Day 8: Kenya

We woke in Jinja at the Nile Hotel and had breakfast under the sprawling mango tree. I have always loved that tree and was happy to dine under it once more. Zak loved watching the many birds that fly through that courtyard and was especially pleased to see an African Grey Parrot land on the rooftop of the hotel.

Yassin met us around 9:30 and we started our trek to Kisumu, Kenya. The scenery is amazing. We passed rice paddies and Eucalyptus groves as well as towns and rural communities.

We passed charming round houses with thatched roofs. I’ve always loved these structures and have a wall of paintings of them at home, collected from different countries in Africa.

As we approached Kisumu the hills became incredible rock formations. Tomorrow after school visits, we’ll go explore these more closely.

As we moved along, I decided to write down some of the names of small businesses that I found amusing. I love how English is used here. There was the “Pop in One Shop”, the “Wallet Pub”, and “Hype Cut Salon.” I especially liked “Colors of Adoration” for a paint shop and “Thirsty for More” which I think is a beverage chain. My all-time favorite was “Dr Shoe Supermarket of Life.” I have no idea what they sell.

Agnes Pala-Bukhala is a MoonCatcher Project board member who has made our work in Kenya possible.  She lives in Clifton Park but spends a lot of time in Kenya at her family’s home in Kisumu.  When we arrived at her house we were greeted by old friends. Bella waved us through the gate and soon Jacky, her daughter little Ellie-von, Beatrice and plenty of other familiar faces showed up to shake hands, hug and welcome us.  Bella and Jacky Okoth are sisters and together, they coordinate MCP in Kenya.  They are also tailors – and upon arriving, they gifted us with tote bags they had made complete with MoonCatcher logos.

They had prepared food which we thought was dinner, but we found out later was merely a snack. Taking a walk around the compound, we found an open house was in full swing and we were invited to share that food as well. It would have been rude not to join in, so a second plate of food was put before us. The conversation was lively and interesting, and we felt like we’d made even more friends.

Yassin, our wonderful driver, enjoys a plate of food after a long day on the road.

I met a woman named Ruth who had lived in Schenectady, New York at one time so I was curious to know her story. Agnes’ family lives on this compound. There are several generations so everyone you meet is related somehow. I can’t keep them straight, but they are all wonderful. Ruth comes from a family of ten as do I, so we bonded over that.

Back at Agnes’ house, meal number 3 had been set out for us. We dutifully ate so as not to be rude and discreetly undid our waist buttons. It was pretty funny, but it did make us feel welcome - though mention of breakfast time made us a bit nervous.

We had a quick meeting about tomorrow’s schedule and ideas for MCP and then off to bed. I have a lovely room to myself along with a bathroom just for me. I am so grateful.

Goodnight Everyone.

P.S. We are happy hear that Brynn got home safely.