Each month our department meets in the home of one of our team. The idea is to get to know each other outside of the office - to forge friendships beyond work. It is always fun! This month it was Ryan's turn. He is a young man from the US who was born in Kenya and lived here for the first 14 years of his life. He is now back to work for (at least) a year with our micro-finance program. It is truly a delight to know this young man!
Of the first guests to arrive (after me!) were Esther - head of our department, and the son of Franciscah - part of our Skills Department. She
says she couldn't resist kicking the soccer ball because she has two boys of her own, but I believe the truth is, she just couldn't resist cuz she's still a kid at heart!
Juliana (Katini) - one of our Loan Officers, and Fransiscah enjoying chips (crisps) and salsa. Salsa was new to these Kenyans and it was unanimous - they LOVED it! Sara decided she will go home and make it herself for her family...
As more guests arrived Eric (Ryan's roommate) decided to start grilling the burgers...yep - a typical American backyard barbecue!
And Franciscah's boy found the trampoline!
For the first 10 years of Ryan's life this trampoline was in his back yard. Was he ever surprised when he moved into the servant's quarters at this house to see it! The people in the big house are Keith and Kathy Ham, missionaries with Christian Mission Fellowship (CMF), the same organization that Ryan's parents and now Ryan were affiliated with.
Boys will be boys! A bit of grass (or even dirt!) + a soccer ball = lots of fun!
Since Ryan spent his boyhood in Kenya he became quite the soccer player (or futball as it is called here)
Ah...time for lunch...they guys are hungry after all that activity! This is Samuel - our Office Manager, and Abraham (Opiyo) - another Loan Officer...
...Ryan is explaining to Opiyo how to dress a burger...
I think Ryan is assessing the situation...
Francis (seated against the wall) - a Loan Officer, decided to try salsa-on-a-bun...
...he likes it!
...Ryan in deep concentration, building his masterpiece, while Opiyo looks on...making mental notes!
I think he is enjoying the food, fellowship and fun!
Hmmmm....Esther, why are you sitting so far away? I think because there was shade under the tree...the day was cloudy off and on...when the sun was out, it was HOT!
Eric, such a good host! is picking up the trash...plates, utensils, etc...
...and doing it with a smile even!
While Katini joined Esther...here they are deep in conversation - about work? Could be!
After spending time on the swing and trampoline, Millicent - an Intern, came dancing over singing "I'm so hungry!..."
...then collapsed in embarrassment when she realized I was taking photos! She has a special energy that lights up the place...
Caroline and Sara - two more Interns, took advantage of the guys eating to grab the ball and play volley ball...
Time for singing, praying, hearing God's word and expressing our gratitude...Opiyo leads the 'sessions'
This is Francis, starting us off with some praise songs...to his right is Boniface - another Loan Officer...their main role is to facilitate the accountability groups all of our clients belong to.
It is wonderful to sing God's praises with my brothers and sisters in Christ :)
This is Peter - Office Worker, Katini and Millicent (Milli), seated is Josef - Accountant for our department.
Sara shared a word of encouragement from Isaiah chapter 5...we were all blessed!
Peter led us in a 'game'...He reminded us that we are; who we think we are, who others think we are and who God thinks we are. We each, in turn, had an opportunity to speak a full sentence of what we think of Ryan - it was such fun to hear each person's perception of Ryan!
Eric, the one who knows him best, went last. He is considered an Apprentice with CMF, with a 6 month commitment, while Ryan is an Associate with a one year commitment.
Time for the gift! Yes, this is always part of the home visit. We each contribute about $5 and a couple of the team purchase the gift - in this case a microwave oven!
I think he likes it!
And Eric benefits as well since they share the apartment...
Katini, who helped collect the money and purchase the gift says a few words of appreciation for Ryan and Eric's hospitality.
Yum! Ryan and Eric bought, ground and cooked Ethiopian coffee beans as a special treat...it was a new experience for the Kenyan guests (I had tried it once when they took me to a local Ethiopian restaurant)...
...they were amazingly gracious (especially considering that no tea was served!). This is Peter and Samuel.
At first Virginia was dubious, but finally after adding more sugar, decided she likes it after all! I am proud of you Virginia :)
Lovely Sara :)
Opiyo grabbed my camera and when he returned a few minutes later these are the photos that I discovered!
Joseph, Peter and Francis having so much fun!
I love the look on Peter's face...
Parting shot...Caroline...isn't she pretty?
Then the guys just couldn't resist posing for these crazy shots :)
Omygosh it was such a great day! We all had such fun and I even stayed to help clean up...and then Ryan took me home...thanks Ryan! and thanks Eric for your excellent hospitality.
Look at those eyes! She is so alert for just two months...
She was so sleepy...and looks so comfy here on her mama's lap.
Amani's cousin Lillian enjoying baby Nehtania...
Amani was 'off camera' snapping her fingers and otherwise trying to get Nehtania's attention!
While Amani ate lunch her niece, Bella took charge...
Finally! I got to hold her...she had been pretty fussy and then fell asleep...
...so Amani woke her up just to say good-bye to me...
The three of us :)
I love this shot of Amani...me - not so much!
We had a wonderful visit. It was great to catch up; hear about their move to Marsabit, when and how they found out Nehtania was coming, and all that God is doing in their lives.
