Thursday, 19 January 2017

Immigration here and a funeral there. January 13.17

January 13.17

Immigration requirements are likely unique for every country. When preparing to come to Kenya, we understood the work permits we had received was all we needed to reside and be employed here. Not so.  Further processing was required, including a trip back to Nairobi to the Immigration Office to obtain an Alien Card, a Personal Identification Number, and finger printing. Sounds easy enough but it actually took a full day and a half and even then one piece was still missing for me that should be resolved next week. We were supported by the PR Officer from the Kenya East Territory who was extremely helpful. We were so glad he was driving us in ‘the big city’. The traffic was bumper to bumper or at a stand-still - similar to the 401 during rush hour.  The difference in Nairobi is the crowds of pedestrians weaving in and out of this traffic selling whatever they could carry in their hands – fruit, board games, car parts, shoes, house hold supplies, etc. What brave souls! I was startled once from my back seat when suddenly I saw a blind man, supported by a friend, walking between the cars begging for some needed money when he was struck by one of the motor cycles speeding past another vehicle. Fortunately the man wasn’t hurt.


We returned to our hotel that evening and in the quiet room, our minds travel home. This is the time of the funeral service for Brock. It is so hard even to put that in writing. It just doesn’t seem real, but for our family at home it is more than real. What can we do from such a distance? We watch the clock and visualize all that is happening for them each hour. We read the Bible and pray for comfort.  

"Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast." 
Psalm 139:7-9

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