First post from Nairobi
Well we’re here! Apologies that we’ve taken a while to update you. Our internet connection is somewhat intermittent, and we have been busy with the settling in process.
I had hoped to post an entry on the morning we left Tanzania, as I was awake early, but I spent the time packing instead – which was probably wise :) It was a bit of a stress up to the last minute; first it looked like we were going to be overweight – so we had to sell an extra bunch of stuff (i.e. most of our furniture!) Then on the morning of packing it was a bit of a struggle to fit everything in volume wise! I had been very scientific and measured everything out to ensure it fitted. Unfortunately it appears that science is no substitute for experience! I had cleverly calculated that the suitcases would fit on their sides in the pod (the compartments slung underneath the plane). Unfortunately, although this was technically true, the diagonal of the cases was too large, and we couldn’t turn them to get them upright!
But the pilot managed to rearrange things sufficiently to get us and all our luggage in, and we had a very smooth flight up to Nairobi. Libby was very grateful for that :)
So far we have been enjoying the benefits of living in Nairobi – we have been to the cinema once, been out for lunch once, and got a take away once. And lots of shopping to replace all the stuff we had to sell in Dodoma! We were careful to separate all of our ‘sales proceeds’, so that we had something to buy with at this end. So far we are OK!
On the car front, I am told that the car should have the registration plates by the end of the week. (Interesting aside – all registration plates are hand painted by prisoners!) However, this is a somewhat unpredictable week. On Wednesday it is a public holiday, as Kenyan’s will be voting in the referendum on the new Constitution. This has the potential to be a bit explosive, as there are tribal, political and religious undertones which could possibly lead to a repeat of the ‘troubles’ following the 2007 elections. We are praying this will not be the case, but are taking sensible precautions (i.e. stocking up a bit, and planning not to go out and about too much until we see how things pan out). Please pray that the vote – and also the post-vote process - will go smoothly, and that the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ people would all accept the result. Fortunately it is not expected to be a close run thing, with the ‘yes’ people in a fairly large minority. [If you want to know more about the issues, Google ‘Kenya constitution’]
So to get back to the subject: I am not holding my breath about the car being ready this week!
Moving from Dodoma to Nairobi is a lot like moving from a large village to a large city - all the amenities, but all the downsides - i.e. lots of traffic, and higher security risks. Having said that, we are finding the traffic less crazy than in Dar. At least here there are some traffic lights that people occasionally take notice of :)
The biggest sacrifice I am feeling at the moment is no longer feeling like a 'missionary' - which I guess at the end of the day is just a sacrifice of pride, which is never a bad thing! I am hoping that when I start work (I have four weeks 'settling-time' off) it will help remember why we are here!
Anyway, Caleb is calling. I am sure Libby will be posting her first impressions in due course...
posted by Daniel & Libby @ 11:22 am
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