Day 2

Today Ryan started work at the hospital. He and the other Kenyan residents and staff did 12 cases ranging from simple wound surgeries to complex fracture work. It was a long day, but he was still able to be home for a late dinner before the kids got to bed. It's so nice for him to have a 2 minute walk to work. We're hoping he'll be able to stop by once or twice for lunch.

The kids and I tried to get settled in and adjusted to Kenyan sleep and wake cycles. We did some exploring around the grounds and visited the hospital. I'm praying that we can find ways to serve and minister to others together.

I also tried my hand at laundry today. The red clay can be quite an adversary! It's very much what I remember from my time in Jamaica - except that here we have a washing machine (no dryer), and in Jamaica we handwashed everything. We have a balcony here with a clothes line and a great view. A great place for the kids to play while I hang the clothes.

My biggest challenge has been figuring out groceries and meals for everyone (not knowing what food or cooking materials would be available at the grocery store or in our kitchen). We stopped at the Nakumat (Kenyan Walmart type store) yesterday for some things and the Cure host here in Kijabi was gracious enough to buy us some supplies before we arrived - fresh fruit, rice, pasta, cereal, milk and meat. I was also pleasantly surprised to find a toaster and microwave in the kitchen! We boil our water for general use and use bottled water for drinking. Hoping to keep everyone feeling well.... We also brought some mac and cheese from home to keep the kids from getting too skinny!

Last night we had dinner at the Rift Valley Academy - which is a boarding shool for missionary kids from all over Africa. We met another mom of 2 little ones who gave us some tips for getting around and living in Kijabi with a young family. We plan to have a few meals there over the next 2 weeks to lighten the cooking load.

Well, it's getting late and we have another full day ahead of us. Guess we'll get some rest.

Please continue to pray that we find ways to serve folks in Kijabe as the hands and feet of Christ.

Love,

The Takenagas