Hello Family and Friends:
Weeks go by pretty fast, and for those of you keeping track, it’s been one year since I left. When I arrived and began looking forward to two years, I didn’t know if I would make it. The transition was pretty tough; being alone and without anything to do but work. There were times I was ready to throw in the sponge and head home. So I guess I’m at least half way done unless I sign up for another year (which I haven’t done yet).
So to start with, they branch was not reorganized today, was delayed until next week. Something about not being sure about the new branch president or something. Ok, that wasn’t the reason, not sure what it was other than the Stake President wasn’t able to come to Langata and take care of the business. So next week will be the big day. Both branches will continue to meet together until the Rangai Branch finds a meeting place. About 70% of the members live in Rangai so attendance will be pretty slim in Langata for a while. We are closer to Rongai also but they asked us to continue attending Langata. I guess my job will be to have someone trained to take over as Branch President once I leave. I compare what is going on at church to what is going on at work. There have been many people from the Green River plant come to Kenya and many from Kenya visit Green River with the purpose of exchanging best practices. Same thing is going on in Langata, hopefully I can add to what they already do well and those who served missions in the US and other countries left those things done well here in Kenya. Just re read this- hope you understand it. All are made better by sharing best practices.
Work is back on the mend I hope, there were a few good days and less bad days this week. So I hope the trend continues with more and more good days and fewer and fewer bad days.
It has been interesting with Margaret here. It is a challenge with three adults and one car. Debi has become the designated driver. We need to get a bumper sticker that says “Mom’s Taxi” for her car. I ride my bike to work so I’m not too dependent, but Debi drives Margaret to school. It’s not too far to school but it is too hot for those with Idaho roots. It is summer here so it is above 100 degrees every day. The heat doesn’t bother the locals but for us foreigners it’s tough. The locals put on winter coats as soon as the temperature goes below 80. Just don’t know how they stand the heat plus a coat. Anyway, Margaret stands out in the school yard; she may have a book bag and be in school, but she doesn’t look anything like the others there. I think she is enjoying the experience but I’ll leave the story telling up to her.
We did some driving around Magadi yesterday. We went to a remote area north of the lake/plant. When we were driving there I couldn’t figure out why anyone would travel in such a remote area. About that time we came upon a village. It was hot and dry. Couldn’t believe anyone would live there. It was about as poor a village as I have seen. Living in the mud huts with temperatures over 100 degrees must be a challenge. As we were leaving the village, I drove by the hut and gave the man the two water bottles we had brought with us. I figured if I was there, water would be about the best gift someone could give. Speaking of water, I have no idea how far they would have to go to get water.
After we went to the village, we drove south of the plant and saw a heard of giraffes. There were at least 24 (or maybe two dozen). It is unusual to see a herd of giraffes that size. They are usually in small groups. There were about 10 babies in the group. So it was exciting to see them all together.
Well so much for this week. Hope you all have a good week and remember that those of us in Africa love you all.
Paul/dad
By the way President Kelsey, the cat is out of the bag regarding Rusty Bayles so now you can discuss it freely. For those of you not in the loop, another guy from Green River is going to come work in Kenya. He is also a member of the church.
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