Kwaheri Kenya

On Saturday I was up early and went for a run around Nyeri. There was a nice 3.5 mile loop I could use, unfortunately it was very hilly. We are now at 5000 feet so it's slightly easier. It does not help that the hotel is at the top of a hill, as it makes the finish challenging. Linda opted out of any exercise and stayed asleep. We then had breakfast, before walking to the Golf Club, under a mile, to meet James and Grace for tea. We had a chat and then they went off to a meeting and we visited The Outspan hotel again. Linda wanted to see the lodge where Lord Baden-Powell lived and have a wander around the gardens. It was a nice sunny day, so we sat outside and enjoyed the weather whilst reading The Times.

After this we did some shopping in Nyeri before going back to the hotel. Linda went swimming in the pool, while I did some preparations Easter sermons. We had a snack to eat before going back to our room to rest, well Linda did, I went down the gym for an hours workout. In the evening we went for dinner at the Golf Club with James and Grace, although there had been a competition during the day and so no food were served till after the speeches and presentation. This lasted an hour so I was really hungry by the time the food came.

On Sunday we had to be up early as the driver was collecting us at 0745 so we could follow James to the church we were going to. It was an Anglian church St Marks and was a couple of miles outside of Nyeri. There were two services, the English one at 0830 lasting 90 minutes and the 1030 one in Kikuyu which was nearly three  hours, I was preaching at both so we were there a long time. They did provide dinner which was rice and meat.

After this it was time to go back to Nairobi. We left Nyeri just after two and arrived back at The Stanley just after 4.30pm. It was a nice scenic drive, but the road was very busy and a single lane, so the driver had to keep overtaking slower vehicles.  We checked in and had room 212. Linda decided to go swimming whilst I had a work out at the gym. We then dinner before sitting in the room and doing some reading. It was a tiring day.

On Monday  we got up about 8am and had breakfast, then  it was re-packing the cases for the last time. I then had to go into town and sort out a few things, while Linda went off to the Elephant sanctuary.  She likes to go and see the baby elephants being fed. My view, seen one elephant you have seen them all! After that she went to the Kauzri Bead factory and managed to spend some money, what a surprise!  I did  the sensible thing and did a 2 hour session in the hotel gym and it cost nothing!  I was listening to an interesting sermon on vision and leadership by Bill Hybels. 

I then sat  in the sun by the pool and watched a video on my Ipad. Linda turned up around 2pm and went for a swim.  We then sat in the sun and enjoyed a coffee. Around 4pm we went to the Java House for a bite to eat, I had a steak sandwich with salad and Linda. A burger and chips. Our driver arrived at 6pm to take us to the airport, the traffic was horrendous, it made the M25 look fast, it took two and a half hours to get to the airport. It took an hour just to do two streets, fortunately we had left plenty of time. We then had to queue for the luggage scan,  they scan all the luggage on the way into the airport. Once through there then it was quick to book in. It was disappointing there was no business lounge here, they just give you some snacks and drinks at the departure gate. We eventually boarded the plane and settled back to enjoy the journey. I sent a few texts to our friends before we left.

So another trip others, we gave away 2 computers,pens, pencils,flip flops, bibles, a set of golf clubs, schools dresses, knitted clothes, Lego, knitted blankets, balls and a couple of suitcases. We have given away the contents of three suitcases  as well as providing some financial support to our friends.  The only question they keep asking, is when will we be be back?

Operation Cross Country

Based on previous experience the students thought I was joking when I suggested a run after class, but they were wrong. I had invited them for a run to the local village and back, just four miles. Once they realised that I was serious, they thought I would be slow, their second mistake! 

 I took them through some warm up exercises and then we were off.  A couple were faster that me, just but most were struggling after the first miles, a few needed a lift back with Linda in the car. We did around an 8 minute mile, which is good as it is very very hilly here and at a high altitude breathing is difficult. Although as I said to Linda don’t worry about it too much think of your PB (personal best for non runners).

The Principal saw that it was a good idea and is going to introduce a weekly run into the timetable.  Linda, unfortunately, had to be the photographer so couldn’t take part, I am sure she was very disappointed. However, just to make sure she had not missed out, I took her for a run in the evening around the streets and the local park. The good news was that there is electricity so that means a hot shower when we got back. I have continued to teach at the college and spent all Wednesday night marking assignments, there were some good answers and the top student was a female - Winnie. We gave her a prize.

Linda went to visit a friend of ours in Bware, about 90 minutes away. She had dinner with him and his wife and caught up on the work there. She also visited the pre-school the church runs which has 84 children. After that she visited a primary and school and spoke to a class. She has been very busy without me. Another bag of items donated to their work, just down to three now plus our golf clubs.

On Thursday Linda returned to the ladies prison.   She had several gifts for them and their babies. A lot of the knitted clothing provided by our church goes to the prisoners and their children. The prison holds females on remand and those convicted of all types of offence including murder.  Linda was able to talk to them and tell then the story of Zaccheus. She then had a walk round and chatted to a few of them.   She went to the knitting room and helped them on the machine and gave them a few ideas. They have asked her to come back next time for a day and do some teaching.

While Linda was the prison I was at the college teaching the final sessions and conducting the exam.  I split them into groups and they had to compare a  biblical character to a leadership model and identify good and bad points. Everyone had to do part of the presentation, male and female. I also appointed some females as group leaders which surprised some, but leadership is all about developing people's talents.  The presentations went well and they came up with some good ideas, I even got a few thoughts for my Good Friday sermon which was helpful. A few of the students are a bit stiff today after the running, but the principal has come up with a new initiative for next term Operation Cross Country so once a week they will be out for a run, I wonder how long it will last. I did do some exercises with a few keen ones and teaching them planks and mountain climbers. 

In the afternoon we had a final service with speeches and they were quite kind to us. We gave out the certificates to the students.

Our friend Samuel who Linda had visited on Wednesday had come to visit me, as he did not believe that I was the person in the photo’s, so he had come 50 miles on the Matatu to see if it was for real! It was good to catch up with him, and we discussed some plants for next year. He was one of the first students I had in 2007.  I also visited another of my old students, who lives just around the corner, Andrew and had tea with him. He shared the vision he has for his church with us. Then it was time to finally leave and go towards Litein as we were having dinner with Joseph. It was a bit further than I had anticipated so we were a bit late or if applying African time, right on time. We had a meal with them and caught up on their lives and the family, we have known them since 2006 when we first visited Kenya.

On the way back to the hotel we stopped for five minutes at a girl’s school to see Linda’s friend Betty, we have been so busy there has been no time for a visit, but Linda had a five minute catch up. It was then finally back to the hotel, it was around 8pm by now so it was a long day. We had to sort out our clothes and re-pack the cases, down to three now.

On Friday we travelled to Nyeri leaving just after 8am. It is a long journey across the hills and the Equator. We stopped at the Equator and Linda took more photos. The road from Nakuru to Thomson Falls was very bad, lots of big pot holes. At Thomson Falls we stopped for a drink and to stretch our legs. Then it was off to Nyeri and to meet our friends James and Grace.  They had prepared a small lunch which we ate, it was about 1.30pm so we were hungry by now. 

They have been building a new Anglian  cathedral at Nyeri and we had a look around it, they use wood for scaffolding, it is coming on nicely and they hope to have it finished within a year. Linda took our driver to show him where Lord Baden-Powell was buried and the history of scouting.  James then dropped us off at our hotel The Green Hills Hotel and we settled in.

 It is warm today but we are now at 5000 feet so I needed to test the running conditions, as I am kind to Linda I took her with me. Unfortunately the hotel is on the top of a hill, which is good when you start off, but not so good when you want to come back, as Linda found out. The other problem is the town is at the top of the next hill, but you get to run downhill once you have reached the top. We covered about 1.5 miles and it is easier at this level.

In the evening we went to the Outspan Hotel and had a meal with James and Grace. I had meat with ugali which was very nice. Mo Farah eats ugali so perhaps by eating it I will run as fast as him! Although I am not sure I could eat it every day as it is rather bland, but evidently Kenyan athletes swear by it, so it must be good.

There are some photos of our trip here.

Electricity has arrived

It is about 30 degrees here in Kericho.

However, guest house are concerned we may get cold, so have provided a blanket, thick duvet and a hot water bottle. We have settled in and sorted our room out. Linda did notice that half her case was full of my running gear, well she did say I could put a few bits in. I have two sets of drawers one for my running gear, the other for normal clothes.  

On Sunday I was up early at 0630 and went for a run, I am allowed to run here providing I do not run far. Kericho is at 7000 feet and on a hill, so when you start it's all downhill, but when you need to come back it is all up hill, which was challenging. I can see why the runners come to Kenya to do altitude training, it is difficult. I fitted in a 3.5 mile run, within a reasonable time, the steep hill was over a mile going up.  I was back in time for breakfast, after a shower. It was quite chilly when I first went out, so as not to disturb Linda I had to get dressed in the dark, so had been wearing my shorts inside out! 

I was preaching at church today, both service so had to be there for around 0830 to start preaching at 9. The first service is the English one, the second is in Swahili and has a better attendance, the church was in fact full. I preached for 30 mins at the first one and 45 mins at the second, both on the first book of John, although different chapters. 

After church we went out for lunch with Pastor Chumo and had fish with chapati, it was very nice. We then spent the rest of the day preparing for college tomorrow. In the evening Linda actually went for a run with me, we ran a mile in total, she was knackered. Dinner was fish and rice, we are back into eating rice at every meal.

On Monday I was awake early, but there was not time for a run. I am not allowed to run in the dark and as the sun does not rise till after 0630 there is not time to run before breakfast as we leave for the college at 8am. It was good to be back at the college and to meet some old friends and make some new ones. They did recognise me, but they don't probably see many white faces. I was teaching leadership and soon settled into the rhythm. We  have power today which is always good news when you need to play videos and show PowerPoint. 

At break it was tea and bread, although I didn't eat any bread and then back to class. I am trying to get them to work in groups and for the females to take some of the lead, which is challenging. I have 30 students in the class, about 1/3 are female and they seem to be listening. 

Dinner was rice, peas and beans, no meat today. I had an afternoon session, before we finished at 3pm. We had to go back to town today to collect some photocopying and buy some items. There is no electricity in Kericho today and it is raining.  

We came back to the hotel and decided to go for a run, Linda came as well. The Manager of the hotel suggested a route, which turned out to be  very hilly, Linda was not impressed. We ended up at Moi Gardens which is a nice green area to run round, one lap is a ¼ of a mile. I did several laps, Linda did some as well. As it is an enclosed space we could both run at our own pace and check each other was safe. It is quite difficult to run at this altitude, I am not sure how Mo Farah does it, but then perhaps when I get back I too can run a half marathon in 59 minutes! 

We got back to the hotel and still no electricity, which meant cold showers. After dinner, which was fish again, then  we did some preparation for tomorrow. 

Tuesday was a busy day. I was teaching all morning at the college, but today we had small pieces of meat with the dinner, it was rice again for a change. Linda had wandered off during the morning to see a friend of ours and visit the local orphanage. 

After dinner we were going to visit our friend Stanley who lives in a nearby village, down a bumpy unmade road. It took about 45 minutes to get there. He was pleased to see us, introduced us to his family, showed us his house and the new storage shed he had built. Last time we were here he had put the sockets in and was waiting for the electricity, good news, it has arrived and he has power. We had a cup of tea with him.

We then went to visit his shop and the local secondary school. There we did a talk to the students followed by a question and answer session. They asked some challenging questions, but any difficult ones I let Linda answer! We did not finish there till after 5pm and it was another 45 minute drive back to Kericho on unmade, bumpy roads. We arrived back and visited the shops and finally got back to the hotel just before 7pm. It is now getting dark so I was not allowed to go for a run!

We had our dinner of fish and then sorted some of our bags out, they are getting smaller all the time.

We're Back

On Thursday we left around 1.30pm and went to the

 Holiday Inn Express near Heathrow and arrived around 3pm as the motorway was reasonably smooth. We have five bags and a golf set to take with us, two cases are very heavy around 28kg but the limit as we are going business is 32kg. The good news our shed is now looking like I can get in it. We dropped the items off at the room and then went into Windsor and got a shock at the parking charges. We had a wander around and a last Starbucks. It was not too cold, then it was back to hotel and we had a dinner in the restaurant, before having an early night.

On Friday I was up at 0530 and Linda shortly afterwards. While she was having a shower I repacked the car and then we had a quick croissant and drink before we left for the airport, terminal 5. We arrived at the car park at 0700 and were checking in around 0720, on schedule. It was through security,  on the train to  concourse B and then the  business lounge. We got stuck into the food and free wi-fi and just relaxed. 

We were flying business class so we boarded the plane first, settling down into our seats with a glass of water.  The flight was fine, we watched several  films, there were actually  films both of us wanted to watch, so in between  food we sat back, relaxed and watched the screen. The flight was bumpy in places, but we coped. It is a 8 hour flight and Kenya is 3 hours ahead. we landed about 9.30pm (Kenyan time). 

Due to an airport fire last year the plane lands at the departure terminal and it is a bus ride to the arrivals terminal. The good news is that they have improved the immigration hall and it was actually quite fast, of course you still have to wait for your luggage.  Fortunately all our luggage did arrive, the only thing that security and customs asked about was the Golf Clubs in the bag. 

We did not have any other  problems at customs and soon found our driver, Chris. He took us to the hotel, we are staying at The Stanley and were soon checked in. It was just after midnight do a quick bath and bed. It is warm here.

On Saturday I was up at 0615 and off to check out the gym.  Linda has banned me from running in Nairobi as she says it is too dangerous, so it was cross training and weights instead. I came back and she was still asleep, but soon woke up and had a shower. It was then off to breakfast, which was fine, although the coffee was slightly stewed. After this we went to the supermarket to get a few bits for the journey, water and some bread.

 Linda  had a meeting with Alice and her husband Hosea while I went out to sort the SIM cards out. It has all changed now, forms to fill out, copies of passports, takes ages, you just used to buy them over the counter. I completed this and  went back to the hotel, Linda’s meeting had just finished, but they wanted to see me. When they had first met me at reception earlier that morning,  they had not recognised me and thought that I was Simon's brother. Even though  Linda explained I was actually Simon they wanted to see me again to check, as they still were not sure.

We had a suitcase for them full of dresses, knitted clothes, blankets, bibles and other bits which they were very pleased with. I was even more pleased as its one less I have to heave around. The driver was also pleased as it meant he could get his own suitcase in the boot. 

Our driver arrived at 11 and we loaded the car and were soon on our way. It's a day's journey to Kericho. We stopped on route so Linda could take some pictures of the Rift Valley, then at Naivasha for a coffee and samosa before getting back on the dusty road. It's hot here, with the sun shining. A few things have changed since we were here 2 years ago, but the driving standard is not one of them!  The route is scenic we saw Zebra's, Baboons and Warthogs by the roadside so Linda was very happy,  I was also happy, she's had a free safari!

We arrived at the guest house around 4pm, its now changed name and called Ivys Inn, the staff are the same, but there is now wi-fi in the rooms and a kettle. We have room 5, the same one as last time. It has a balcony so we can see the house opposite. 

We unpacked and then walked into town, they are laying a new road, which when it is finished will look good. They have even started putting up street lights, so they are turning them on, as we turn ours off.  Our dinner tonight was fish with rice and salad, followed by some fruit I had bought. Our friends have been in contact and are texting us saying Karibu sane (welcome again)- We are back after a two and half year absence..