Finally posting again

Sorry for the delay, but it's been a busy week.

Sidai (the orphanage) has been without power for 4 days. Apparently there was a problem with the bill when they moved into the current location from the slum in November. We've now found out that the former occupants had not paid the bill since last July, so it's a big mess and they cut the power off. Hopefully, it'll get worked out quickly. Until then, we'll continue sitting around a lantern at night. :)

One of the girls in my class, Winnie, ran away from Sidai a few weeks ago. She showed back up this week to pick up her exercise books. She also came to the field where we play with the kids yesterday to visit. She is 12 and was carrying around her 9 mo brother. Her mother is apparently a drunk, which is partially why Winnie came to Sidai in the first place. The story is that Winnie's mother had her to work for as a househelp for a family that beat Winnie, and that is how she ended at Sidai. I'm worried about Winnie living with her mom again and also worried that she is now stuck taking care of her brother 24/7. She says she's happy and is starting school again next week, but we'll see. We gave her some food, clothes and a little money. She's such a sweet girl, and I really hope things work out for her.

Things in Kenya as a whole ("countrywide" might be a better way of saying it) are still pretty bad. The famine continues. It's so horrible to see starving people on the news every night. Also, there were fears of riots in Nairobi (and other cities) due to threats from a sect yesterday. Public transportation was halted in many areas, and many people were stranded. I'm so GLAD Rachel and I went to Nairobi on Wednesday afternoon instead of yesterday. That would have been a nightmare.

In other news, I FINALLY went running yesterday. Well, sort of. I haven't ran since I got here and have been eating chips, chocolate bars and soda every afternoon, so there was a lot of walking involved. It was nice to run again though. I never thought I'd miss it so much! Due to the shower situation, daily running isn't realistic, but I'm going to try to go a couple times a week, at least until the rainy season starts next month. I definitely got a lot of stares, and a bunch of kids ran along with me at one point, but, all in all, I'm glad I did it. The problem is finding a route that isn't on the main road (too much attention/comments/etc) but isn't too remote (unsafe).

Rachel and I are going hiking with one of Lucy's sons next weekend. He does tours (small time), and we're hiking and camping in the Ngong Hills the first night and staying in a Maasai village the second night. I'll definitely post an update.

Hope everyone had a great week!