Back in action!

Due to security concerns, I have decided I will be staying at the airport hotel when I come into Nairobi from now on.  It's a 40km drive to Whistling Thorns, and at night, it's just not worth taking unnecessary risks. It's also nice to actually sit down and have something to eat upon arrival, something I never get to do.  After a massive plate of fish and chips, I practically collapsed in bed from exhaustion and a kubwa tumbo (big stomach) as the kids like to say.  

Tony arrived promptly at 11:00 this morning to pick me up.  Not one to pass up the shopping opportunities in the Nairobi area, we made countless stops before realizing it was time to get to WWC.  The back of Tony's car had 6 of my bags, 80kg of potatoes, 50kg of rice and cabbage.  Lots of cabbage. Never mind the rear window…even the side windows were completely blocked with the haul.

I got such a sweet reception from the children!  I could see them running all over the compound, off in the distance, when they caught sight of Tony's car..  They had made welcome signs, sang me songs, danced and showered me with hugs. It's been 9 weeks, but I could still see the growth in all the older children.

Grace is 9.  She and her brother Joseph came to us last week.  I didn't see Joseph for the rest of the afternoon, because he was far too busy with the 4 buckets of Legos I brought along!

Ben?  If you are reading the blog tonight, these pictures are in your honor!  Ben purchased a giant bag of "My Little Ponies" for the girls.  They were ecstatic, each of them.  Thank you so much for these gifts!  The girls set up make shift farms in the dirt, sound effects included.

Our askari Bernard has been working hard on the shamba since I left in early February.  He has planted sekuma, carrots, squash, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, spinach, a banana tree and….. watermelons!  The children walked me through the shamba, explaining each plant.  They are so excited. Needless to say, so am I. Aside from the obvious goal and benefit of self sustainability, we are hoping to sell excess vegetables so that we can bring a little extra income in for the children.

Sweet potatoes

         

Banana tree!

Denis, our youngest boy, pleased as punch with his lego box.  In 20 minutes, he put the car together, and spent the rest of the afternoon playing with it.

Njeri, holding her little pouch, stuffed with tiny ponies.

It was a perfect first day, I couldn't have asked for anything more. For now, I must sign off, as sleep is beckoning!!

Lots of love to all ~

Tuonane Kesho, 

Simmie, Catherine and Ritah