Saturday, May 6, 2006 - Week 2 of 10 in Garissa

Hi Everyone - the weather is gorgeous at around 35 each day. We are not supposed to say that but rather, "Oh how I wish it
would rain." For their sakes we really do pray for rain, but I thrive in this warmth.

Redeemed church was very good on Sunday. The theme was being transposed like Jacob was receiving the new name Israel. It
was a guest preacher and he really got the point across. Don't be a photocopy of anyone - be the original God meant you to be,
otherwise you too will wrestle with Him needlessly - submit - He is always victorious.

Frank went to Nanyuki to complete the commitment Ron Ward made in December when he purchased the camels from there -
that they would be brought to the Cooperative ASAP. Being Africa this was the first time all of the requirements to move the
camels came together at the same time: a lorry, a driver, gasoline, a member of the Coop to go (it was a man named Mohammed);
and a Canadian Baptist and it would have been Ron but he had to leave for Canada because his six months away is up.
Consequently, Frank went in his place leaving Saturday April 29th with an eight-hour trip to follow and a stay at the Equator
Chalet. Had all the camels, six females and one baby, loaded by 4pm on Sunday, the 30th to begin the journey home. They were
safely back at 8am Monday and unloaded the camels by 11am. Had to leave one very pregnant one in Nanyuki as she took up
half the truck with her size - she is due any day. They drove most of the night - stopped at a 'doga' and three of them slept for a
couple of hours in this empty hut on a mat the driver had borrowed from a neighbouring doga owner in the night. Frank really likes
the camels - they are mild-mannered, frightened to death of what was happening to them and were very good travelers. He
especially liked the two-month old baby girl who bawled and howled and leapt about until they had to shackle her too, which made
Frank sad even though he realized the necessity. They will be kept in a separate corral for a week or so to see if they are OK.
Someone has to go back for the last one at a later date. Frank says 'not in your dreams' will it be him. He is exhausted.

On the same Saturday, we lost the use of the jeep as Josephat had to take six people from Simaho Clinic on a outreach to several
villages for six days of immunization for various diseases, but primarily for measles. There is an outbreak in the wee towns
surrounding Garissa. They do not come home at night. The vaccines are supplied by the Kenyan Gov't. but distribution is up to people
in the bigger towns. Simaho people try and visit every month if donations will allow the cost of the trips - they have not been for three
months so they are going to be very busy.

Bobby was privileged to attend a wedding on Saturday afternoon. She took Monica, our delightful house girl, to translate. There
were 26 attendants. It was to begin at 10am however; it started at 12 noon and was ongoing including a good meal even at 4pm
when Bobby was just too tired to continue - she missed the cake cutting. There were about 250 people there. For those of you
interested, the bride wore a gorgeous white dress with mutton sleeves, the maids were in burgundy with white net gloves, the flower
girls in white chiffon skirts and burgundy tops, the maid of honour in aubergine. The groom and best man wore black suits with red
lapel rose; the attendants in black trousers, cream shirts, matching striped ties, black vests. Even the little boys. It was most impressive.
The service of commitment was basically the same as Canadian - very heartwarming - however they did not kiss but they did put her
train over his shoulder after the vows and before the rings were given - it stayed there to come back down the isle. There was no
slow music - all very jubilant but very slow walking/dancing/marching.

May 1st is 'labour day' in Kenya but everything continues to be open! Monica came in - she had to wait for the fifth matatu (local bus
transportation) before there was room for her to ride. Then at the end of the day a BIG rain came. For about two hours it rained and
just puddled everywhere. Monica told us how very wet and cold she became getting home. (She has now got a cold) A day later
most of it had soaked in but on the roads there are huge gulleys filled with water, like driving through swimming pools. Don't give up
on rain prayers please, they are still needed.

On Tuesday, Frank and Bobby left at 8am with Zarah (head nurse of Simaho) our neighbour to go and check the email and do a bit
of personal shopping. It was early enough so it was very pleasant and we had a good walk around. Had a pop at the Hittig Hotel
with samosas, met a friend of Bob Swann's who remembered Frank and visited with us, returned home by cab and Frank was still
exhausted so he slept until lunch and then again after. Bobby went back to town after siesta to meet with Christine Sewe a friend
from two years ago. She and her son and Bobby had a good visit - traipsed around the town and Bobby got to see the real Garissa
under her guiding. Up and down many back roads at a tremendous pace. Then Bobby was tired, she was just learning poly, poly
walking only to be led quickly by Christine! (Poly means slowly). Bobby took everyone home by taxi and Daniel, the Christian taxi
driver decided to give Bobby a tour of all the government buildings before bringing her home. She arrived just as Frank was closing
the gate to leave - he was invited to a Healing Room prayer time at 5:30pm. Off he went, refusing the cab and but in 45 minutes he
was back very tired from walking. He could not find it. Bobby called the taxi man again and he took Frank to the meeting - however
it took some searching, as it was not where Daniel thought it was. Frank did meet a very interesting young lad on the road he had
walked and this Abdi boy arrived the next morning with two young friends and a terrapin they wanted to sell for 500 Kenyan Shillings.
It was 27 years old by the number of bumps on its shell they told us. Monica arrived back with groceries at just that time and saw
the turtle and nearly fainted. She was not impressed by the 'individual' on the living room coffee table. We gave them water and a
few shillings and they went away disappointed. Bobby went and told Monica we had bought it to make turtle soup. She was
shocked and said we could do what we wanted but she was not preparing nor eating it and did Bobby know how to cook it! As a
matter of fact Bobby does have a recipe at home for 'Terrapin Soup', which begins "Plop in a pot of boiling water, take out and rub
off toe nails." It has only been read with horror, never done.

"Measles Crew Safely Home Early" - Josephat the chariot driver of the Land Rover got them all back on the gasoline ration. They
are extremely tired from long days, visiting more areas than planned and not eating themselves in order to complete the mission.
Praise the Lord they are safely back.
Back to Frank getting up early to drive people to the feeding stations each day. What a privilege to be able to help.
More news next week.
Love to you all - Bobby and Frank McLeod
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