Victory Highway update by Wayne

Let me start with a minor correction to Adele's report of the flight to the safari. We ended up not going in an 8 seater, but rather in a much larger DeHaviland turbo prop commercial airplane. It is amazing that those planes can navigate the dirt runways of the Maasai Mara so well, but our flights were enjoyable and uneventful.

The safari experience was delightful for all of us. Since none of us were eaten by the animals we will be able to tell you all about it in person at home. I won't consume the time and space here because it would take all night to do it justice.

After an afternoon of shopping for souvenirs, and an interesting dinner at the Carnivore restaurant (including ostrich, camel and crocodile) the team (except for Wayne and Carol) headed to the airport for the long trip home. Wayne and Carol returned to Eldoret the following morning (Wed March 29) to continue the activities there.

Over the past 3 days Carol almost completed the painting and decorating in the training center, ironed the curtains for Kipkaren, and today went to Kipkaren to hang the ones that could be hung now. The timing seemed to be appreciated since there is a pastor's graduation there tomorrow. The residents there are excited to have the curtains and will hang the rest of them before the main graduation there next week.

Wayne has spent some time continuing the sorting of the action packers that have been left over the past several years - it is amazing what things exist in the bottom of some of those boxes! That also cleared space for the workbench that has been built by fundi Patrick so that the new grinder and vice could be mounted. Several small shelves are also being built around the bench so it will be more convenient to get at the supplies and tools that are not suited to hanging on the pegboards, etc.

Wayne also spent the past two days doing some training for the auto mechanics at Remmy's "garage". The work is done in an open area behind buildings where Remmy rents some space along with other mechanics and auto body workers. They seem pretty good with mechanical items, but were looking for some better understanding of how the electrical systems worked. One of the mechanics who did not work for Remmy was an electrical specialist, and he brought out a timing light to get an understanding of how it was used. That was part of God's provisions for us since the timing on the Isuzu Trooper that we were working on was badly out (approx 45 degrees advanced!) and it was not running properly. At the end of the day, after locating a disconnected vacuum line and adjusting the timing, valve clearances, and carburetor, the Trooper was running just fine and better than it had run in months or years. The Mitsubishi Pajero also has a new starter, front brakes back in operation, a suspension travel limiting bumper and a reinforced body mount so it also is back in good running order. Remmy seems very pleased with the sharing that has gone on.

The mechanics working with us borrowed some of the fine tools that had been donated for ELI's use and seem very impressed with them (maybe even a bit envious of ELI).

Is is quite different here without the other team members to keep life active. Our cook Joel had a death in his family so he has been given the week off. We are making our own breakfast and lunch and have been invited out for the evening meals.

There seem to be several people who think that we should stay for another month. Since Carol has used the need to see grandson Samuel as part of the reason we must return, Samuel Teimuge (the director) offered to be our "grandson" Samuel here so we could stay. It doesn't seem to be working on Carol and I don't think British Airways would be cooperative either so we expect to be home in Corning next, Wednesday April 5.

Until then, we have lots of work to do and I must get some rest so we can continue with that tomorrow. I will try to provide another update when I can make some time.