Look up!

Kenya is home to several species of monkeys

including the ever playful vervets.

This mother and baby kept a watch above us

on the ledge of a nearby building.

We are learning that you just never know what surprises a day holds if you keep your eyes open. One of the ways that we have been growing in Kenya has been a shift in our focus from tomorrow to the now. For good or for bad, Kenyans live in the moment. Time moves slower, people take priority over tasks, and little things matter.

I was impressed today by a group of men stopping for chai on the street outside our apartment building. The ritual of daily tea breaks is tightly woven into the fabric of Kenyan life. I had just returned home for lunch and greeted them with "How's the News" (the Kenyan equivalent of "How are you doing?"). I was quickly invited into their conversation, and offered tea. They talked politics and they talked about the weather (typical guy talk) and how they both change. But what I took away from the conversation was a sense of optimism. In all things, you have to look up!

Some Good News

The leadership from both sides of the political strife have entered into negotiation talks with past UN general secratary Annan. Three representatives were selected today from each side. President Kibaki has also launched a fund for rebuilding the lives of displaced people and has appealed to the international community to come along side this effort.



At home, Erica is recovering from her surgery. She has been very sore and has tried to lay low and get some rest.