Wed. afternoon

We had a great time at the Bransford's last night. We sat out on their deck around a big round table. There was a monkey (they have named him Malachai) that was hanging around - probably waiting for scraps from the table. The Bransfords had 5 kids and then adopted 2 Kenyon boys with very interesting stories. THe oldest was found abandoned at about 5 months of age with a fractured skull, hypothermia and pneumonia. He was named Moses by the nurses as he was found by the river I think. The Bransfords said that when they first took him back to the US, it was a bit difficult because he didn't have a last name and they had a hard time getting a birth certificate because they didn't know a date of birth. I think they just had to make one up. They had lots of interesting stories to tell about their many years overseas. Our 3 kids had a lot of fun playing with Philip their youngest son who is 10 years old.
We are picking up more and more Swahili words as the days go by. I love to see the smiles of the kids and parents at the hospital. The kids are feeling more and more comfortable around us. I have been getting hugs lately from the boys and today I received quite a thorough physical inspection by Richard who was investigating every freckle and scar visible. Nicholas was rubbing my arms and back! Maybe it is his way of saying good bye as he most likely will be going home today or tomorrow.
There were 5 boys today and no girls. In fact we have only occasionally had girls in the playroom. Even all the mission kids are boys practically!!! Alot of the families have 4 or 5 kids and there are a number that have all boys!! It must be in the water here.
John Garnet, I asked Dr. Bransford about the incidence of physical deformity here. He said it is difficult to know whether there is actually more here than say the US. FOr one thing, it is extremely difficult to access records here. Also there are alot of home births and so no one would be keeping records of those. Also it may be that there just are more babies born here therefore more born with handicaps. I wondered if it was nutrition related etc., but he didn't think the numbers were affected by regional differences ie fertile vs nonfertile areas.
Tonight, we are going to Mama Chiku's for supper. It is a tiny little duka with a couple of tables. It is sort of like the local coffee shop or restaurant I suppose, but it is probably not much bigger than my dining room. I think our whole family can eat there for about $10 probably.
When I went to the post office today to get a stamp, I had only 90 shillings in coins and then a 1000 shilling note. Of course, he didn't have change for the 1000 shilling note, so he told me just to bring the 5 shillings another time. Just like small town Saskatchewan eh?

Well life in Kijabe is good. We have been told that there will be a major change once school starts back next Tues. though. Alot more activity and things to do. I haven't minded the peace and quiet at all, but am curious to see what it is like when RVA is back in session.
Lori