Rutenberg Kenyan Adventure Vol. 1(1)

Hi everyone!

I hope you are all well. It’s been three weeks since Adili and I arrived inKenya, so time for an update. Pictures are available here http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/55026794/1/Rutenberg%20Kenyan%20Adventure%20till%2003-10-12?h=b9f9fc

Housing: Wanjiru found a wonderful four bedroom town-home (here called a Maisonette) in a decent neighborhood that’s very conveniently located. It’s really in good shape and has a yard for Adili and for Wanjiru to try and grow stuff. The only drawback is that it’s next to a river, meaning the mosquitoes are crazy prolific.  Enough DEET will cure that of course…

School: Adili enrolled in a Christian preschool that is essentially a Montessori curriculum. He’s learning to write, learning his letters, learning “life skills” (washing hands, pouring drinks, etc.), memorizing Bible verses (really!), and just learning how to play with kids his age.  It’s the best thing I could imagine for him – and he loves it! Grandma/Grandpa bought him his first bike and he of course loves that, too.

Recreation: I ended my two year hiatus from golf this weekend. I also joined a gym where I’m forced to watch strange sports while riding my stationary bike (cricket, soccer, and rugby – i.e., boring, extra boring, and just plain confusing). This weekend we drove to Maasai land and Adili ended up the center of attention among a large group of Maasai kids. Wanjiru takes every Friday off of her Akili Dada work and uses it to build our lives here. She’s also thrilled because we bought a 40” plasma TV, which is by far nicer than what we have in the US.

Speaking of Akili Dada, which is a main reason we are here, the organization is thriving. They plan to add 30 new scholars this year, which will almost double the number of girls in the program. It’s been getting lots of press (TV and newspapers) and Wanjiru is busy busy busy. Very rewarding and worth everything we are putting into it!

So in conclusion, we are well and happy. Will be in the US from April 3 to May 3 or so, and then back here for a while.  Kwa heri (good bye) until my next installment!

Isaac, Wanjiru, and Adili