Wednesday, January 23rd

Today was a fairly normal day for us. We even managed to run errands in the downtown business district without difficulty. It seemed to be normal down there – which means the roads were full of traffic. We commented several times how odd it was that so much “normal” activity goes on in this city when so many are suffering. It is highlighting, yet again, the contrasts even within the city.

However, Nairobi was not without trouble today. The news is a bit unclear at this point who started what. There was a scheduled prayer meeting for the opposition – which had permission from the government. However, at some point, violence surfaced and police and protesters clashed with at least property damage. Tear gas was used to disperse the gathering. We are unsure if there were injuries or deaths involved.

Tomorrow was to be another day of protests, but as of about an hour ago, they were called off. Evidently, the opposition has agreed to cancel them at the request of Kofi Annan and the mediation team. We are thankful for that positive bit of news. To hear that the parties are involved in serious mediation talks rather than political posturing seems very encouraging. President Museveni of Uganda is also in town attempting mediation. This was an area of confusion as we thought he might be part of the mediation efforts of the Annan team. However, it seems he is attempting his own separate process.

Horace, Jr. went to the UN today for his model United Nations forum. He really enjoyed the experience. He has yet to present his resolution, but he did make an impromptu comment on another resolution. All in all, it has been a great experience, and we are thankful that it has been able to proceed.

However, his basketball game was cancelled. The school that they were to play did not feel comfortable busing their players across town because there was trouble in-between the two areas of town. The team was greatly disappointed, but they understand the reasoning behind the decision.

On another positive note, Mary Shea has decided to try out for swim team. That will happen each afternoon this week. She has enjoyed the process, but is waiting to see what all it entails. She has lots of other activities that she wouldn’t want to miss – like her own chance at basketball which starts Monday.

While the news that we are all seeing is pretty ghastly, we do not want to overlook the blessings we have received – our school and a fairly normal routine with all the activities, relative peace for the people with which we work, and a glimmer of hope in the mediation process. We also are hearing pieces of news of the individual moments of reconciliation and peace between people that are otherwise being driven to hate. Please pray that all of this continues and that this country moves toward peace – not a superficial paper or verbal agreement but a deep healing peace brought about by reconciliation in the truth of Jesus Christ between all people.

We will continue to keep you updated as we know more news. We appreciate all of your prayers and encouraging messages. Thank you for supporting us and the people here in your prayers.

Blessings,
Anne