08 March 2013 - An Election Christmas - Red Rhino Outreach Project

08 March 2013 – An Election Christmas

March 8, 2013 Greg Traverso Uncategorized

Merry Christmarch,

As many of you may know, we have just held Presidential elections here in Kenya. The vote tally is now delayed four days. Four long days. Our own brand of March Madness.

But what’s been delayed even longer is the pictures of Christmas here. I just got them. What’s better than Christmas in March anyway? Maybe only barbecued goat ribs.

There were lots of necessary preparations for the Eve and the Day. Let’s take the wrapping off and have a peek inside.

There was hair to do

And books to read

and things to show

and cards to share.

There was decorating to be done. The patio,

the tractor,

mid-morph into sleigh.

to carry Karen/Saint Nic and all the elvin crew

throughout the countryside

dishing out Christmas sweets

to young and old alike.

Sometimes S. Nick wound mingle

afoot with her admirers

in the first annual Red Rhino Christmas Eve Baby Jesus Sweet Giveaway.

Then the conveyance steered north and made the pole in time for dinner and an early tuck-in.

The morning came despite the time-grinding anticipation

and there were blankets everywhere. Hand crocheted, individually crafted in Christmas love and the favorite colors of the recipient.

Lucky, charmed.

Joshua

Tina of Turin

Our real present came late. This is Daniel. He’s 11. He’s a gem.

This is Daniel at the DCO's office.

Here he is at our place. First day of school at Mutungoni.

Maybe St. Nick will bump into St. Paddy on his tardy return and buy him a pint of the best.

Our best, and not just a pint of it, to all of you,

David

Comments(12)

Log in to Reply
Bob Saunders says
March 8, 2013 at 3:35 pm

MMMMMM…goat ribs!!!
Log in to Reply
Bonnie Neuer says
March 8, 2013 at 6:53 pm

I LOVED the Christmas pictures – – – and in March! The kids look wonderful and the day was special! I would love to be there for a Christmas! Thanks for lighting up my day.
Log in to Reply
david says
March 9, 2013 at 7:53 am

Dear Bob,

We’ll add them to our next order from Maritza’s. And you and Rod and I will rochambeau for the last one.

El chivo sabroso,

David
Log in to Reply
david says
March 9, 2013 at 7:56 am

Hi Bonnie,

We’ll have a present under the tree for you next year. Maybe some sunglasses.

Happy Holidays,

David
Log in to Reply
Martin says
March 11, 2013 at 5:16 pm

Tell Paddy and Nicky to head down to the Vuvuzela for a mean Pilsner moto.

And put it on Kenyatta’s tab while they’re at it — only a four-leaf-clover would explain the 0.07% that clinched it for him.

–Martin
Log in to Reply
Brittan says
March 21, 2013 at 10:21 pm

Boy, do I miss all the kids! I remember changing all their nappies! Looks like they’re eating plenty of mutton and growing tall!

Sending much love your way. Keep up the good work boss man! Be sure to say hello to Gilbert and everyone else.

B
Log in to Reply
Peggy says
March 27, 2013 at 9:39 pm

Can’t believe I just looked at this photo story. Thanks, David, for letting us share the real celebration the kids had. I smiled all the way through in response to their smiles. Thanks to you, Joy, and the staff for putting those smiles there!
Log in to Reply
Chris says
April 4, 2013 at 10:29 pm

The kids, as usual, are spectacular in the day-to-day beauty of what they’re up to…

I’d love (when/if you find the time) a “post-game” on the Kenyan elections now. I get something from the BBC — but that “something” isn’t what we’d get firsthand from you, dear brother.
Log in to Reply
david says
April 5, 2013 at 3:24 am

Dear Martin,

We miss you here. I still haven’t made it to the Vuvuzela. Maybe the name has kept me at a distance.
The 0.07% (James Bond’s margin) was only to avoid a run off. One million plus was the gap. In any case, there is still the Hague to answer to. Might need a field of clover for that one.

Hurry back,

David
Log in to Reply
david says
April 5, 2013 at 3:27 am

Miss B,

We miss you, too, all and sundry. No more nappies, but plenty of work to do. Swing back by on one of your world jewelry junkets. We’ll keep the light on.

D
Log in to Reply
david says
April 5, 2013 at 3:29 am

Dear Peggy,

The kids’ smiles are only broader when you are here. Momma Peggy is never far from their thoughts and always in they’re hearts. August will come soon.

Lots of love,

David
Log in to Reply
david says
April 5, 2013 at 3:37 am

Hello brother Chris,

The “post-game” to the elections is wonderfully unexciting. Raila appealed the election results to the Supreme Court, which, over the Easter weekend rejected the claims of vote tampering, etc., and dismissed the appeal. Mr. Odinga accepted the court’s decision with equanimity and urged his follwers to do the same. The did, for the most part. The toll this time was two, rather than a thousand plus. And, as the Stones told us many years ago…”it’s all over now”…peacefully. Amazingly so.

I’ll catch up with you by phone in the next few days.

Love,

David

Post a comment