We finished unpacking our bags and then went for a walk around town and dropped the photocopying off. We then went to the Sunshine Hotel for a drink as it was very hot, their service was terrible. It took ages to get a drink and then even longer to pay. In the evening I was working planning the course content for the next two days.
Fortunately on Tuesday the water was back on in the morning, although the hotel was flooded in some areas as they had left taps on. I was teaching leadership to the 'in service' students and there were about 20. They seemed much quieter than the normal students. Linda went off to visit the Kericho's women prison around midday with Pastor Chumo. She was teaching them how to do French knitting using wool and a cardboard template. She was gone all afternoon and as she had forgotten her running kit was unable to join in the SRC run.
The new class were encouraged to join in, some of the women did and we all did a 2 mile run, up and down some hills. There was a lot of stopping and starting for some of them. I had a race with some kids who were hanging around. The principal has improved he didn't need a lift back this week.
On Wednesday I taught the second part of the leadership course and it ran to 4pm. They seemed to enjoy it and the group work provided some thoughtful answers. Linda went to the prison again and taught 15 prisoners craft for a couple of hours. Everyone was pleased to see her. She was able to give the prisoners nappies, knitted baby clothes, knitted blankets, paints, felt tip pens, knitted puppets, pencils, colouring books, and knitting wool. She also gave them some knitting needles and scissors but for some reason they were not allowed them in their rooms! She also gave them quite a few knitting patterns, so another empty case!
Linda actually went running when she got back to college. Only a few people ran as they are doing preparation for graduation and there are chores to be done. So we arrived back at the hotel nice and sweaty and guess what - no water, back to washing from buckets. Funnily enough the manager is not here and can't be contacted when I want to speak to him about it.
Thursday was an eventful day. We arrived back at the hotel after a hot journey needing a shower, to be told that there was no water, it wasn't working again. We had enough and so told them that we would be checking out and finding another hotel. Although the room is nice, they are not very efficient and the price is twice anywhere else in Kericho and if we can't shower then it's pointless staying there. We had to ring the driver to come and pick us up and take us to the next hotel. Their excuse is the pump is broken, it's amazing that it breaks down every afternoon but conveniently is always mended by the morning. I think they turn the water off to conserve it and just lie to customers.
Last week when all the politicians and election officials were staying then it worked every day - strange that!!
We are now at the Ivy Inn B&B which has proper wi-fi, staff that make sure you are happy and hot water. The electricity did go off, but they have a generator that comes on, just outside our room unfortunately, but the power cut only lasts an hour. There is hot water and a shower - no more washing with buckets.
It had been a busy day. In the morning we had gone back to Ringa to visit Samuel. We arrived just after 10 and he had some food for us, mandazi (Kenyan donuts) and tea. We had a chat about various things. The church runs a nursery school at the property and there were about 30 kids there. Linda caused havoc by giving them some balls and puppets. She also provided the teachers with some Lego. All the kids wanted to shake our hands and have their photos taken.
Samuel then said dinner was ready, more food, it was very nice but after the mandazi I was already full. However, I manage to eat a bit.
Our next stop was to visit Stanley about 90 minutes drive on very bumpy roads. We were running on African time by now. We arrived just after 2 and he was pleased to see us. He is building an new house (next to his old one) and I was the one selected to cut the official tape and conducted the opening ceremony. Linda recorded this prestigious event on her camera.
Stanley also had some food for us, which we just about managed to eat. We caught on what was happening in his life, his wife, two kids, the shop and the crop rotation on the estate. He is working as a lay pastor at the local church and seems to be working hard in the local community. He wife is working in Nakuru at a Tea factory and live there with the children. His mum, sisters and sister-in-laws all seem to be looking after him. His mum remembered Linda and was excited to see her.
After this visit we came back to Kericho and the no water fiasco.
'Elf and safety' does not apply in Kenya as we found out at the Graduation Banquet on Friday. The students light a candle which they then put on the wooden floor to burn. I wasn't sure whether the water we were given was to drink or put out the inevitable fire! Fortunately none of the candles caught fire, although the principal did wave his hands quickly at one stage to indicate a candle that had melted and needed extinguishing. The student was either engrossed in the program or asleep!
The Banquet was meant to start at 11, but when we arrived just before it was time for tea. After tea we sat around for a while and it started about 1130. There was some singing and the the speeches. They do not know how to keep time and the speeches go on for ever, repeating themselves time and time again, student representatives, teachers, principal. I was the quickest, said a few words and sat down, Linda was slightly longer.. Although they must have been impressed with her bible reading and few words as she has now been invited to preach at a local church on her next visit.
The main speaker was slightly later, well only an hour and a half, but I suppose in Kenya he thought he was early. An advantage I suppose he missed most of the speeches. He then preached for 45 minutes and was reasonably interesting, although he alternated between English and Kalenjin which made it difficult to follow. After this there was some certificates to give out and then dinner, it was now about 3pm and we were hungry.
On the way back to the hotel we stopped to see the Mutai family, friends we have known for several years. We had not seen them for a few years so it was good to catch up with what they and their family are doing.
It was back to the hotel for a rest. Nice and sunny today so we can sit on our balcony and enjoy the warmth whilst reading our books.
Saturday was meant to be a restful day, but then the Principal changed the rehearsal time to 9am which meant getting up early again. Linda stayed behind and visited her friends who sell ornaments outside the Tea Hotel. She likes to have a chat with them and catch up on all the gossip. The rehearsal went well, although some of the staff didn't understand English time and turned up on African time when it was all over!
In the afternoon it was a meeting of the Sitotwet alumni and I was invited along. I have given them some ideas around improving the image of the college and these were discussed. I was appointed as Patron of the association and was thanked for my assistance.
Sunday graduation ceremony and another early start as we needed to be at the college for just after 0830. The graduation parade was meant to start at 0930 but it was nearer 10 before we started. Even then some of the choirs had not arrived so the program was moved around. I was the main speaker so preached on Hebrews 12 v 1-3 and running the race with our eyes focused on Jesus. There were other local leaders there so they of course had to give their speeches and none were short. The event lasted about 4 hours and then the graduates were given their certificates. David Bailey was in her element taking lots of photos, telling the students how to dress, where to stand and smile.
Lunch was provided and was rice with some sort of meat, not sure what it was, but Linda didn't like the look of it, so just put marmite on her rice. The students who had graduated were with church members and in different groups all scattered around. We had to visit each group to say hello, give a little speech and shake hands. Everyone there must have shook my hand, it was hard work. I am not sure I could do this full time opening houses, being a patron, watching events and shaking hands, it's very tiring, not sure how 'Her majesty' copes.
Linda had wandered off chatting to people, scaring babies who screamed when she held them and helping the man with the photo booth get custom. Everyone wanted a photo with the Mazungu.
We finally left about 4 and went back to the hotel for a rest. The mission is nearly over, back to Nairobi tomorrow and a few days rest before we get the plane home.