Today we made the last trip to Kiserian to buy beads for the women to use when they make our belts and necklaces. Since it rained last night, Fred and I trudged for miles in the mud to get to a matatu to take us to Nairobi first. It takes a while to get there and you need 6 to 7 different vehicles to get there and back, but the prices are still better and the people are really friendly. We always have a good time when we go and they are really interested in me, my travels and my personal life! Pictured are the mama who owns the store and her brother. The brother cannot hear and cannot speak but we seem to communicate very well. He is the one who cuts all the leather for bracelets and key chains. He also makes the leather straps and assembles the sandals we make. Also pictured on the right is Fred, my Maasai friend and the one who oversees the women’s bead-making and goat projects.
After leaving Kiserian we traveled to Nairobi to meet Benson. This has become a pattern each time we go to Kiserian. On our way, we call Benson in Kibera and meet him downtown at Hunter’s Restaurant for chicken, chips, or chapatti. Then it is back on a matatu for a long ride to Athi River. Fred went on to Kitengela and I walked what seemed like many miles through the Jam City slum to my room. I was accompanied, like I usually am, by some Masai children coming home from school. They ask me questions in Kimasai and “pet” my soft skin. Great fun.
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