The Long Walk

The walking journey from our duplex on lower station below Kijabe Hospital to Amelia's school at upper station has many detours on the way.
7:23 AM - Off to school we go.

7:25 - Climbing Gravel Mountain.

7:28 - Past Kijabe Hospital and watching out for Matatus dropping patients.

7:31-7:34 - Stop to pick up a Weaver Bird nest that dropped from the tree above.

7:37 Tight-rope walking along side the curb.

7:39 - Stop to touch the Sap Stump.

7:41 - Up the gigantic steps of the outdoor amphitheater.

7:43- A pause to quench our thirst.

7:46 - Finally a flat part of our walk across the soccer field.

7:49 - Always time to hang from the soccer goal.

7:53 - Stop to take a swing.


7:56- Made it with 4 minutes to spare before the school bell rings.

Buffalo Country

2010 Rift Valley Academy Class Picture

The arrangements of the kids in red, white, green, and black are representative of the Kenyan Flag.

Teacher?

How could I resist when Amelia enthusiastically ran home and said, "Mommy, Mrs Kinzer (her teacher) asked me to ask you to teach for her tomorrow morning?" I thought of some great excuses: I don't get 1st grade boys, I'm not sure how to keep the attention of a classroom for 4 hours, my voice won't last that long, I usually leave out a few words (okay a few sentences) when I read out loud, and remember when I tried to home school you and you asked when you could have a real teacher? As I told Amelia I could probably do it she ran for the phone, dialed her teacher and proudly said, "My mom can teach tomorrow." She was so excited I couldn't get her in bed until 8 (usually she's in bed by 7). I only hope this enthusiasm remains as I try to impart some learning on their class. 

1st day of 1st Grade

Amelia woke-up earlier, got dressed and then had to wait to walk to school. She had her new outfit on (courtesy of Nana) and a new backpack (thanks to Grammie). Meredith also put on her coat and backpack and thought she would be going to school as well. 

I think the day was a success. Amelia's been talking about school since coming home, and looks forward to collecting the "four things to share about me" for Friday. I think the biggest problem is going to be settling on only 4 things! 

This was also an exciting day for me as Dr. Sharon Morad (OB) began working and we will be together the next year. We've got a busy day lined-up for tomorrow and I'm grateful for her help!