Rain, rain go away

First of all, we are glad to hear that Irene has passed as we had been watching closely for our friends and family in the east and northeast.  So glad everyone is ok!  In terms of Eldoret, on Saturday we thought we had turned a corner as it was beautiful, sunny, and actually hot in the morning, but the happiness was short-lived as it rained most of the afternoon and evening on Saturday and Sunday, and was rainy and cold the entire day yesterday.  I know that rain is generally good and that given the drought in the other parts of Kenya rain sounds like it is needed, but the rainy season in this area as been changing rapidly over the past several years and as this isn't a normal time for the weather to be this rainy, the farmers are starting to get worried about this year's crops.  We had heard that it should get less rainy and warmer in September, but now I'm hearing October.  All I can say is that I am missing central heat tremendously and will never take it or a hot shower with lots of water pressure for granted again.  I'm also really excited about moving to Florida in January as I am definitely not a cold weather person!

We are currently suffering through Ellana's first ear infection, but at least we have lots of pediatricians around to make sure she is ok.  Although having a sick toddler is no fun, we have really appreciated the numerous "house calls" we have received from the doctors living on the IU House compound.  If there is any place to get sick, I guess this is it!  Our only major concern is that we are supposed to fly to Nairobi on Friday morning to meet the Duke team, so hopefully she'll feel better by then.  As I right this post she is sleeping on my lap and has been the most cuddly she has ever been.  I was supposed to work at Imani today but didn't feel that leaving her with our babysitter was a good idea.

This past weekend we had a relaxing couple of days.  On Saturday we celebrated Ellana's friend Gavin's first birthday.  Ellana loved the balloons, pizza (one of her new favorite words), and cake as well as the bucket swing that Gavin received as a gift.  Ellana would have been in the swing for hours if we had let her.  Someone commented that it was the happiest they had seen her!  For dinner we went to a potluck hosted by one of long-term ex-pat couples living in Eldoret .  All of the people working for the hospital and AMPATH who are living here for more than a few weeks were invited, and we enjoyed the amazing combination of food including Ethiopian dishes, macaroni and cheese, and cake and ice cream.  The food was quite an eclectic combination!

Ellana and Andy in the kiddie pool

Ellana has a great "zombie" walk!

Chrissie, Gavin, and his adorable monkey cake

Eden and Ellana helping Gavin open his gifts

Before church

Fun in the swing

Happy girl

On Sunday we tried a new church with Gavin's parents, Chrissie and Geren.  Ellana enjoyed the music for a few minutes, but then we retreated to the nursery.  She liked playing with the other kids and the toys, although I had to laugh a little when the kids started saying yangu or "mine" in Kiswahili when trying to get or keep a toy.  I guess the word works well in any language!

We can't believe how quickly the time is flying and that the Duke team is arriving this weekend.  Hopefully next week will lead to lots of effective surgeries as well as good training sessions for the people here.  Keep your fingers crossed that our huge DHL shipment with the equipment arrives on time!