And yet today begins a different journey. The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. Today I have a smudge of ashes on my forehead as a reminder of the journey we take to strengthen our faith. It seems appropriate that it comes in between two journeys to visit places that I might be living for the next few years. After these trips I will need to decide which one. The decision seems a bit daunting at the moment, but I hope it will become clear.
I thought I would take you along the journey we had to Kitale last weekend via a few photos.
One option for traveling to Kitale - via matatu - or a mini-bus / van.
Our mode of transport - the easy coach. Still affordable, runs on a schedule (rather than when seats are filled) & assigned seats, which means no overcrowding, which is often experienced on the matatus.
The morning commute in Nairobi. We walked to the bus station - about 40 min from where we are staying. The weather here has been beautiful, around 80 degrees, usually sunny, but with occasional rains.
We drove through the Rift Valley, a famous geological area.
And by a former volcano, Mt Longonot
And by a few lakes, including Lake Naivasha. Note the white soda along the shoreline. Both salt and soda, which is exported for use in glass making, are collected from a series of soda lakes in the area.
Fellow travelers
The contested 2007 elections in Kenya brought fighting between two parties in early 2008, which resulting in displaced people living in camps. A coalition government was formed and is working on a new constitution before the 2012 election.
Many homes have iron sheeting for roofing, but we still saw many with thatched roofs.
Early morning market outside Kitale.
The Kitale area is known for maize (corn). These grain bins could be seen for miles.
One of the highlights of the weekend was visiting the mission sights of our co-missioners. Russ works at a center that helps kids at risk for living a life on the streets get into schools and maintain connection with their families. We met the kids right before they left for the weekend at home with their families. We interrupted lunch, but they were happy to see us.
While the first group of children were being delivered home, the remaining ones and I did a little dancing before the vehicle came back for them.
Another mission sight is Kiminini Hospital, providing quality care at a low cost.
One of my favorite sights was the donkey cart, so I'm thankful John captured a photo of one.
John & Cindy by the Kitale Cathedral
Kitale has a number of supermarkets that seem to have just about anything we would need. 
And finally, wrapping up with a bit of local wildlife!
Thanks for continuing to follow my adventures. Early tomorrow we are off to Mombasa. I'm excited to see the city, which has a long history, the Indian Ocean, my fellow missioners there, and find what possibilities there are for my work.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend, continuing renewal of spirit and a sacred time of reflection this Lent-
Mary
A blessed Lent!
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