Continuation of March 30th.

Today was the most difficult emotionally because we went to the Nyalenda Slums. They are not far from Michael's house, about 5-10 minutes. Here we met Margret Juma, 56 years old, and guardian to Beatrice Amondi. Beatrice is the girl I mentioned earlier that was a street girl and Life for Children took her in and now she is one of the best students. Margret Juma had 13 children and 11 died, she has two at home still. She has five grandchildren.

What can one say about the slums except nothing living on this earth should be in such conditions. There is no sanitation and the water running down the middle of the street carries feces, garbage, and of course, disease. The animals are drinking from this water including the pigs, chickens, and goats that will one day become someones dinner. Not all children had shoes so they where waking in the filth. There are about 500 people surviving here. I can't say living because here there is only survival. The youger children where full of joy and smiles. They would hold your hand and walk along with you. The older children, about teens or just over, had more serious looks on their faces ecthed there only from the harshness of life. The adults where welcoming. Never did we feel threatened or fearful. That is the way of Kenyans, they are very welcoming and giving of their time.

Wednesday, March 31st.

Today we head for Homa Bay. We where told the ride would be brutal and that it was. About the first fourth of the way is paved and then the pot holes begin. How can I describe to you the degree of these holes? B I G. Some where full of water, some went across the whole road, and some demanded that you nearly stop to get across it. This went on for about three hours. Micki, Wes and I sat in the back seat. Peter did an excellent job in driving and Michael joined him up front. I have never heard two men talk so much together as they did. Obviously there is a strong closeness between them.

Once we got to Homa Bay we continued onto Wachara. Here we visited the school where Michael and Peter went. Some of the classrooms where in brick structures. Others where only framed with tree branches and had a metal roof. We come to third world countries with our ideas and conceptions of how things should be. Then we see something like this and think it is wrong. But if you think about it the bluilding does not make the learning possible, it is the teachers and a desire to learn and this can take place in any environment.

From here we went to a near by village where Julie is a missionary. She is originially from Pennsylvania and has been here for three years. She works with the orphans and their guardians, teaches about AIDS and helps people get tested. The women of the nearby villages blessed us with dancing and singing. The orphans also did several songs while a couple of boys played home made instruments. Micki and I where invited to join them in dancing and it was so much fun. Everyone had smiles on their faces and joy in thier hearts. The women prepared a meal for us of chicken, soup, and ugali. We found out that chicken is too expensive and is only prepared when there are guests. We where humbled once again by the graciousness of these people. Here was the house where Michael and Peter lived as young boys until thier mother died in 1984 as mentioned earlier. Now what a blessing that they in turn are taking care of the children that share their past.

As typical the afternoon brought rain showers and we had to get back to Homa Bay where we were spending the night. No problems getting stuck this time. At the last minute we made a stop at a Catholic school were several orphans are attending. One is Bonke Clinton that is sponsored by Ken Sutphin. Other boys where Zacri and Vincent that both need sponsors yet. All three where very polite and seemed like fine young boys on the right path to manhood.

Once at the hotel it was time for dinner and bed. Up early and back to Kisumu. Micki and I requested the afternoon off because we where tired. Neither of us realized how much until we slept for three hours that afternoon.

That is about it for Wednesday.