20th February 2012
Well what a big day today. George’s 2nd birthday and he received a bike from Kerry for his birthday. Lesley decided to have her hair braided today, so we walked to Aunty Rachel’s sister’s house. 3 hours later we headed up to the school so Lesley could see the class sizes. The school inspectors were there and was incredible to see the staffroom somewhat much more cleaner that each time I’ve visited and no rubbish piled up everywhere. It was so, so hot, and one of the villagers had come out to ask if I could buy her a kilo of sugar at the shop and drop it off on way back. I knew no money would exchange hands, and we knew each other quite well over my 2 visits here, so once purchasing that we decided to get a picky picky home as too damn hot in the middle of the day. She gave us 5 oranges in exchange so that was nice.
Big celebrations for George and blowing out of candles, all being repeated again at night. We got in and did our washing which had left us with virtually no clothes from being away a week. Had a huge chat to Kerry as well which was really good and packed ourselves up at night.
21st February 2012
Cannot believe how quickly the time has come, but today we headed down to Diani Beach for 2 nights. The chief had identified some 30 acres of land that was for sale overlooking Shimba Hills National Park, so Kerry took us to look at it. It indeed had beautiful views, but no water or electricity. It is good to see it and know it is there for consideration. 30 acres overlooking the Shimba National Park, but no electricity and no water, and plenty of elephants to cause havoc. First plot we’ve looked at so we’ve made a start!! Our time is finished at the orphanage for now, so was VERY VERY DIFFICULT saying goodbye to the children and staff. Eliza and Ali (both always very quiet) got emotional and Eliza wouldn’t stop crying. She had made a big connection with Lesley and Ali – who is 14 openly said “Aunty Cathy I love you so much.” I couldn’t keep the lump down in my throat, but they all know I will be back. Yesterday they had all stood up and said how much we meant to them and helped them, and Hadija ended up having about 3 speeches.
She is amazing.. Leaving is so, so difficult, but they know I will be back and Kerry has told them what I am doing. We had coffee with Kerry at a nice restaurant here owned by an English man and his wife who informed us in great detail that March was the hottest month here as the build up of the rainy season began. I can’t bear to think.. The difference between here and home is – we can put a fan on or get in the airconditioning. Here it is only if you are in a hotel. We stayed at Forest Dreams Cottages again and got upgraded to a suite. I offered Lesley it for the first night and I’ve have the 2nd night, but she is happy to stay in her cottage next door which is beautiful itself. Very cheap as we are now ‘regulars!!’ Kerry came in and had a look and was gobsmacked so has booked a weekend here and asked to bring the children here for a swim and lunch and they have agreed to do it as another orphanage does it as well. I even have a Jacuzzi and television and a lounge room for $55 a night and free internet – but network is virtually non existent. We lazed around the pool and had a nanna nap. Lesley took her braided hair out. Tomorrow is looking at land again – hopefully!!!! We got a taxi to Forty Thieves bar on the beach and had the most wonderful meal of coconut coated scampi and salad and chips. The prawns were stacked so high I never thought we’d get through them, but we did. What a place of variances Africa is. The floor was beach sand and we sprawled right on the beach on day beds listening to the ocean in the beautiful breeze. Nice time.
