Uniforms

The children always have their lists of wants vs needs, and uniforms sit on top of the 'wants' list.   Always.  While it seems repetitive, one has to see the quality of uniforms to understand why they need to be purchased on every trip.  They are ready made in the market place, with flimsy fabric, loose ends and buttons that don't line up or are non-existent.  Each child has only one, which gets washed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.  Right now we are approaching the short rains, which means the climate is hot, dry and extremely  dusty.  The kids told me today that it has not rained since I left in July. Their uniforms reflect this - they are worn, beaten and falling apart at the seams, literally.  Today, each child got two new uniforms.  Cary and I went to the market to visit my friend Marion, the only woman in the market I will purchase goods from, because she doesn't attempt to rip me off.  When she gave me a price I didn't like, I looked at her and simply said " I'm buying a lot, lets do it right".  "It's fine" she said.  With Marion, I can avoid the usual negotiating which involves writing numbers on our arms with a stick, crossing them out, and coming to agreement on the second or third attempt.  It's unreal. (But I love it).

Marion at her machine:

View of the market

The whole process took nearly an hour and a half.  Marion promised to gather 26 sweaters for me, to be picked up on Saturday morning.  I can't wait to throw out the existing sweaters - all of them are beyond repair, even by Kenyan standards.  We went to the bank, back to Satellite Market for bread, peanut butter, rice and beans, and made it to school for first dismissal.

On the way, we ran into a bunch of zebra, which is always exciting:

Africa's ponies are highly underrated, if you ask me.  They are fascinating to watch - intelligent, curious, shy, and completely harmless.  

A good breeze picked up as the day wore on, so we attempted to fly a kite once we returned back to the home.  It wasn't too successful, but it is always amusing watching the kids give this a whirl.  They just don't give up..their energy is endless.

I love spending the afternoons the way we did today - the children floated from one adult to another.  Playing catch, throwing a football, coloring, talking and just enjoying one another.  Everyone is content and no one wants the day to end.  I couldn't be happier.  It's the perfect existence.

As always, happy and fulfilled in Kenya.

Lots of love,

Simmie and Ann