High on the list of charming things I do in Kenya occurs after I drop off Ben and Kate at school. As I walk to my office, I pass many young impressionable students. My combination of sensitivity and gentle wit serves me well as I yell loudly at young people: `It’s MY sidewalk. Off, off, off! It’s MINE.’

There was a particular group of second grade girls whom I so delighted in instructing this way. I loved how they fled from my sight and left me to the glories of the unimpeded sidewalk.

Until two weeks ago.

When I told them that it was MY sidewalk, one of them said `No it isn’t. We CHECKED.’

And they stood their ground.

Then they told me that because it was NOT my sidewalk, I needed to buy them ALL a treat.

What could I do?

I take a different route after I drop the twins off now. It’s SAFER and CHEAPER.

I’ve never told you all that Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone for the first building at RVA. I was walking by it with Matthew yesterday, and he is going through a growth spurt that makes you think that he is growing about every four seconds. It is fun and unsettling at the same time.

Most Kenyans can’t give blood. Their blood hasn’t had the benefits of good nutrition and regular medical care, so the missionaries get called often to give. There were several of us called to give blood on Friday. A friend of mine, Lori, was also down there. She may be the most unique combination of elegant and farm girl I’ve ever seen, and she is a wonderful person and is an amazing asset to RVA. I was sitting in one chair and she was in another, and a large male Kenyan nurse came over:

Large Male Kenyan Nurse: May I ask you some questions?
Lori: Certainly!
LMKN: Are you menopausal?
Me: Desperate attempt to place the book in my lap in front of my face.
Lori: I beg your pardon?
LMKN: It is ok.
Lori: What do you ask me?
LMKN: ARE YOU MENOPOSAL?
Me: Greater desperate attempt to think of large needles and terrible things like the Yankees.
Lori: Incoherent mumble
LMKN: I did not hear you. ARE YOU MENOPOSAL?
Me: Large snorts and larger tears.

The roads are getting better, so I will be able to get to the next site for a center later in the week. Much of the food has already been delivered. We will be able to show more next week. We are going into exciting areas with the next computer centers.

But, Tuesday is JT’s 18th birthday. Would you email him at jpeifer07@kijabe.net and wish him the best of bests? He has been accepted to four colleges so far, and is anxious to hear from more. He has always been a joy to us, but he is having an especially great year. Leaving your oldest seven thousand miles away is just another thing we need to adjust to, but the sadness is mixed with excitement: he is ready, and he is prepared.

I just wish Nancy and I were.

Your pal