My first impressions (for my dear friend Gina)

There is a lot going through my head already and I am not sure where to start. So I will talk some about generalities and some "physical" impressions.

First off, they like to take things slow around here. Which I enjoy. We are stationed at the compound in Nairobi until Saturday morning because there is a lot of orientation that they take us through. The orientations really only a half a day allowing for free time. I had in my mind that they would take us to Kisumu right away so I am pleasantly suprised that we have so much time here in Nairobi. There is a lot to see and a lot of people I would like to talk too before I leave for Kisumu.

The first full day here I never made it off the compound but I met a lot of nice people and we had a potluck with all the short-termers. We had a really nice time of praise and worship plus I contributed nothing to the potluck but was allowed to enjoy everything. It was pretty darn tasty! Another cool thing is that the team is made up of some really diverse people. There are people from New Zealand, Thailand, Canada (yes Gina, Canada), England, and other cool places. That in and of its self has been really cool. It is great hearing peoples stories and seeing how they arrived in Kenya.

Today, I was able to venture out and see some of the city. It actually reminds a lot of China though Nairobi is little more spacious and missing the hairless dogs. There is no such things as sidewalks here in Nairobi instead there are dirt paths that line the roads. As you walk down the road you will see different markets, vendors, and kiosks selling a variety of food and merchandise. I hope to try the roasted corn at some point, I only wish my corn loving friend Jessica could share it with me :).

The roads are filled with minivans called Matatus, taxi's and buses. The Matatus are part of the public transportation system and are filled to the brim with people. A lot of times they are blaring music. They barely stop to let people out or on so you have to be quick. Usually someone is at the door to pull the next rider on. I haven't rode on one yet, trying to work up my courage. You see, I am just a Midwest girl when it comes down to it. Plus, I am not sure if I have the appropriate leap down yet. Practice, practice, practice. That's my motto.

Tonight I am going to go try a Chinese restaurant here in Nairobi... wish me luck :)! I will let you guys know how it goes... Also stay tuned, I hope to give you some sort of update on some current events here in Nairobi... hopefully I will put some pictures up as well. And also thanks for the comments it is REALLY great to hear from you all. I miss you tons already!!!

p.s. my luggage is still missing, if you guys think about please pray that it comes in before I leave for Kisumu... I am starting to get a little ripe :). Also a BIG THANKS to my friends that encouraged me to take my clothes and some other essentials in my carry on... it would of stunk (literally) other wise!