11/12/13

Hey Everyone! This week has gone by super fast it was crazy! It was nice to be in the city for a day last week, but one day in the city wore me out! I was way tired! It was nice to be there but it is nice to be back in the small town of Kalongo again! Anyways, our week wasn’t too busy last week. One of the members mother died, so on Thursday we spent a lot of our time there for a church visit to him. Then on Friday we were back there for the funeral, which took up the whole day. After the funeral we met up with the other elders in our district and went on exchanges. Elder Hiltbrand and I went to an area called Kyambeke. It was pretty nice, but I can definitely say that I missed Kalongo! That area was tough! We were on exchanges to conduct baptism interviews. We had like 30 to do, so we were travelling everywhere. We went to an area called Matuiku. To get there you hike up a long steep road to the top of this mountain. I thought the town was at the top of the mountain, but it turns out it was on the other side. So once we made it to the top of the mountain we had to hike back down the other side. It was definitely the toughest day I have had so far physically. I am still a little sore from it, but it was good. In Matuiku one of the members fed us the best meal I have had since I have gotten here. It included chapattis, rice, soup, sweet potato, and hot cocoa! That was the first time I have not been able to finish eating at a members house because I was full. That was nice because it gave me the energy I needed to get back over the mountain again. On Sunday we went to church in Ilima, which is half way up the mountain to get to Matuiku. I was already tired so that was tough, but not nearly as bad as Saturday. While we were sitting waiting for church to start a few wazungu (white people) walked in and sat down. We were wondering what in the world these wazungu were doing in the middle of the hills, because that was the first time I had seen one in a while! A little bit later the Mission office couple walked in. I guess it was their daughter and grandchildren, coming to see Kenya with them before they leave next month. I finally understand why all the people were staring at me when I got here, because I did the same thing when they walked in haha. After church we got a ride back to Kalongo with the Elders, which was nice because we didn’t have to walk. Yesterday was our service day again. We went to Kalongo, and helped the Kivikivi family in their shamba. We fertilized it, and then dug up all the weeds. It was some tough work, but after they fed us a great meal of bread and cocoa! After that we went to the members house whose mom passed away to help him. We helped him build a temporary bathroom to shower in. I didn’t have my camera or I would have taken a picture of it. After they fed us githeri, which is maize and beans. I am usually excited to be fed, but ever since I was sick, I get sick whenever I eat beans, so that wasn’t enjoyable. Githeri is one of the most common things to be fed here so hopefully I get used to it quickly! Well I hope everyone is doing well! Love, Elder Janda