Update from Judy Nov. 14th

This is part of an email Judy (the friend staying with Jaci currently) emailed 11/14...

It feels strange sometimes being so far from all that is familiar.  I can sit on the balcony outside our room and watch people coming and going down the little dirt road, more like an alley, from their homes made of corrugated steel without electricity or water, walking to the main street where they can catch a bus to go wherever it is they are going.  The traffic here is amazing . . . (the mini-vans that serve as taxis are known as blue alkaida's) and our driver is constantly shaking his head and talking about the crazy drivers.  But at least he is careful and very aware of the challenges . . .  There is sometimes noise from music or from the Muslim mosque. It isn't hot here because of our elevation (6000 +), usually around 75 but it cools down nicely at night.

We had an interesting day yesterday.  We went to church at an International Church where the service was in English, then to the Sheraton where Jaci takes Bethlehem to swim in their nice pool.  It is quite expensive, but a real treat for her.  I chose not to swim, but took my friend's kindle and sat down under an umbrella to read when it started pouring . . . and that went on for quite a while, so I sat there huddled under the umbrella with some towels around me to keep me dry.  After it finally stopped we went to the restaurant and had pretty good burgers, then they swam for a while longer. When we got back to the guest house, we were informed there was to be a big celebration for the one year anniversary of their operation here, and there were tables and chairs set up outside.  There had been 2 goats or sheep grazing on the grass the previous day, so we were surprised to see one of them hanging and being sheered . . . and later became the main dish for the celebration along with intestines in a spicy tomato sauce =)  We spent quite a while after the formal program getting acquainted with some of the children, there were 4 in each family (the owner's wife is a twin, and her sister's family was here, and they both have 15 year olds who speak quite good English).  So many similarities:  the boy plays soccer and guitar, and his brother plays drum, they girl loves volleyball and piano.  They were delightful and I would love for our grandchildren to meet them!!

After we went upstairs at about 8:30, people began gathering for a wedding which was scheduled for 11:00.  Bethlehem had a crying spell because (we think) she didn't want to leave the party, and then the noise down in the courtyard didn't shut down until about midnight.  Then guests arrived during the night.  Our morning begins early, so yesterday was a very long day.

Tomorrow we're planning to do some sightseeing.  Our driver suggested a museum, the garden at the President's house, the market, and some other things.  So it could prove to be an interesting day . . .

Will close before I lose my internet connection . . .