Baboon

Hello again,
It is almost time for me to start my new job teaching in Gatundu. The name of my school is Ishishiri High School. We were lucky enough to be able to travel to the Great Rift Valley to learn about some anthropology and history. This is me standing in the giant Menengai Crater, a volcano 2,490m (8,167 ft) high. It is the second largest surviving volcanic crater in the world, The views of the crater itself, as well as the surrounding countryside, are spectacular.




This is one of the locals that we came across.



We were excited to see these baboons as well as zebras, warthogs, and Thompson's gazelles. I am still trying to upload more photos but it is not working well. I will try again tomorrow maybe. I miss you all.


Josh

Meru

Hello out there, I am officially two weeks old Kenyan. We got our passports validated today, so I am an official resident! This past weekend was really incredible. On Friday we took a road trip up to Meru. It was about a five hour drive. It was exciting because we drove over the equator. We went to Meru to participate in a youth rally with the Meru Town Church. We had so much fun. I played a lot of volleyball and candando(soccer). In Kenyan churches youth is considered from ages 18 to 35. In Meru we stayed with a woman by the name of Brenda Harcourt. She is American from Synod of Lincoln Trails. It turns out that she had been to Synod School and Triennieum during years that I was there. She was the moderator of Blackhawk Presbytery at one point. Brenda was an amazing host and I look forward to seeing her again. We took part in a church service in Meru. It was very interesting. I gave the prayer after the offering. We Americans also sang Tawa Pano and They will know we are Christians by our Love. During the offering people who could not afford to give cash donated items such as food. Then these items were auctioned off during the service with the money going into the offering. It was very interesting. People would bid to win fruits and veggies for other people. Someone won some tomatoes for me. I have been eating very well. Until next time.
Kwaheri,
Josh

Hakuna Matata

I am officially one week old in Africa. I have had an amazing time so far. I went to a Kenyan funeral and it was incredible. It was a huge celebration. It was on a mountaintop and there were over a thousand witnesses there. I think I was the only muzungu(white person) in a 50 mile radius it seemed like. There was a town choir with dancing and great rejoicing for the life of this 97 year old woman who has passed. On my way to the event I was able to see my first wild giraffes grazing in fields next to the highway. I was very excited. I have had so much great fresh fruit and vegetables. My sleep schedule is just now starting to regulate I think. I am so very glad that I am able to be a part of this program with this group of people. We have had a lot of good laughs, and it will be difficult for us when we must split to our individual assignments after the orientation period. The people of Kenya could use a lot of prayers right now. The drought has affected everyone here badly. Much of the power supply comes from hydroelectricity, and with out the hydro they have no electricity, so Nairobi is having to ration electricity amoung other things. So most houses have their power cut from 6 to 6 three days a week. Many animals are also dying due to the lack of water. I will try to post pictures and video as soon as I figure out the best way to do that. Peace and Love

First Post

Josh made it to Kenya. I am currently staying with the Kiragu family for the weekend. They are of the Kikuyu tribe. They have a 6 acre farm. I have had tons to eat already. The fruit is wonderful. so fresh. It is cooler than I expected weatherwise.