Hello Nairobi!

4 o'clock rolled around this morning and I found myself awake...partly due to jet lag and partly due to the Muslim call to prayer that can be heard over the loud speakers outside in the city. I got up to shower and it was still dark. I decided not to turn the light on because the shower window doesn't have a screen and the light would serve as a homing device for mosquitos. Showering in the dark was fine until I dropped the soap and for the life of me couldn't find it again...oops.

We ate breakfast in a common dining room. It is really interesting to meet all the different people coming in and out of the guest house. Everyone is here for different reasons that some how tie into missions.

View of the front of the compound of Mayfield guest house. A very peaceful haven from the craziness of the city just beyond the gate.

After breakfast we went to the AIM headquarters in Nairobi. We met some of the key people, took a tour of the facilities, ironed out details of travelling to and from our respective sites, communication details, etc. We talked with a native Kenyan about the structure of the country and cultural edicate. One of the main differences between our two cultures that keeps being stressed is how Kenyans revolve much more around relationships that we do in general. When walking into a room no matter how many things you need to do you must stop and greet everyone by name, shake their hand and inquire about how they are doing. This relational aspect is much more important than whatever task needs to be accomplished or being punctual. This point was taken home when the entire office stopped working at 10:30 to sit and enjoy tea with one another. Kenya used to be a British colony and many of their traditions and mannerisms still permeate the culture here.

Traffic in Nairobi is definitely worse than LA...yeah, I know it is hard to believe. Technically you are supposed to drive on the left hand side in Kenya, but pretty much you driver wherever there is an open spot and the pot holes aren't too big.

After lunch we went to the local supermarket to pick up a few things. The supermarket is sort of like a scaled down Wal-Mart with a grocery store. I only bought a few things as I will do most of my shopping up in Eldoret and Kapsowar, but the two others that will be going to Kijabe needed to do more of their shopping now. The grocery store was not that unlike something we would see in the US. It had a lot of the same brands of foods that my mom buys back home. The one thing that I did notice that was substantially different, however, was the amount of juice available. I passed by what seemed like isles and isles of juice in boxes. I think this must be in part because the water here is not good to drink and juice therefore becomes a good alternative.

We then went to visit the International Service (IS) headquarters which is where AIM Air is based. It is at the airport and consists of a car mechanic shop, welding area, hanger full of planes owned by AIM and lots of offices dealing with travel, finances and even IT. It was really quite impressive. Samaratin's Purse also partners with AIM Air and one of their planes was there as well. AIM uses their planes to fly to all of the African countries that they serve. They can drop supplies off for missionaries and serve as transportation for those in remote locations.

AIM hanger in Nairobi.

Dinner was again back at Mayfield and full of interesting conversation with people invloved in just about everything ministry related. It is fun to listen, but I must admit that I am sure I was not the best conversationalist tonight. Jet lag really starts to hit about 4pm and I am begining to feel like I am running on empty. This just means I have a wonderful night of sleep coming my way very soon. Good night for now.