03/25: Tea at Joyce's - Red Rhino Outreach Project

03/25: Tea at Joyce’s

March 25, 2009 Greg Traverso Uncategorized

It had been a while, a little too long for Joyce’s liking, and mine. So Brit and I set out about 6:30 for tea at our friend’s.

As usual, Joyce was sitting outside with a lapful and a couple in close orbit.

Nduko came running down the path when she saw us and jumped up into my arms. I carried her the rest of the way. Brit took over from there.

Here's Josephine and Anton. The late sun putting a blaze on Anton's red sweats.

Anna has spent all of her year and a half here at Joyce's.

With lots of good company.

Gilbert joined us a little later,

and caught up with Josephine.

We talked and drank tea

and teased each other

and looked at each other

and thought our own thoughts

and watched the dying day.

The sensible ones dropped hints.

We said so long and headed home.

I don’t come to Joyce’s for a perspective tune up, but as often as not I get one. I got one tonight, if only just for tonight.

David

Comments(12)

Log in to Reply
Chris says
March 25, 2009 at 2:32 pm

So beautiful and humbling. We love the work-and-progress reports — but a quiet spell with Joyce and the kids gives us a “perspective tune up,” too.

Now, get some sleep, David. You’re going to need it!

Love,

Chris
Log in to Reply
Pat says
March 25, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Good Day My Brother,
How was the tea? Good as ever I expect! The kids have really grown. Joyce looks wonderful too. Brit looks so peaceful with her arms full. Please give her my best. What a wonderful Kenyan sunset! Remember, it’s all in God’s time and according to His infinite plan!!! Sleep well and know that everyone in Kenya is in our prayers continually. We’re all doing whatever we can to aid in the effort each day too. Hugs, Prayers and Love Always Bunky.
Pat
Log in to Reply
david says
March 25, 2009 at 10:13 pm

Dear Chris and Debi,

So now your long journey brings you below the equator, to Kenya, and a meeting beyond hope but somehow always sure. We will be well met, and wait together for the sun.

See you at 4.

Love,

David
Log in to Reply
david says
March 25, 2009 at 10:21 pm

Hello Brother Pat,

How nice to see you here. The tea was good and sweet and shared with love. All of us here miss you very much and many ask,

“How is the big mzungu?”

“He’s fine, and sends his greetings to you and your family,”I answer.

Your prayers and constant support hold us up here in ways that only someone who has been here can know. Thank you and Alicia for that.

We’ll keep a stool reserved for you at Joyce’s until your return.

Until then, receive the love of all here who miss you.

David
Log in to Reply
Bob says
March 26, 2009 at 1:17 am

Apparently serenity currently reigns. May it always be so…Bob
Log in to Reply
Samantha says
March 26, 2009 at 2:26 am

Hi David,

Nduko, Josephine, Anton and all the kids look truly beautiful! I am always sending you all the positive energy I can….thanks for the pictures and reports….they really help us to feel closer to you guys. Send my love to everyone over there, even if I haven’t met them yet. Some day I will come and visit….I know it! Big hugs full of faith and love, S.
Log in to Reply
david says
March 26, 2009 at 11:17 am

Hello Bob,

Amen. And if we can find some way to make you blessing stick, I will be the happiest, serenest man in Kenya…and I will know who to thank.

I think of Old Heather Road when I think of serenity.

Love,

David
Log in to Reply
david says
March 26, 2009 at 12:12 pm

Dear Samantha,

Your love and positive energy have been raining down on all of us here, and working to great effect. Today I received the documents allowing us to resume construction! we will be busy and happy for some time. We all await your visit.

Love from this side,

David
Log in to Reply
Pam Burns (Furlong) says
March 27, 2009 at 9:18 am

David,
As always, your sweet words and pictures bring tears to my eyes. God is so good! Keep on truckin and squeeze a little Bugger for me would ya? Can’t wait until our paths meet again. You are in our prayers.

Love,
Pam
Log in to Reply
david says
March 30, 2009 at 2:02 pm

Thanks Pam.

In some ways it all started for me on that run we took from the Milimani Hotel into Nairobi when that street boy started running with us. And here we are. I’ll squeeze as many as I can for you, and you keep praying for us, please. Love to joel and the kids,

David
Log in to Reply
martin says
March 31, 2009 at 12:59 am

i’ve heard that story about the Milimani before, and, more importantly, saw it in your eyes as you told it. clearly, he was the flint and you are the steel.

Joyce’s at sunset… that is Africa.

–martin

p.s. and then there were FOUR… what began in goleta shall end in detroit!
Log in to Reply
david says
April 1, 2009 at 6:41 pm

Dear Martin,

Joyce asks about you regularly…usually around sunset, at tea.

I am leading the tournament pool I’m in largely because of Ty and the boys. I heard Jimmy Connors is headed to the Motor City, sans ticket.

Love,

David

Blog