Back to School

I decided that it was much better not to wait until I could upload photos, that takes at least an hour or more. It's better if I stay up to date, and then do the photos. The Olympics at Nyumbani ended with impressive closing ceremonies. We had a very successful relay race, and the sprints were wonderful to watch. Ken was sitting on my lap watching the kids compete and line up for the sprints. he looked up at me and said "I want to run Susan" I helped him take off his socks, (the kids all run barefoot, he lined up and took off with the kids. he couldn't make it across the yard but he tried really really hard. We were all so proud of him, he got an honorary medal and the kids voted him MVP of the games for exemplifying the Olympic spirit. the kids went back to school yesterday to the mums' great relief. They have holiday here for the month of April, August, and December.
On Sunday I went with Sr. Mary and another volunteer, Tina, to Nyumbani Village for the opening of their school. We spent the night with some of the volunteers. The drive is long and hard but beautiful. So much of Kenya is really picturesque. The village was Fr. D'Ag's last legacy and it's just flourishing. They now have 120 orphans and 19 grandparents. The grandparents surprised us by doing a tribal dance and singing, it was so cool!! They talked about what the Village meant to them, that they had security. Everyone was fed and clothed and had medical care. The children were free to learn, the grandparents were free to pass on their traditions, and enjoy the end of their life. There is no electricity or indoor plumbing, but it will be self sustaining within 5 years. Within 4 years they will have 1000 orphans, and 250 grandparents. the opening of the school was a huge milestone in the development. I will never forget how specatacular the sky was at night, you could see the Milky Way!! We were also told they had just killed a huge red mamba snake that they found in a tree! I admit that totally freaked me out. The kids were so excited to have textbooks and supplies, a first for them. I know Fr. D'Ag is happy somewhere.
You can look at Nyumbani.org and click on the village to get the whole story of the village.
I'm actually going to keep this one brief! more later. Olympic,village and day care pics to come. Stay safe officer tim and xoxoxo little boy