Day 3 Reload. Guess I had better explain that because it is actually day 4 now--Sunday.  Some things just have to happen when they happen in life and thus, posting is a little delayed.

The day began with the drive from Niarobi to Kiria.  A mostly uneventful drive.  Everyone was so excited to just be getting on the way to the village itself.  Niarobi is a quite large city and it took us some time to get out into the country.  But once we did the fun really began.  The land here is fresh and very beautiful and the sky was crystal clear.  However,  David Muchai, our trip leader with 410Bridge, told us that is had been raining in Kiria.  This could present a problem as the roads are dirt and not good dirt , at that.   We do have a wonderful, experienced driver named Patrick.  He managed  to navigate the roads just fine. All along the roads,  we encountered villages with many , many children who ran out waving and shouting Mazungu! Mazungu! (means:  white person)  Boy, did we feel like celebrities!

The  team members who have been before were very excited as they had experienced this before.  The overwhelming  feeling of welcome can only be understood by experiencing it.  It was so special to see the pure joy on the faces of all the people. So powerful for us on the trip that we just about had to grab the feet of one of the new team members to keep her in the bus and not all the way out the window (no names mentioned, Tari!).

We arrived at the primary school shortly before noon after having been escorted the last distance by excited school children, all in their green school uniforms.  Found out in that last few moments that our excitement was nothing  compared to the excitement of both the children and adults that were waiting  there.  Kiria is a tight knit village that is spread out over some miles but word goes around when the Muzungus are coming. Before wee could even get off the bus, we were literally surrounded by children, parents, and the village leadership counsel.  Every child there just wanted to touch your hand, hold your hand, and just be with you.  It was emotionally overwhelming!   The leadership counsel made presentations and introductions, along with songs and dances from the children.  All I can say is WOW!  Such a warm welcome.

After the festivities were over, we spent some time meeting and loving on all the people.
The kids LOVE to hold your hand and get their picture taken.  Then, they want to see themselves in the picture!  It is a custom in Kenya to welcome visitors by presenting a gift.  If you could only imagine how poor  these folks are, they often don't have any idea  where  their next meal is coming from.   We were presented with bottled soft drinks and loaves of store bought bread.  We fellowshipped together and ate.   What a wonderful time to be had by all!  All of a sudden, Patrick, our  driver,  came and  told  us that we  had to leave and it was getting ready to rain.  Yes, we were in for a rough road.  Literally!

More to come......