Rift Valley Weekend

This past weekend we enjoyed a trip out of Nairobi, to Kijabe (an hour and a half drive north west), to stay with the Congdon family – Rob Congdon is the SIM-Sudan doctor who shares his time between Sudan and Kijabe hospital. Unfortunately the taxi that dropped us off was taking Rob back to the airport to fly to Thailand for a medical conference, but we were at least able to enjoy the company of his wife (Nancy) and three of his six boys for the weekend! We had been told that their back garden was the Rift Valley, but were totally unprepared for the incredible view of the valley stretched out below their home.

The family live on the hospital site, which adjoins the campus of Rift Valley Academy, the largest international mission school in the country (500 pupils from 25 countries). It makes for an interesting place, with a strong American influence. To give an example, soon after arrival we were watching a field hockey match, with amazing views of the valley in the distance!


After the match we played in the playground of the “Titchie Swot” infants school (I kid you not). We joined the family for a friend’s birthday party in the evening and enjoyed our next cultural experience of the day: 74 year old Ace (American pathologist) can only cut his cake after all the visitors have processed around the house banging pots and pans!

The next morning we went to church at the Academy church and enyoyed yet another cultural surprise: a full orchestra played our first two hymns. It was great to be surrounded by so many young people and to know that their families were all serving God around East Africa.

After lunch in the cafeteria we went home for an afternoon where we variously enjoyed drawing, trampolining, sledging and reading. Justin got close to his idea of heaven sitting on the veranda drawing the view, with a coffee and a chocolate brownie for company.

Caleb had a great time sledging down the Rift Valley – who needs snow?!


It was a fantastic weekend, much enjoyed by us all. Nancy gave us a lift back to Nairobi on Monday morning. Caleb and Daddy counted 51 churches on the way home – but probably missed half as many again! It has not been easy choosing 5 photos out of the 300 Justin took – there are a few more on our Picasa web album if you are interested!