Last Full Day In Nairobi With Old Friends

I ensconced myself at a hotel near a mall, at Rose's suggestion, and invited three old friends to come by and visit. First was Stella, an amazing young woman whom Bob and I had the good fortune to be able to sponsor through high school and a computer course. Perhaps more on her strength and determination, and love of family, in a later post. With permission.









Then my old friend Peter Gitonga came over. He was the first freshman and sophomore English teacher at Lavenda, and we met in 2004. I believe I made him extremely uncomfortable by teaching sex ed in his classes back then, when, as a young teacher, he was actually the same age as some of his students who had had interrupted schooling and were in their 20s. His family lives near the school, and I've been to several excellent meals at his mother's house over the years. His youngest sister is Becky's age.

Last, but definitely not least - however, unphotographed - was my friend Sido Njau, who was the exceptional project manager at Lavenda. He is now the Kenya director of a new non-profit enterprise set up by Ruth Rowlands and her husband Peter, Tandum. www.tandumonline.org. They're working on greenhouses and water catchment for poor schools.

Rose, Nick and Melanie arrived home (driving from Kakamega) several hours after I did, having been caught in a a dead standstill traffic tailback. When they got to the spot, they saw the small red car that had been driving crazily past them earlier. Karma, people.

A nice late-night chat over tea by candlelight (the power goes off at their home when it rains in Nairobi - unfortunately, it's still the rainly season here) with Rose and Nick, and off to bed.

Today - heading home!