Pic- the view over United Arab Emirates. In a word- sandy!
Grubby and a little bit grouchy after claiming my luggage, I stepped out into that hot equatorial sun and was completely (and pleasantly!) surprised to find that Dennis and three of his siblings had come to meet me at the airport. In case I haven't mentioned to some of you yet, Dennis is the amazing guy I am seeing (and I don't just say that because he will likely be reading this!)
From the airport, we headed to Masaka, and from Sunday to Wednesday I got to visit all the great people and places I've been missing over the last few months. Besides being told, "well be back," I was also informed that I look 'different' after my time in the States (translation = whiter and fatter!) I actually felt quite disoriented that first day back- like I didn't remember how to properly greet people and cross the street! I did get to see Mukiibi, who enjoyed baptizing my new camera with fingerprints and blurry snapshots!
Pic - Mukiibi at the help of my camera once again. Just like old times!
Wednesday, I began the journey to Nairobi. I have to admit that I was a little nervous to be traveling overland by minivan, boda, bus, and taxi with all my worldly possessions for the next 12 months! I was also nervous about the midnight border crossing. However, I was really blessed by kind and helpful people along the way, and arrived without any major incident to the apartment of some fellow caseworkers out in the Westlands area of Nairobi (where our office is.) I'll be crashing with them until I find a place.
Luckily, there are tons of places, and tons of new caseworkers looking for roommates, so it's just a matter of finding the right fit. Yesterday a couple other caseworkers and I spent the day walking and taking matatus around to see different possibilities. (Matatus are the minivans used for public transport around Nairobi. With their blaring music, you can think of them kind of like a discotec on wheels!) It looks like the accommodations will be quite a few steps up from my lovely, but basic 'flat' in Nyendo last year. Most compounds in the area have electric fences, guards, and even swimming pools!
When I got home, man were my feet filthy. Unfortunately, for the second day in a row, the water was not working. Having not washed my hair since thursday, I was starting to feel desperate and was even rationing my water strictly for toothbrushing. I think water shortages are definitely an issue in this part of the world, even in Nairobi (though certainly not as extreme as in other areas.)This morning, I was finally saved by the fact that the compound's pool and pool shower are functional!
I had my first day at the office last Friday, and it consisted mainly of getting to know some of the 100+ Kenyan and expat staff, and filling out loads of paperwork. It really feels good to have medical insurance again! Next week, after having Monday off for the Muslim holiday of Ede, all of the caseworkers will be back from their circuit rides for some training, and then I'll have another week in the office before my first ride, which will be a three week stint at a camp in Ethiopia (mostly Somalis there I think.)
I'll keep you posted as I learn more and get settled in. It seems the work I'm doing will be rather sensitive, so I'm not sure how many details I'll be able to share about that, but I'll still try to communicate the flavor of it all!
Have a great week!
Tammie
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