George on the Road

Yesterday George left for Kenya. The journey is never easy and he arrived in Nairobi by bus 14 hours after leaving our home.

One of the main reasons for going was to check on my residency paperwork. We dropped it off in January and were told to come back after one month. After three months, we were told our paperwork still hadn't been processed. Apparently the man we dropped it off to at the immigration office didn't care to follow up on it (meaning, we didn't bribe him). The woman we spoke to in April said she would work on it and instructed us to come back in May. Due to moving to Korogwe and working on the container, the earliest George could go was today. Yet again, he was told nothing has been done. The woman didn't do what she promised either. Today George was sent from one office to another and finally a man, again, promised to work on it. This time he said come back next Thursday. Needless to say, this is very frustrating and discouraging. It takes a lot of time and money to keep checking on it. Although this is typical for the government in Kenya, it's still upsetting. Others are able to bribe their way through the system and get what they need within weeks. George and I don't feel right doing that so we are trying to go through the correct channels.

Now, George has to wait until Thursday to follow up on the paperwork. That means a longer stay in Kenya than we planned. We hoped he would be back in Korogwe on Wednesday and now it will be Friday at the earliest.

Today, George will be traveling to Kisumu to follow up on a couple other items. While he's there, he'll be able to visit with family and friends and run a few errands. It will be good for him to see everyone and hopefully eat some good Kenyan food.

Meanwhile, Nala and I are here. George has been gone for only one day and I miss him already. Being alone will force me to venture out on my own and try to communicate in Swahili. That's a scary thought! This morning, I realized I need tomatoes and onions and I was deciding if I should just wait until George gets back to get them. Then I realized I was being silly. I just need to be brave and try to get them myself. If I chicken out, I can always call Lulu for help.

We would appreciate your prayers over the next week for the following (it seems like I am always asking for prayer!)

1. Safety as George travels around Kenya and that he would be able to accomplish what he needs to do in a short amount of time. And also that he has a good time with family and friends.
2. Safety for me as I am home alone. And that I would be brave and not hide in the house for the next seven days.
3. Follow through from the man at immigration who said he would work on my residency paperwork. Patience and acceptance as we work within the system.