Tuesday

(Sorry this post is coming late - I dropped dead on my bed last night when we got back to the hotel...)

Today was a whirlwind of activity. All three programs: VBS, Medical Clinic and the Mural got their official start at 9:00 and did not wrap up until about 4:30.

Megan hit the ground running with VBS. The moment we arrived she was up and down, in and out of classrooms... amazing. Her crew jumped to the plate and spread out to their respective areas of work. Kids were laughing, fingerpainting, being taught, and having great recreation time. At lunch I asked Mike how he was doing - he said that the kids were full of energy and ready to laugh. Then he grinned big and said, "It's great!" I think Big Mike has become Mathare's walking jungle jim.

Amy dove into the medical clinic with her crew. They screened and treated children of the school, parents of those children, and community residents who got word of the clinic. Word in the community is expected to travel fast. Amy said at lunch break (3 hours in) that she feels like she's just worked through a 30-hour shift at university. Flora said she didn't see Pat once without a smile on her face. I went once to see how Brook was doing - but she was in the zone and I don't think she even saw me! They were incredible!

The mural is progressing great as well. We are much farther along that we thought we'd be. I can now say I have climbed a Kenyan scaffolding (literally, scrap wood and sticks) and made it down alive. Phil's design is taking shape and already stopping traffic. WHen the kids came out of their classes at the end of the day, we were encouraged by a chorus of "WOWS". Wait until they see it finished!

In each of these programs, we are working side-by-side with Kenyan locals. Their presence, translation skills, and hard work is keeping us going. We're honored to partner with them and learn from them.

Heading out for more of the same today!