The Library

A friend of mine from St. Joseph's School in Salem, NH gave me crates of children's books to bring to Kenya.  As Emma, Cary and I sifted through these books, we selected those that we felt best to take on this trip, putting aside the rest for the next trip(s).   After reviewing these books, I decided I would start a library for the children.  Well...today it happened.  Kanai and Alex got a bookshelf out of their dorm that wasn't being used, brought it into the home, and a library was born.  After organizing all the books, I devised a simple check out system, with the only rule being: only one book may be taken out at a time.  The kids were thrilled.  The first 3 pages of the check out log were filled out within a half an hour!  These children are hungry to learn and even hungrier to read.  Tomorrow, I will hit the bookstore in the morning to add to their collection, adding Kiswahili literature and story books for the little ones.   I couldn't be happier, and believe the kids are going to take this project very seriously.  

Njenga was much improved today.  He is back to his feisty self.  At one point, while I was working in the office, he walked in, looked at me, sat on my lap and put his head on my shoulder.  Njenga has never done this before.  Sho-Sho and I sat there with our mouths opened, wondering if we were imagining  this.  What a treat!  When I gave him his fuzzy new blanket from his sponsors, he put it around his shoulders, got up and walked away.  There was a definite air of contentment surrounding Njenga today.

It was an incredibly relaxing and fulfilling day.  After buying shoes and backpacks in the market, we picked up the kids in shifts, which is now such a pleasure, seeing as we have the car.  Speaking of the car, I really had to stifle a laugh when I told Linet and Soila to put their seat belts on.  They looked perplexed, not knowing what I was talking about.  Between this and the air-conditioning, I don't know which had them more amused.  

Kanini

  We spent the rest of the day playing soccer, reading, beading, doing puzzles and playing with legos.  Sam fixed two water leaks outside, so now the home has running water in the kitchen again, and the boy's bathrooms are back in order.  Evidently they have been out of commission since I left in July.  Infuriating for me, but par for the course for the kids.  These things don't seem to bother them at all.  Amazing.

Thanks, Sam!!

Emma and Cary are now on their way to Kenya.  The kids have no idea - I simply said I have a surprise for them on Sunday, when we have our party at Whistling Thorns.

Safari Njema, girls!  Have a good flight and we'll see you tomorrow.

Good night all, it's been a beautiful and peaceful day here in Kenya.

Tuonane baadaye!

With love,

Simmie and Papa