Waiting at PDX to board my flight for Amsterdam and then onto Nairobi. I have switched into travel mode which looks like a simplification of my life. All I concentrate on are the things necessary to this trip. Passport and ticket? Bag checked? Through security? Purchase water bottle? Last bathroom stop? But enough details to keep me on my toes.

This is rather a stream of consciousness entry. Now I have arrived in Nairobi! The flights were long but uneventful. Always the best kind. When I arrived at 10 pm, customs went smoothly and my bag wasn’t quite the last one to come off the conveyor belt. It got here – that’s always a big deal to me! I met my driver and we set off in the dark and rainy night.
So often, my first impressions of a place are in the dark. Nairobi is a very large city so we drove by large office buildings, countless shops, homes, little lean-tos where goods were still being sold at that time of night. Neon lights named many establishments and English seems to be the language of choice, if not for conversation.
But main impression – I am back in Africa. Kenya is not a country I have visited before, but it is much loved by some I hold dear. It is a blessing to finally be here.
After a bit of a drive, passing a game park within the city limits! we arrived at my destination. To say I was underwhelmed is no exaggeration. But I was very tired so unpacked a bit and went to bed. Amazingly, I slept until 6:30! I was so grateful. That lasted until I tried to take a shower – no hot water! Well. I needed at least a modicum of cleaning so I dealt with the necessary bits and then washed my hair in the sink. Cold, too. If I hadn’t been fully awake before, I was now.
The morning was quiet as I puttered and got a little more organized. Barnabas and his co-worker, Mike, met me at about 1:30. They couldn’t come earlier as they has been in church! This organization isn’t billed as faith based but these two men are believers. Heartening news.
And here the story begins. I had booked my place from the list I was sent, but I got it wrong. The place I was at was way across town from where I needed to be. It took no persuasion for me to quickly pack up and go with them to another location. However, I called the host and explained the situation. That did not go well. At first she said I needed to pay for two nights as I was checking out too late that day. Now we are not talking significant sums of money here so I could go with that. She came over to the complex to sort things out and now claimed I owed for the entire stay. I won’t go into all the details, but it must have been an interesting sight as 3 Kenyans and one white old lady are hashing this through. I was very grateful for the men’s presence. Anyway, we did finally leave with my just paying for the two nights.
Also worth mentioning is that I had had nothing to eat since a snack on the plane the night before. Actually, I wasn’t that hungry, but we did stop at a nice little restaurant. My first coffee of the day. (The hot water kettle didn’t work!) We also stopped at an ATM to get money. I will be using them often as credit cards are not as widely accepted as I’d hoped. No worries – it will work. Then on to the place Barnabas wanted me to stay. Also a bit underwhelming but better, and when I heard them say how nice it is, I had a major attitude readjustment! Too many first world expectations! Repenting all over the place. I know better!
So I am staying here, and it will be just great! I’m two blocks from a large mall which has a lovely supermarket and many restaurants. That will be supper most days. Not quite like being out at Lakeview Lodge in Zambia! A number of you have been there so know of what I speak. The lodgings there were simple and basic but In thatched huts with Lake Kariba in the front yard! This is the big city. At least I don’t have to sleep under a mosquito net.
So all is good. I’m settled in my new spot, have met two very nice men, and know where the mall is!

I will say goodnight here. Tomorrow is my first day at the clinic! I’m excited and nervous. I’ll let know how it goes! And thanks for all the Facebook responses and prayers. Makes all the difference.