Oh Kenya

There are these little monkeys called bush babies that live in our trees. they are nocturnal, and very small, so i rarely hear them, and have only seen them once. but two nights ago the stars aligned and there were bush babies squeaking in the trees and elephants stomping around the compound. You can't actually hear the elephants, but the dogs can, and they bark their heads off all night. the bush babies make the funniest sounds, and at first i didn't know what they were. they sound exactly like squeaky toys coming from the trees. last year we had a problem with them jumping on the electric cables. the trees were growing around the cables, so the monkeys would jump on the cables and our electricity would go out. but we finally cut the trees away and haven't had that problem since. The elephant fence is still in disrepair, and no date has been set to fix it. it needs constant maintenance to prevent the trees and bushes from growing up around the fence and disrupting the power source. lately though, as i said last time, the elephants have figured out that if they step on the poles they can knock down the fence without touching the electricity.

Last week a group of us from meru hotel association went to Meru National Park to promote business between hotels in meru, and the game park. Meru National Park is only 1 hour from here, and it is one of the few parks that has remained fairly untouched. You have to search a bit more to find the animals, but it is worth it. You don't see a bunch of other white people driving around, and the animals are a bit more wild. I really enjoy it. when we arrived at the park and were just beginning our drive, we got a puncture. we all had to get out and fix the tire, and of course wander around. but no worries, it was the middle of the day and very hot, so all the animals were having a siesta. i went along to see some animals, and just spend some time with some good friends. we got to meet all the game wardens and hear a bit about the park, it has some interesting history. we stayed till late and on the way back a bunch of us had to pee so we got out to do so. it was dark and we couldn't really see where we were going, and unfortunately we stopped in the middle of a stinging nettle area. we all peed on the stinging nettles. i mostly got it on my thigh and arms, very uncomfortable.

Well my days here are coming to an end. i leave for the states in exactly one week. it is incredibly hard to contemplate. I love this place and these people so much. I so hope that i will return next summer. i have never lived somewhere that i have considered another home, and i don't know how i will say goodbye to all of these wonderful people. I must say thank you to all of you who have made this possible. For supporting me in thoughts, prayers, messages, phone calls. it has meant so much to know that people wish the best for me and want to see me successful in what i do. God is so good and i thank him so much for this opportunity.

thank you again,
love to you all!
suzanne