Made it to Nairobi, Kenya

I did have a bit of a scare when I arrived because Mary, Lillian's sister was nowhere to be seen.
After waiting for a while, I decided I need to phone her,but wasn't sure how to use the pay phone here. Again God sent someone to recue me. A kind gentleman offered to use his cell phone.

She was at the airport,but in another place. Finally at a little after 5am we departed for the city where she lives. I forgot to mention that Mary's sister Lillian lives in Kekaha,Kauai. It was Pastor Olaf who told me about her. We got to know each other and then she offered to introduce me to her sister,Mary through email. Mary invited me to stay with her and her family in Nairobi. Her husband and her brother -in-law who drives a taxi came with Mary.

I was warmly welcomed. Mary has three boys,Kevin who celebrated his 23th birthday yesterday,John,19 years, and little David age 10 years.

It was still dark when we arrived at the home so I couldn't see much. Later I found a beautiful bouque of roses and a card welcoming me. It seems like I have been here a month,when infact I have been here only 5 days.

I was instructed to contact Compassion International immediately on arrival so my first day was spent at Compassion Int'l's office. I had to take a taxi to get there. It is located quite near the University of Nairobi,and the hospital. It is in a very nice section of the city.

I was very impressed with the office and Susan Ropio,my contact person. All the staff were Kenyans. A plan was discussed for my visit with Alex Muga who lives in Mombassa.

This Sunday Oct. 21, I am taking the Coast Hwy bus leaving at 8:30am which should arrive about 5pm in Mombassa. A Martin from the Compassion field office there will meet me and help arrange accommodations for my stay there as well as supervise the day with Alex and his family.

I have also spoken to Paula who I met through Jeanne Thompson from our church in Waimea.
After my meeting with Alex Muga I will be visiting Paula in Ukunda.

Paula connected me to her good friend Elizabeth who lives in Mombassa. We are hiring a car as they say here and driving to the bush country where Paula has her medical clinic and cares for 20+ children. Paula says no one has visited her except her oldest son.

Since Paula asked about bandages,I thought I would get her some,but I soon learned she really meant bandgages from America because bandgage here are not of the same quality. Just as pens here do not last long like American or foreign made pens.

Anyway I am looking forward to meeting Paula and her clinic so I can report back to Jean and Boyd when I return.

I visited the Kenyan Youth Hostel yesterday. It is very nice. I was considering staying there for a little while but they don't advise my using the public transportation. They recommend taxi.
Taxis are ten times more expensive.

Lillian will not be arriving in Nairobi until middle of November so I have decided to do a 7 days Safari sponsored by Kenya Youth Hostle. I will do this after I return from Mombassa.

Mary's oldest son Kevin has been taking me around because it is too difficult to travel alone.

I am planning to take him with me on the Safari.

Must close in a few minutes. The traffic is horrible here in the city of Naroibi.

Today John Mary's second son is escorting around town.

Until next time, Aloha

Joanne