Back in the states, Sam and Amanda Parks are living the adventure in Bowling Green, OH. This blog keeps us connected with those at home who have partnered with us... 
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”No problem, this is Kenya.” A man we power-walked around on the sidewalk today said this to us just laughing. We were late to meet a friend, and he could just tell we were so foreign with our American rushed mentality. So, this was his way of telling us to chill out. Hilarious!
Where to begin?3 whole days in Kenya already, so I feel like we have neglected the blog already.
First thoughts on Nairobi-
I never thought I would inhale 5 times as much pollution in a rural country than in Cleveland.
Every time I get in a car, I am positive we will be in an accident. So far, I’ve been wrong every time.
It is like a wild jungle is itching to bust through the pavement and just start taking over again. Seriously, the most beautiful plants I’ve ever seen coexist here with near squalor.
My feet are always dirty.
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We have been staying at a missionary guest house called Mayfield, which is this Oasis for missionaries from all over Africa. We’ve met people working in Morocco, Sudan, Uganda, Djibouti, etc. They stay here on the way in or out of their assignment or just for a respite from their work. It is shocking to see these little old white ladies, who would be in a rocking chair watching the tv in the U.S., say they live in Uganda as missionaries!
We’ve been slowly moving into our own place. We live in this brilliantly orange and yellow building (Sam wants them to paint part of it brown, so he can say it is celebrating the Falcons). It’s apparently a landmark. One of the other teacher’s little girls told me it was ugly, but I love it! I never expected something so nice in Kenya. The Kitchen really only fits one person, but I don’t know how to cook without a microwave anyways, so I am hoping Sam wants to play Mr. Chef for awhile.
Some prayer requests:
Tomorrow we leave the Mayfield Oasis, so it is time to start figuring out stuff on our own. Pray we are smart and safe about how we go about things.
I HAVE to learn how to drive here, so I can get to school. It is terrifying. I’ve driven in NYC, but that ain’t nuthin compared to the streets of Nairobi- plus the whole left side of the road thing.
I’m still feeling the whole jet lag and new culture tiredness. Pray that Sam and I can be joyful and gracious, despite or in light of this transition
P.S. Brian, there is no such thing as good ugali.
Thanks Terrence for setting up this sweet blog! You are an awesome friend to us, and we already miss you and Alisson so much.
Sincerly,
Amanda
Sam in Africa several years ago
20 Comments so far
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Beautiful! It feels like Kenya, talks like Kenya, smells like Kenya!
Comment by Bruce 07.25.07 @ 11:55 amKweli!
Amanda it is so good to get your fresh perspective! I am glad you got to stay at the Mayfield.
ugali! what a fine joke!
we think about you daily! we will be praying for you for sure!
Comment by Bruce 07.27.07 @ 5:30 pmSam and Amanda,
Thanks for keeping us updated. It helps keep the two of you close.
Dad
Comment by Burt 07.28.07 @ 3:17 pmGlad to hear you made it safe with all your stuff…here comes a new adventure, are ya ready?
Comment by David 07.28.07 @ 5:53 pmAwesome! That dust comment was hilarious, inevitably that how you get to know Africa better Sam & Amanda.lol
Comment by Adrian 07.28.07 @ 8:41 pmamanda! (and sam!)
i am so excited that you have this set up so soon! i didn’t want to feel far away from you for a whole year but i know this is going to help. i have my web cam ready when you are!
much love and prayers,
alliswan
glad to hear that you are doing well. we will be praying for those prayer requests. sam, we are sure that you will be a great cook… amanda, well… good luck with the driving thing… we will pray for your safety and those on the road on the road with you. we miss you both already
Comment by Grant and Veronica 07.29.07 @ 1:43 amSam & Amanda! its so great to hear from you! glad to hear you made it safely. i look forward to keeping up with your adventures through this! ill be praying for the transitions you are making. love you guys! 
Send photos of your “sunshine” apartment! No microwave????? I love your blog. Thank you Terrence!! Have a great week and stay safe. I’m praying for the car. –Melanie
Comment by Melanie Parks 07.29.07 @ 2:17 amHi Sam and Amanda, How exciting and you make it all sound wonderful. I am praying for your requests. Keep us posted. We love you and know you are in God’s hands.
Comment by wendy hancock 07.29.07 @ 2:27 amHey Sam,
Wow, your back in that awesome country! Don’t be suprised if I drop in on you and Amanda one of these day’s this year(-=. That would be so cool. Wow, you guy’s have to learn how to drive there? That would be rather scarry. Be safe! Amanda, I didn’t like Ugali at first either, but over time it grew on me(-=. I don’t like it just plain though. I’m looking forward to reading more on your blog. Blessings to you both, Ruth Ann
Love the blog! It will be so much fun to keep up with you through it & emails, but I already miss our phone calls, Amanda. Love you both, Mama Lynn
Comment by Lynn Hooper 07.29.07 @ 8:34 pmHey Guys!
It’s good to see that you are doing well so far. I’m sure it’ll be a very exciting time. I wanted to know where I can send more financial gifts and how to do that and stuff. If you could supply that information, that’d be great. Unless you already have every cent raised. If that’s the case - Fine.
Okay, well I do hope all goes well. I’ll be praying for you my friends.
Later.
Joe
Comment by joeboyle207 07.30.07 @ 1:46 pmSo glad you two made it there safely! I have been sending the prayers up for you. Kenya sounds amazing! I can’t wait to see more pics of where you live, work & play. What is this ugali stuff? Miss you tons already!
Comment by Erin 07.30.07 @ 4:14 pmHey Guys!
Well it turns out based on Amanda’s description of your place that you are not living in a tent in the middle of the jungle trying to hack your way through the shrubbery every day! I’m glad to hear you guys made it there safely and are having a great time! Keep me updated! I miss you Amanda!
Love,
Lorin
Awesome,Amanda and Sam.Get to know Kenya more than you’ve known it before and Sam, should teach Amanda more Swahili.
Comment by Jerusha 07.30.07 @ 11:00 pmAmanda and Sam,
Ha-ba-ri?Learn some swahili words as you get by too,praying with you guys.Amanda,you will get used to driving on the left, just remember HA-KU-NA MA-TA-TA!
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love the banner! can’t wait to read the stories. let me know where your favorite spot for ugali is. i just can’t get enough of the stuff.
Comment by brian 07.25.07 @ 8:36 am