Arriving in Kenya

After ~20 of the last 24 hours were spent in the seated position aboard three separate flights, it was nice to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Long flights (those in the 6-10 hour range) give you a great appreciation for the freedom we have to move about in our every day lives. As I felt all of the blood pooled at the bottom of my legs by the second half of the second long flight of the day, I recalled in my mind a story of torture from long ago. There was a very tall man confined to a tiny cage that made it impossible for him to fully extend his body for years. Yet, most of us put off or complain when it is time to go get some fitness in. Are we not just doing the same thing in a slower process by not utilizing the movement freedom we were given? Go out and enjoy your body today!

After a 30-minute processing step with many people getting their eVisas verified and others applying for a visa at the airport, you go to the baggage claim of this small airport. After grabbing your bags, you are funneled into a line for the exit where you place your large bags through a scanner and retrieve them on the other side. Because I only have two large duffles of donations, I got through the security checkpoints with no problems.

After exiting, there are many driving companies looking to receive your business. Although I had arranged a driver to take me from the airport to Hotel 67 (with the help of Jeff Parrish), I would not be needing him as Hotel 67 provides a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. This hotel is a stark comparison to the quality of lodging of the average Kenyan, but it was the safest opportunity carrying the extra donations (monetary and non-monetary). So, as I type here, I set my alarm for 4:00 am as the driver will be taking me to the airport at 4:30 am for the next leg of the journey. In Kisumu, early tomorrow morning, I will reunite with the Kenyan team and will start the coaching education course with Davis Ouma (You can friend and follow him on Facebook for a thorough pictorial journey of the projects in the Manyatta Slums).

Asante sana.

AMDG,

Brad Gieske