Catching Up

Since we got back from Nairobi and Kericho, George and I have had time to catch up with family. We really missed them while in Tanzania. George's family is really close and love hanging out with each other. On Tuesday, we went over to his sister, Suzy's house, and found it full of people. There was another sister-in-law, brother, two nieces, two nephews, a cousin a neighbor and her two kids and more, I think! Suzy is a great host and her house is often the hang out place. She always has food and people often show up to eat lunch or dinner there. While there, they taught me a new card game called, 9 Holes. It is my new favorite. It's easy, fun and addictive!

Last night, we celebrated George's brother, Dave's, birthday. Birthdays aren't really a big deal here and aren't celebrated as much as in the US. It's rare to give gifts or have a party. However, Suzy threw an impromptu dinner together for Dave. We arrived around 7:30 and hung out while they finished cooking. We had beef, chicken, rice, ugali and cake. While I might panic about last minute arrangements and not being prepared, people here are so good at just going with the flow and figuring things out. George's brother Eddie and his wife are in town for a couple months. They have been living in Somaliland. So, it's extra special that they are here too. It was actually their wedding anniversary last night so we celebrated that too. It was a nice night of being together.

Today, I went over to Suzy's again for what I thought would just be for a couple hours, but I ended up staying all day. A couple days ago, Suzy mentioned she hadn't made cookies since I left and we decided to have a baking day. We did a few simple, classic American recipes: rice crispy treats, no bake cookies and chocolate chip cookies. The result... delicious! We don't have an oven in Tanzania so I haven't been able to bake at all. It was fun to do it again.

After a lunch of leftovers from last night's dinner, we played 9 Holes again with George. It's the best game!!!

Because we are getting close to the delivery date, we are trying to see family as much as we can now. We know we'll be limited once Eli comes. I'm thankful I am feeling well and can be out and about. It's been wonderful to hang out with everyone again. I didn't realize how much I missed it until being around it again.