An early start so as to arrive in MCF Ndalani in a timely manner.  Andrew took us through the old country road called the Flying Overpass to Thika Hyway.  It was a rough road at times and yet we saw several small towns bustling with commerce and traffic, spectacular tea plantations planted on rolling steep hills (pictured), the Kieni Forest, coffee and pineapple plantations.  The sights were all spectacular.  A stop for lunch and some groceries at Ananas Mall in Thika.  Then the final leg.

We dove past very familiar landmarks including MCF Yatta and then in the distance rounding a corner there stood Mully Mountain.  At that point my anticipation to arrive in this, my "largest family in the world" which was simmering boiled up into undisguised joy.  

The day ended with dinner just after I presented my first bible study play for the primary school of about 120 children (pictured).

We arrived about 1500 at the main gate where I was spotted by a few beneficiaries and the main gate keeper all who called me by name while flashing genuine smiles that choked me right up.  

Mr. Tom appeared out of the dispensary just as we were looking at the correct road into the central square (due to some construction).  Upon disembarking we were met by Angela and Judy, shown our quarters, and unpacked.  I, in my old room, and Jesse across the hall.  

Mr. Tom walked us around the two sides of the campus and greetings were enthusiastic as the youngest beneficiaries (about 50 in number) raced to us for high fives and hugs.  A quick walk around the new Children's Education Center which was just opened reminded me how much MCF was accomplishing.  The classrooms are roomy and cool, an enormous improvement over their previous crowed hot cramped classrooms.

 Similar greetings occurred with the secondary school students (about 500).  they  were assembled outside the secondary school for something else and were dancing when I had a chance briefly to greet them,  The edge of the assembly standing in front of the High School spotted me and the buzz of my name travelled through the crowd instantly.  MCFers, students and staff alike showed undisguised genuine warmth, high fives and smiles as Jesse and I moved around the campus.  I was delighted to introduce my grandson (mjukuu in Swahili)  to everyone, and he was embraced with equal enthusiasm.  I had warned Jesse about the joy, energy, and love being evident throughout the campus, and he handled himself beautifully, attempting to say thankyou in Swahili.

A small group of grade ten's grilled Jesse on his absence from school and he explained.  How delighted they were to hear Jesse was granted standing to enjoy a lesson in real life from MCF beneficiaries of Kenya.

Paster Mercy and Pastor Justice were advised we had arrived.  Paster Mercy with her new born baby boy (7 months now) came out right away to greet us.  I was humbled when she commissioned me on the spot to preach on this Sunday and bring greetings at tomorrow night's evening assembly.

Just before dinner Mr. Tom took us to the Bible Study evening program for the primary class.  Here I introduced Jesse who helped me impromptu act out the story from Judges chapter 9, a parable about the trees who misguidedly wanted a King forgetting the God alone is Lord and King.  In the end the trees understood well their mistake and Gid the creator trumped over the thorn tree whose leadership was laced with the sharp pricks of the thorns.  Sammy Skunk was left behind last year and peered his head out of a shopping bag to greet the children, inspiring many in shrieks and shakes.

Truly, as Jesse, my beloved mjuuku, noted that hearing about MCF from me was interesting, but experiencing it in person brought to him an overwise incomprehensive depth.  He reflected how powerful the in person encounters were, wanting to share it with his family.  It is certainly one thing to talk about the thin place on earth called MCF, but it is deeply touching to experience it in person.  No wonder as I settle down for my first night in this my old room, I feel the rare peace beyond description.  Sleep well...lala salama