The President....

Its update month; updates on all the children for their sponsors. Plus it’s year-end, so it’s preparation for books to be handed in to the government.

On Monday, we are having our big Kid’s Christmas Party at our home. We are expecting around 120 people. It’s going to be so much fun. On Friday, Amanda and I did all the food and gift shopping for it. We were exhausted, to say the least, by the time we were done and got home.

So yeah, it's been pretty busy these past few weeks and will continue to be a bit busy.

The coolest thing happened on Thursday. The current president of Kenya was going to be coming in to Kitale that day to speak to the people, as he is running the election. We were heading out to Hope Bright Future (so we could spend time with the kids and I could do the updates on each of them) but Amanda and I were a little bummed that we weren’t going to be around. We thought it would be cool to go to the rally and see what they’re like.

But thankfully we didn’t because we got an even BETTER experience with the good ole president.

As our matatu was driving in the direction of the town Hope Bright Future is in, we passed the airport and saw the president’s jet there, so we knew he was around. As we approached this town called Kiminini (Kim-knee-knee), our matatu immediately pulled over to the side of the road. Someone said, “The president is coming!” So we all jumped out of the matatu, Daniel grabbed the video camera, Faith, Amanda and I grabbed our cameras and ran to the edge of the road. At the top of the hill, the town centre, you could see a crowd of thousands of people. Just up ahead from us were a few police motorcycles, waiting for the president to come down the hill.

And then there it was, a mass entourage of vehicles, coming down the hill. It was so cool. These cars were flying by us, one by one. We were trying to get a good look in them, to see if we could catch a glimpse of the president. Then up ahead a bit was this beautiful new SUV; that had to be him. So I took a picture and just in time put my camera down, Amanda and I waving to this car, in hopes that it’s him.

It was….AND HE WAVED BACK!!!! I could see him so clearly as he drove by and he literally leaned over, smiled and waved at Amanda and me. We were so excited. He was only about 20 feet from us when he drove by. Here were two white girls waving, excited to see the Kenyan President. It was like I had seen a movie star or something. And then he was gone, him and his 30 vehicle entourage.

On the way home from Hope Bright Future, we (Amanda, Faith and I) got off at our usual spot to walk home but noticed a crowd of people. I asked what was going on and one of the men said that the president was leaving the stadium (where he was speaking to the people) and was going to be coming by here soon. Sweet – we get to see the president again!

And after 45 minutes of waiting, the excitement came back, as soon as the people around us got excited and the entourage of vehicles approached. I think I just find it cool, this massive entourage of cars flying by me at 140 kms/per hour. J

I had the video camera this time, Amanda and Faith had their digital cameras. And as the president’s car drove by again, we waved again. There he was, clear as can be, about 10 feet away from us this time. The people surrounding us were more fun to watch this time, the excitement on their faces seeing their president up close and personal.

It was a peaceful day in Kitale when the president came. We’ve noticed during this election that when a running party visits a specific town, the other party’s are silent that day, allowing the current party to have their day of speeches, fun and rallying. It’s pretty cool to see.

Many people are saying that this is one of the most peaceful elections they’ve seen. Yes, there is the odd thing that happens but for the most part, it’s remained very calm and exciting. We will see over the remaining 5 days as elections are held on the 27th. We’ll also see how things go on the day AFTER elections when the president is announced. Keep that day in your prayers; that could be the worst day of this whole election.

Another prayer request for me. This is my first Christmas away from my family. It’s been a bit difficult. I’m so excited to be here, to be a part of this AMAZING Christmas party for the kids. But there feels like there is something missing.

It’s different here, no cold weather, no snow, no hot chocolate by a roaring fire at my parent’s house, no nieces and nephews screaming, “Santa’s coming! Santa’s coming!” It’s shocking to realize how much we become accustomed to something.

I want to remember this time of year for what it really is. Yes, it can be remembered as being with your family (and I do have another amazing family here with Jared, Daniel, Amanda, Faith, Eva, Timo, Caleb, Aly, Todd, the children of our program, etc.) but the real reason for this day, is the birth of the One who would bring salvation to us, the One who removed fear from us, the One who would give us eternal life with our Father.

I need to remember that. Jesus Christ is the reason for this time of year; it’s in celebration to Him.

Have a very Merry CHRISTmas and a Happy New Year everyone. May it be a wonderful time for you all.

Love you all,
Meredith