The people live with no electricity or running water. They grow their own food and build their own houses. The branch presidents are wonderful. There is a woman in Kilili who has five children and I think four of them have served missions and one is getting ready. She has a beautiful orchard where she grows oranges, mangos, tangerines. Her husband was the branch president but died young so she is a widow. She feeds the missionaries all the time and she took us on a hike with the missionaries on the Kilungu mountain. Her name is Phyllis Morris. You will love her and her family.
The branch president in Kilili has a daughter who lives in Utah. She served a mission here -- went to school here -- got married here. He was able to come to her wedding and meet up with some of the senior couples. He has another daughter who is serving a mission now.
In the other area, there are three branches and the people live the same way -- farming on terraces. It is very peaceful and beautiful there. There are almost no vehicles other than motorcycles in the Hills. The meeting houses are nice and the missionaries are in good shape from walking up and down the hills. The people are very humble and kind. The Halls used to teach lessons during the week -- family home evening -- priesthood lessons -- and they visited families a lot. The branch presidents or someone in the presidency went with them to lead the way because there are paths going off in every direction to a house. The "towns" have market places -- sewing -- hair salons, etc. The only white people they see are usually missionaries so you will surely stand out.
It seems like Victor would be good one to help you find a place to live -- or Peter Muley -- or Francis.
I know the people in Mombasa are going to miss you but will not see you as desserting. They understand what's going on. It sounds like Nairobi is a crazy place with the bombings. We get reports in the national and international news about Nairobi. With 95 % of the people riding public transportation, the buses and matatus are likely targets. I can't imagine the missionaries not being able to ride either. That will limit the times the missionaries go to the mission office. It sounds like President and Sister HIcken have their hands full.
We were sad to hear the office couple weren't able to make it. They called just before they were to leave for the MTC and said their doctor told them not to go because of Sister Allred's medical needs. The Judds have really stepped up. I don't know if they are able to do their own work at all.
Well, please keep us posted on your new adventures. We soaked in every word the Moons said and it made us so homesick for Kenya. I saw Sister Holmes in the grocery store Monday -- they served in Naivasha -- and she said if they could afford it, they would go back to Naivasha when the Dalleys leave. It's hard while you are there --- and you have definitely had your share of hard! -- but you are going to miss it when you come home.
We love you guys and pray for you. We are going to the temple today and we will put your names on the prayer list.
Keep in touch!
Dean & Katherine
Well it will be official probably tommorw we will be transferred to Kilungu Hills . For now we will stay in Nairobi at the nest and will travel once or twice a week to KILUNGU . They are going to try and find us a place in Machakos so we don't have to travel so farr. What can you tell us ? We don't know anything and this means that we have to find our way around Nairobi also. We have mixed emotions we feel like we are deserting the people here. We have become quite close. I was kind of hoping for a transfer to Texas or something like that. Oh well looking forward to hearing from you . It seems you know more than most. Larry and ReNae
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