June 08, 2004
Day 2 Notes
This is the view of the Rift Valley that we have from our bedroom window. It is gorgeous. The mountain that you see (to the left) is Mount Longonot. Down in the valley are a few villages, mostly of Masai people (a tribe). If you watch Survivor, you may remember when they shot a cow in the neck and blood spurted out. They collected blood into a glass and mixed it with milk. That is a Masai tradition. They often will live only on this concoction for extended periods of time. Fortunately, we have yet to witness this custom.
Though we have yet to see much in the way of wildlife, in that same valley can be found roaming zebras and giraffes (so we’re told). Here on the campus of Rift Valley Academy, baboons are seen quite often and the Milligan family have even had monkies come into their kitchen to steal bananas. On one occasion they found a monkey sitting on their family room couch, scouting out the place.
The weather has been quite cool. We have been quite surprised; we’re in Africa, after all! However, it hasn’t even been warm enough to wear shorts yet. Once we’re out of the mountains, it will be a bit warmer, but this is the coolest season of the year, so it likely won’t get extremely hot.
Jet lag has taken it’s toll (as Danielle mentioned in her entry) and I’m working on getting over it as quick as possible.
The last two days have been spent getting to know people and learning our way around. I’ll be doing a lot of photography this week and it looks like I’ll be doing a few design projects, as well. This weekend, Bob and Stephanie (the parents of the family we’re staying with) are going away and we’ll be watching their 6 kids, as well as taking over being dorm parents for 19 11th grade boys. The kids are great, and the dorm guys are pretty cool, too. We’re looking forward to it and to giving the Milligans a chance to get away for a few days to relax.
Finally, we just heard back from WorldVision. No more details yet, however I have the director’s phone number and will be giving him a call tomorrow, so hopefully we’ll know more then. I’m off to bed (hopefully to sleep tonight). Keep praying that our support will continue to come in.
Posted by slvrfrg at June 8, 2004 04:45 PMHey—what a neat view out your window! Hopefully right now, though, you’re snoozing away, and getting caught up on some much needed sleep. I sure love keeping up with your journal entries! Have you heard anything about the missing bag? Are you able to keep in contact with the airlines on it? I’m sure praying it shows up… be jotting down specifics on the contents, just in case you don’t get it & need to submit a claim.
Well—gotta get back to my work at hand…
Love ya’ — Mom
We heard tonight that our other bag is safe and sound. We had it delivered to a friend in Nairobi and the Milligans will pick it up for us this weekend while they’re staying in Nairobi.
As for sleeping, last night went much better and I’m off to bed now (11:18 pm). Tomorrow Danielle is going with some of the RVA ladies to a tea farm for the day and I’m heading into Kijabe-town to help build a Church. I’m excited as it’ll be my first real exposure to African life & culture.
Posted by: Shawn at June 9, 2004 03:20 PMHi Shawn,
I saw your page on RVA on the net. I am trying to send a message to the Milligan’s but do not have their correct email address. Could you send it to me? They lived in our village in Tanzania prior to working at RVA. Our sons also went to RVA until 2001. Thanks if you can help me out. Kijabe is a beautiful place. I am heading to Nairobi on 1 October and hope to connect with Bob and Stephanie. Thanks! Steve Salowitz
Posted by: Steve Salowitz at September 25, 2004 05:01 PM