Hello, Everyone,

We arrived back in Tana River around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night (22nd). It is normally about a 4-4 1/2 hour trip; but because of the load of lumber and the potholes, it was an 8 1/2 hour trip. I believe a turtle could have moved faster than we were driving on the last half of the trip. The top of the van was loaded with lumber, as was an 8 foot trailer so had to drive pole pole (slowy slowy).

Ken and I were in Pastor David Mwakesi's car; he was driving the van. We arrived at the last police check before our turn to World Vision around 8:30 p.m. After sitting for what seemed like an eternity while they checked both vehicles out, they pulled the spiked bar out of the way for us to pass through. As we followed the van and trailer through, I said to Ken . . . "It sounds like we have a flat tire." As we passed through, they pulled the spiked bar back into place. The soldier began to yell . . ."Stop! Stop!" He then told us we had a flat tire. By this time, the van and trailer had already turned the corner. Immediately, I called Sharon. She said they were just pulling into World Vision and wanted to unhook the trailer and then would be back to help us.

So, we stood outside the car with a Kenyan policeman and an army soldier in the pitch black of night. We all introduced ourselves. When the subject of governments and politics came up, I said . . . "I just love the night sky in Africa. We cannot see this many stars where we live!" Nice segway to changing the subject, don't you think. We told them about the project and the ministry and feeding programs taking place in Tana River until David and Sam and another man came back to change our tire.

The policeman and soldier both confirmed lion activity in the area. Ken and I have been to Tana River 5 times and have not seen or heard of lions being in the area or hyenas or zebras. Don't know why I thought they wouldn't be here! :-)

Work continues at the site of the Basket of Hope Conference Center. I'll try and get pictures posted yet tonight.

We arrived back in Mombasa today around 10:30 a.m. The van needed to have the timing belt replaced. The mechanic started on it this afternoon and at 6 p.m., they were putting the van back together. It's to be ready around 10 a.m. tomorrow. Then it's on to Nairobi tomorrow, where we will stay at Kings Kids Village with Jon & Molly.

The long rains will begin the end of March, or before, cooling down the Tana River area. The rains will continue through April/May, refilling the Tana River.

This month has gone quickly; we leave for America Wednesday night. It's always bitter sweet . . . leaving the wonderful people here in Tana River yet looking forward to being home with family and friends.

Thank you for your continued prayer support.

Love,
Arlene & Ken