It’s a Small World

I woke up to the realization that we were almost slap out of clean laundry. Luckily the house had a washer so I tried to throw a quick load in. Turns out nothing is simple here and the washer had no water pressure, so I was stuck hauling bucket after bucket from the outdoor tank. I noticed a few wiggly Kisii worms in the water but decided to turn a blind eye. Laundry soap surely kills them.

Since we were staying right next to the little Calvary Chapel church that Randy’s founded and were enjoying the hospitality of all the members, we decided to join them for their morning prayers and devotions. It was quite peaceful, sitting in the cool church with everyone quietly praying. We had to get up and leave in the middle of the devotions so we could make it to our church on time, so that was too bad. Is what it is.

Tendere church hadn’t changed a mite. Still a small group of believers, and there was even enough children to have a Sunday School class. I was thrilled to see the children of Kwamboka doing well. She’s my friend that died the month before we left in 2015, leaving four orphans. We basked under the sound of James, Moses and Dickson as they led the meeting. Omandi and Lenzer even came on their motorbike from Nyakeyo, so that was really special! Omandi lived with us part time for a few months while Heath taught him carpentry, so he is somewhat our son. The singing just rolled in church and it was so special to be sitting by Joyce again!

We didn’t have lunch plans, so we ended up at a local Hotel with Omandi’s, James and Dickson to eat chipati and mandazi and drink soda. They caught us up with all the news and regaled us with stories of the last Conference, where the Kisii’s all thought the food was absolutely hideous! These people are so picky with their food. If it’s just a teensy bit different it’s just the worst.

After lunch we spent an hour or so hanging around the mission compound with Brent and Charity. It was great to meet them and see the old home. I can say it’s been much improved since we were there!

Of course supper must be up the hill at Tall James’ house. The visiting and food was good as always, and I couldn’t quite believe how lucky I was to be eating in their home again! James kept the boys and Joyce in the throws of laughter with his random comments. He is very expressive, with an enormous smile and twinkling eyes. Also very deadpan, so you never know if he’s trying to be funny or not. We got onto the topic of witchcraft in Nigeria and told him the story we heard about witches flying 100km on a banana leaf. He was properly startled and vowed high and low he would never go to Nigeria. Later, Heath gave him a headlight and was busy showing him all the modes; 3 brilliant lights, just 2, now 1, then suddenly 2 red lights, like eyes, came on and he leapt with surprise. “Waaa, now you can bring a banana leaf to fly on”. I don’t think I’ll ever get that mental picture out of my mind, and if you see me snickering when nothing is funny, that is what I am seeing.

It was dark when we eased down the path to the car, and the few small lights shone among the hills. By this point we were all pretty exhausted by the hectic pace and some of us couldn’t seem to stop laughing. I’m just not at all sure that Kisii’s aren’t some of the funniest people in the world.

We got back to Randy’s and packed up, since it’s a 5:30 start in the morning. We need to get all the way back to Entebbe by Monday night. That’s not a ride any of us are really looking forward to.