I wakened to my first morning in Nairobi, Kenya to the sound of birds. The sun was shining, and I felt completely rested and ready to step into the new day. I’d missed breakfast, but the toaster and peanut butter was available - and wonderful Kenyan coffee. Anyone who knows me understands that I start every day with toast, peanut butter, and coffee. God has a way of taking care of us no matter where we are. The staff at the Mayfield are incredible, big Christian hearts and smiles that ease any situation. I read the visitors guide for safety in Nairobi and realized the information was simply caution and prudence.

Rosemary Khamati stopped by to see me. She represents Sudan Partners. She and I will be leaving on Monday morning for Juba, Sudan. We’d never met, but we’d conducted wonderful conversations via the phone and e-mail. Rosemary was just as I pictured, beautiful and warm, and I could tell we would be fast girlfriends. Tomorrow morning (Saturday) we’re spending several hours together. I needed to visit the Nairobi Hospital, Nairobi University, and a few other sites for scenes in my upcoming book. 

At the Mayfield, I met a woman by the name of Dian who had just returned from a mission trip into Sudan and planned another after a week’s rest.

Here’s a picture I took of Rosemary and Dian.

Rosemary & Dian

I took pictures of the surrounding trees and plants at the Mayfield. Huge trees called jacarandas are filled with lavender blooms. The ground is blanketed with them. A banana tree stands in one corner, a louquat that resembles a magnolia, a hedge of fuchsia bougainvillea that climb into the tree tops, a bush called “yesterday, today, and tomorrow” with purple and white flowers that reflect its blossoms, and a huge yellow-barked acacia tree that reminds me of a speckled banana. I learned there are many different varieties of acacia trees, but all of them have thorns.

Mayfield Grounds

During lunch I met three women from Canada who are in Nairobi volunteering at New Life Home, an orphanage for HIV positive babies and abandoned babies. I met a missionary from the Congo who is spending a few weeks at the  Mayfield to rest up. A lot of unrest is occurring in that country. Oh, I tried chai, and I much prefer coffee!

Abraham Nhial’s wife, Daruka, visited me in the afternoon with their year old daughter Abuck and a cousin, Matthew, who provided transportation.

Matthew, Daruka & Abuck

Abraham co-authored Lost Boy No More with me. I learned Daruka means Dorcas and Abuck means Eve. What a lovely visit. Daruka is striking. It occurred to me that American women pay thousands of dollars to capture a glimpse of her flawless skin and exceptional beauty, and Abuck is just as lovely. Matthew spoke of hope and faith in the building of Southern Sudanese. We western Christians have much to learn from African Christians. I’m sure I’ll be convinced of this before I return home.

During dinner, I met so many people from all over the world in Nairobi for various missionary purposes. I especially enjoy listening to missionaries from the Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Malawi, and the wonderful people from African Inland Missions.

Before going to bed, I phoned James Solomon Kook, a Sudanese  young man who I have e-mailed since 2002. His life, the tragedies and triumphs, is depicted in Lost Boy No More and When the Lion Roars. He will visit me at the Mayfield tomorrow afternoon. I’m excited!  My husband called! How wonderful to hear his voice!

Additional photos can be found here.