Wednesday in Bomani

The team spent the morning sleeping in, unpacking or exploring their new surroundings. Neptune is a beautiful hotel on the Indian Ocean, but it does take some getting used to that the beds are hard, you don't always have hot water and the water could stop flowing at any moment....yep, even when you have shampoo in your hair!

We had an orientation meeting with both missionary families, ate lunch and headed for New Life Center in Bomani. Our first stop was the government free school. We were greeted by the head of their school board and local officials. We had the opportunity to look around the school and present them with a gift of desks for 2 classrooms. They were very grateful and we are glad for the developing friendship.

We were then greeted enthusiastically by the children in the center we support at New Life. They sand as we entered the center and we enjoyed the smiles and bear hugs from the teachers and workers as the children ran into the church to prepare to sing for us.

We enjoyed their presentation, met Pastor Allan (the pastor who started New life & oversees the center) and Pastor Abraham (the pastor of New Life Church). We toured the property seeing the newest 4-classroom building that houses grades 1 - 3 and the adult literacy program. That building was built to add a 2nd story and the steps are in place so we were able to climb up to the 2nd floor to enjoy a different view of the property.

We had a treat from our beloved Ann, the matron of the center, and then spent some free time with the kids. On Sunday we will play in a volleyball tournament so we had a fun pick-up game with some of the staff before we finally had to tear ourselves away and head back to town.

Our plan was to exchange money and do some shopping at Nakumatt (the Kenya version of Walmart). However, we left late and the banks were closed. Pastor Allan said, "I know a guy...." Allan is respected and well known in the community. It was a banker that was willing to stay open for Allan. It was not a simple project....everything takes longer here in Kenya! But, we did get the money changed and did a little shopping before arriving back at Neptune at 8 pm for supper.

After supper we had a meeting to prepare for our first busy day tomorrow. Most of the team headed to their rooms by 10:30 or so. I think they were all ready to sleep well!

Thursday we will be in Vipingo. Thanks for your prayers!

Denise