Day One

So yesterday was probably one of the longest days of my life. By the time Whitney and Jenna got here last night I felt like I had been here for atleast 3 days. I woke up around 11 because Wairimu had said she would come around 12 to get me and we would go into the city. She ended up not coming until 3:30. I am learning about what she calls African time really quickly : ) She picked me up and we drove through a bunch of road blocks to the "yaya" which is like a vertical mall. At the mall I exchanged money, withdrew money from the ATM and bought a cell phone and some cough syrup. When I got my reciept from the ATM it told me my account balance in shillings. I never thought I'd see a receipt with six figures. It made me feel pretty good.
We then went to pick up Wairimu's co-worker, who she was supposed to have worked with at this inpatient psychiatric center, but she totally missed the appointment because we were shopping. We drove her friend home and then went to her house to pick up her son. At her house I met the tiniest little boy. Wairimu was talking to him in Swahili and he was being really shy and eyeing me and not talknig at all. She told him in Swahili to come over and say hi to me and he slowly walked over and looked way up at me (he came up to my mid-thigh) with these big slightly fearful eyes, and then stuck his little hand out to shake mine. My heart pretty much melted. He was adorable. He followed us around a little more until Wairimu gave him some oreos and sent him back to his house. I saw so many cute kids yesterday. I wish I coudl download all the images in my head and share them with you all.
So then we picked up Wairimu's son, Ndirangu, who is 11. He is pretty funny and likes to do the moonwalk and robot dance whenever he gets the chance. He had to go to the hospital to get a yellow fever vaccination for his class trip to Egypt. When we got to the hospital and were waiting in line and this little kid just started throwing up all over the floor. Anyone who knows me knows how well I enjoy hearing, seeing, or smelling throw up. It was lovely. I thought to myself that I should buck up though, so I sat there and listened and watched and though, this isn't so bad. It kind of was though.
After the vaccination, we went to a family's house right outside the city and had dinner there. There were two exchange students there, one from St Lawrence and one from Wash U, St. Louis. They were cool to talk to, and the food and other company were good. IT is amazing how welcoming everyone is here. So many hugs and kisses from peopel I have never met before who welcome me into their home AND feed me! It's really nice. WHen I got back Jenna was here and Whitney came shortly after. WE share travel stories and went to bed.
Now I am off to get a cab and meet WAirimu in the city for some orientation stuff. I hope everyone is doing well. I miss you and I wish you all could see this place. (Njuhi...I can't wait til you get here!!!)

Love
Sarah