Mostly my days are consumed with building and things revolving around this. One of my days started this way. I went in search of some baked bricks that we needed for the lining of the septic tank. One of the locals took me to two locations, the bricks weren't of great quality and they were asking too much for them. I knew of some bricks at the local Children's Welfare Society and thought I'd like to support them. When I reached there I discovered the ones they were having were sold so I continued the search. I was ringing one of the workers to help me with a number for a truck driver we normally use for deliveries. He told me of another person having bricks. I found them at their market stall. having already seen poor quality bricks I convinced the lady that I needed to see the bricks before I could commit to buying them. This lady is now a generous friend called Catherine. She called a 'pici pici' or what we would call a motor bike. So the driver, Catherine and myself all on the motor bike went in search of these bricks. It was a little way away along dirt tracks. The bricks were good and at a price we were used to paying. Catherine also has a large water melon patch, peanuts and several little projects happening. She picked me some water melons and then took me to her house to meet family that were at home. Generously I was also handed a hen. To my surprise! So after meeting people, seeing the projects and negotiating the purchase of bricks, motorcycle driver, Catherine, myself, the hen (now known as Stella) and watermelons ventured back along the dirt tracks. We dropped Catherine back at her stall as I continued home on the back of the pici pici with Stella under one arm and watermelons under the other. You can see Stella is tied by one leg. there are some neighbourhood chooks that come and encourage her to escape. I asked about 10 local boys to catch her one day. As I spoke I realised that my words were probably futile to the group of boys under the age of about 12 "Try not to scare it" I said. They agreed and then the chase was on. Stella was off and running along the track through the fences across peoples yards. All the while with these energetic young boys following her moves. One proud young boy however, managed to catch her. I bought some chicken wire yesterday.
Somedays can be a little frustrating like taking about 5 hours to try and purchase goods from the hardware. The only things that are in high speed around here are the chicken chases and matatu's (crazy mini bus drivers). But then there are the great moments of generously being given a chook and carrying it home on the back of a motorcycle and the local boys enjoying a great chase.
Yesterday I was introduced to a young girl of about 10yrs who apparently fell from a tree about 3 months ago. Her arm is disfigured and is looking quite broken and one ankle really badly damaged. I'll organise to take her to the hospital today. I have a contact in the hospital who is a paediatric doctor. Once I get to the hospital I can call him and when he can he'll come and get me and push me into the head of the line. The last time I took someone to the hospital he rescued me from the casualty line where I was handed the number 116. I feel bad about pushing in but not so bad not to accept the offer of help. God is good and continually provides for us what we need. To Him be all praise and thankfulness!
My days are full and my communication getting further apart. It's not without trying. May you all see some new blessing in your life today. love Jan
