The Maasai Market

Today I went into Nairobi with 8 other missionary women to go to the Maasai Market. The Maasai is one of the tribes here in Africa. The other tribe that is slightly larger it called the Kikuyu. We are seeing many of the members of both tribes while we are here, but mostly we are seeing "Kenyans". Back to the Market...

The market is held every Friday in the upper level of a very nice shopping center in Nairobi. Many vendors are there selling their handmade goods. It is standard to barter, so after a while that can get a bit tiring. The goods are beautiful, from wraps, baskets, beautiful wooden bowls, jewelery, carved native animals, etc. Everywhere I walked I heard "sister, sister"-they see my white skin a mile away and believe that the English are all rich, and I suppose we are compared to them. It was a fascinating day and I enjoyed being with the other missionary wives the most. I did quite a bit of shopping and am excited to bring my African treasures back to the states. In light of the past few days, it seems a little selfish, but I consider the blessing in experiencing the culture and spending time with the lovely missionary wives that serve here.

We had dinner (African cuisine) with one of the missionary families that I traveled with today. They have been here over 22 years. They moved to Kenya when their oldest son was 7 weeks old. Dr. Rich is a dentist/orthodontist and has always practiced in Kenya. They are from North Carolina, but Kenya is their home. They are wonderful people and we are impressed with their commitment to this place.

I will be heading over to Bethany Kids tomorrow to start working with the burn victims. I am looking forward to that very much. I also hope to find my Friend Miriam at the local vendor market, my sister-in-law Amy said I should give her that big hug, so I think I will!!

Blessings from Kenya,
Amy