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Saturday, January 01, 2011

New Year, New Life

Exploding firecrackers, claps, and shouts echoed in the darkness of Nairobi at midnight last night, just as we settled into our beds at the Mayfield Guest house. We're back, after a very straightforward and direct trip. Thanks for prayers for that--we all had seats, all our luggage made it, and though most of the guitar-case latches were undone by the time it hit the luggage belt the guitar was still inside, not something one takes for granted here.

First impressions: the quality of the sunlight. Coming from the winter solstice in North America, with its thin cool slanted rays of horizon-hugging sun, to the equator where the brightness is once again a wholesome and welcome surprise, full and intense light. Nairobi is uncharacteristically orderly for the holidays, little traffic. We dragged ourselves out at 10 am to Java House, and met no less than four different RVA/Kijabe-associated families doing the same thing. Nice. Though this does not feel like home the way Uganda does, there is hope. We ordered water with our breakfast, and the waitress asked, do you want that cold? Yes. (Though we would have liked a touch of warmth in our freezing almost-midnight showers last night.) Ahh, we are back in Africa.

Leaving America with a child still there is an excruciating experience, for sure. Strangers and aliens, felt more acutely than ever, in a sun-drenched land with the fragrance of cooking fires and the brilliance of bougainvillea. Heading out now to Kijabe, not sure of our next internet opportunity, but thankful for prayers that have carried us this far.

3 comments:

Heidi said...

I can hear your "ahhh" in every word. you've got your africa voice back :)

Anonymous said...

Jennifer, welcome to the bittersweet sorority of trans-continental moms. I am praying for you all as you settle into your new lives. Lissa

Heather Pike Agnello said...

This reminded me of a quote I love - been thinking how much harder it must be when they get older and you can no longer hold them close to your side. Praying for you all. -Smeth

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” -Elizabeth Stone