Watch out for Baboons!

The other day we were driving back from Nairobi and we saw a bunch of baboons just hangin out on the side of the road. It was really neat to see baboons. That's one more animal I can add to my list. :)

Climbing the Ngong Hills

On the Sabbath of 9/11 several Maxwell faculty and their families, Student Missionaries, and I drove the short distance to base of the Ngong Hills. As we slowly climbed the steep, bumpy slopes that sunny afternoon, I thought at times we were going to roll back down the mountainside backwards. We were in a caravan of three 4WD vehicles.

We first reached a point where there are a bunch of rocks in what seems to be a large pile. It kind of reminded me of driving through North Dakota and seeing rock piles scattered here and there across the fields and pastures. It was terribly windy that day and one could literally lean into the wind and be held upright. And considering the elevation change, it felt rather chilly up on the Ngongs. We saw only a few cape buffalo while we were on the hills. The spooked quite easily and stampeded back down into the trees where we ciouldn't see them. But one must be wary of buffalo as they are the most deadly animal in Africa. More people die by charging buffalo than any other African animal (besides the mosquito).

We did a little walking around, but mostly we drove. Higher and higher we went until the brush and trees got so thick that you couldn't really pass through to go any higher. It was a beautiful view all around; but especially when the sun was setting over the valley. Hopefully I will be able to go again soon and do a little bit more hiking and exploring. I am told that several times throughout the year, the school takes all the kids there who plan on climbing Mt. Kenya. And since I plan on summiting Mt. Kenya next semester, I suppose I will get plenty of opportunities to see more of the Ngong Hills.

Our three 4WD Land Rovers.

These are the rocks where the wind was so strong that you could lean against it.

The view of the surrounding landscape was absolutely breath-taking! On a clearer day, you would be able to see Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Here's Pastor Crutcher in his Land Rover muscling his way up the relatively steep slopes. I rode with him.

Kuchen!

Last week I made Peach Kuchen. It was so very tasty and made me think of home. I was able to find all of the ingredients quite easily in order to make it. When I make a pan I cut it into 24 squares. I have made it two weekends in a row and only eaten three little squares myself. I have been giving it to the students in my faculty family, my fellow Student Missionaries, and some of the full time staff as well. So far it's a big hit and might even end up in the cafeteria menu! This recipe makes for a quick and easy dessert if I ever get invited to someone's house for Sabbath lunch. WooHoo, Thanks Mom!

Here's the Recipe:

Crust –  Mix – Pat into 10 x 15 pan top with peaches

1 cup Crisco

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup sugar

2 cups flour

Filling –  Mix - Pour over fruit – Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar

1 ¾ cup cream

1 cup sugar

1 Tblsp flour

3 eggs

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes