Jambo
Almost every day Anjela and BJ, the children of Dennis and Allison, are haging out with me to listen to the song of the Lion King movie, "Hakuna Matata". We know all the words and moves of it now and have a great time acting them out. BJ tells me that my name is" Maria Allewelt Omondi!"

Jambo

Today we had the woman's seminar. How sweet it is to connect with "old" friends and make new friends. The seminar was well attended, interacting with the women was great fun.

I hope I can find out how to upload a video from the singing, listen and enjoy it. During the seminar I forgot to have someone taking pictures, so here are some snap shots from hanging out after the seminar. It is good to be back in Diani Beach!

 

Jambo from hot and humid Kenya. The rain that fell last night and early this morning made the day sweltering. If possible at all you stay near a fan, at least you try it!

My days are filled with visiting friends. It is so good to connect and catch up with them. To hear how God has worked in their lives Today I went to see three friends and heard some incredible stories of how good and faithful our Father in heaven is. Here are some  picture of Cathrine, one of my friends I visited. It will give you a glimpse into her life.

Jambo Friends!

I made my way to Diani Beach, the place where Gil and I lived. The plan was rather small, even I couldn't stand up in it!

Here I visit many friends. Our Pastor Dennis and his family are graciously hosting me. To connect with many friends at church was a great joy for me today. To worship with my Kenyan friends gives me a little taste of heaven.
On Saturday the church hosts a Women's Seminar were I will speak about the "Father's love".

Jacintha is one of my best friends here in Kenya. I am looking forward to connecting with her and James her husband this week to spend some time with them.


After church the Omondi's and I went out for lunch. As Allison and I were finishing up our coffee a monkey jumped on the table and stole the sugar bowl form us. Africa holds surprises in the most mundane things in life.

 

I "graduated" from Mama Maria to"Grandma",  BJ calls me that affectionately!

BIG Day today for 10 children of the Makimei Orphanage! Their first day in school!!! Its impossible to describe the beaming faces when they heard that they are allowed to go to school! Filled with pride and joy they showed me the new school uniform. Josef,, snuggled up to me and whispered “thank you and bless you for it”. He is 11 years old and never went a day to school. He was overjoyed. The excitement in the house yesterday reminded me on Christmas Eve. Amazing! The generous gift of several friends and neighbors made it possible to send all eligible children for one year to school. The school principle extends her thanks to all the donors who made it possible, not only do you make a difference in the lives of 10 children but also of all the other children in the school.

 I went to school early in the morning to be part of the first day of the children classes and to take some pictures. Now everybody refers to me as “Mama Maria” and all the children are “unofficially”mine! It was a wonderful day, with much reason to praise God for His kind provision. Thank you all who gave so generously! Maria

 Josef is to my left, Abraham right in front of me and Martin on the right.

Signing the enrollment paper and school agreement for the next school year.

Today I went with my friend Kimberly to visit some of her patients. She works in the Somali Refugee area in Nairobi. Of course it was an eventful day as you can imagine with many new experiences.

Everywhere we received a warm welcome. At one place we were invited for lunch. The traditional way is to sit on the floor and share a meal. Today camel was on the menu. It was delicious and we enjoyed our meal. Of course our hosts encouraged us to eat more, a polite way for us to show that we appreciate the hospitality. 

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Entering this part of Nairobi takes you again to another world. Here are some of the pictures of the life there

Today I visited the children's home and brought them some t-shirts from our church. Look closely and you can read "North Park Church". Miriam wrote me a very sweet note, she is 12 years old and a very kind girl. Have a great day, Maria

Today I skyped with my Sunday School small group, the kids and I were thrilled to talk to them! Thank you!