preparing the meals 3 times a day easier. I'm sure I will be back there again to help.

Inna was having her 10th birthday and I was given the task of decorating the cake. That did not happen then as we ended up in town last minute decision(often happens), so that will be today.

Stitching is on the agenda to organise with staff at the school.

Weather report....very comfortable similar to home. Rains most afternoon when the clouds roll in for a storm.