Why did the Mzungu Cross the Road?

To see the hippos, of course.

(Yes, of course.)

All in all, today was a tough day and I’m still ruminating on what I want to say about our work. In the meantime I’m going to focus on some of today’s lighthearted moments. And since today marked Day 2 of the quest to see the hippos up close … but not too close … before breakfast, I have some perfect blog fodder.

We early risers donned the walking shoes and headed toward the pond/swamp where the hippos congregate for the morning hours. Apparently they are sluggish and snoozing, so this is the time you want to see them up close.

Yesterday’s hippo sightings were reasonable, but marsh grasses impeded our view. Today we were a little bolder in our approach—maybe it was because we had Rich, our new friend from the Washington State group that’s working with Heroes for the Nations (another orphanage in the area), along with us. He seemed to know where the invisible “don’t get any closer” line was.

We darted across the road, avoiding matatus (public transportation), bicycles with 60-pound loads of potatoes, motorcycles, etc., and headed toward the hippo hangout. Julie and I walked down a path canopied by acacia to get a peek from one angle that would afford great lighting, but the more impressive view came from a closer walk in a path through the swamp. The hippos looked like a bunch of boulders—giant yawning ones, some with their faces buried in mud. Despite their sleepy gazes, they were clearly checking us out, wondering why all the whispering.

A few of them began swimming, yawning some more, and making adorable hippo sounds (which are tugboatlike). And it became apparent there were little pairs of eyes floating above the water coming toward the big sets of eyes and ears. Eventually, several sets of eyes/ears began swimming toward us, so we took the hint and headed back to Thomson Falls. Really, there’s nothing like a hippo sighting to start your day. Later we saw some hornbills in the parking lot of the guest house (which was fun, because I had never seen one alight in a tree long enough to get a photo when I saw them in South Africa in 2009).

Ministry today took us to the Thiru public school for primary students (the equivalent of K-8) in the morning; to downtown Nyahururu to visit/serve lunch to older street children midday (some of the group members); and then back to Good Shepherd orphanage in the afternoon.

I spoke to the teachers this morning about God’s presence in the workplace, and described how He helped me navigate building a strong new team last year, blessing me with trustworthy and talented individuals through that process. I shared scriptures that have been helpful in keeping things in perspective when challenges arise. It was encouraging to me to be working with the teachers who have daily impact on some of the children that I’ve connected with at Good Shepherd. Jill commenced her first-aid training (complete with Christy serving as Heimlich “dummy”), and set up a makeshift clinic. We had a time of sharing and song with a HUGE group of children out in a field, while other team members worked with students on crafts and shared stories.

Some of the sights of the day were difficult to process.

In short, there seems to be a need to educate families/children on hygienic foot care/preventing “chigger” infection (not like the chiggers we encounter in the States, as far as I can tell). There were some tough cases to treat at the public school. Upside: This school, according to Simon, is one of the best public schools in the area—they could turn away students, but they don’t, and their administrators are good collaborators. You can tell the teachers are invested and passionate. So maybe there could be ways to help these children specifically in the future with basic footwear/foot care needs, for example.

Downtown, team members who helped serve lunch to street children were hit with the unfortunate reality of these young men’s lives. Upside: They were able to spend some time with individuals often forgotten and be aware of their plight.

At the orphanage, I know I see the expressions on some of the young girls’ faces as they stand alone, contemplating, and I am aware that many have encountered abuse before coming to the orphanage. Upside: They are in a safe place now, with access to education, meals, and a steady dose of Truth.

At the conclusion of Day 3 at Good Shepherd, I can confidently say that Simon and his colleagues are doing great work. Each of us has connected with one or more of these phenomenal children (Tabitha, 9, and Lydia, 11, are constantly at my side—precious and mischievous little girls), and we look forward to sharing stories about their journeys from being orphaned or unwanted to becoming smiling students with a home … and hope.