THIS IS A VIEW OF the 'SHREE SWAMINARAYAN' Hindu Temple which stands not far from us, at one end of Elgonview Road - a rather odd design of ancient and modern - but not ugly at all.   From what I can gather it is estimated that there may be as many as 60,000 Hindus living in Kenya today.    There were as many as two hundred thousand at one time, but there has been a considerable exodus to Europe, the United Kingdom, and Canada.      As to how many currently live in Eldoret I am not sure.    The Town's present total population is put at 1.3 million.    The Hindus, currently living here may be around 1%, but I should not claim to be anywhere near the correct estimate.



To the right a snap of the Almadiyya Mosque in Eldoret.   There are in fact many small mosques in Eldoret, although the Muslim population may be even less than that of the Hindus.     It is the Christians who are said to be more in number - some say 88%,  - but in truth they many not all be very committed or observant of the Christian Life.  'Thick on the ground, but not very deep in practice'. However, generally speaking all communities have and still do live together in peace and quietness in Eldoret.   An exemplary example to all.
The City is more than 300 kilometers from Nairobi to the south east.   It is some 6,400ft above sea level, with a very pleasant climate.     Basically set in an agricultural region known for its wheat and maize, with tea plantations also found not far distant.   But when Esther and I arrived here it was just a small Market Town of some 40,000.   That was in 1972.   It has grown since of course.  The Town spreads on both sides of the Uganda/ Nairobi - Mombasa main road, with its main commercial streets found on the south eastern side of that road.    Few cars in those first days - fewer than about eight might be found parked anywhere at any time.
We shopped with Aziz & Akbar, a small retail grocers.    It is gone now.   But I came across a photo of it, and brought back a lot of memories.   The proprietors were Muslim, and were most courteous; full of respectful charm, and able shop-keepers.     I think they kept more on their shelves than any of our current Supermarkets that came to replace them.   This photo was taken in the early eighties I think - more cars already apparant,     In the 70s I used to walk in to Town with about eight of our kids to do the shopping there and in the open Market.     We are four kilometres out of town and would, in those early days, walk back home again laiden with sacks, bags, and boxes like a Caravan of old.     Caused many a raised eyebrow as people looked curiosely at this white man and his retinue passing by.     This went on for some years until I could drive, and the Lord provided a car of our own - until about 1975 I suppose.    There are still three good shopping streets, and of course many other services crammed into the Town centre.    Town Hall, Law Courts, Police Station, Fire Station, plus many hospitals.    We also have a Town Library, and more recently an established University. Indeed Eldoret is a progessive City and the Chief County Town of Uasin Gishu County.

The photo to the left is one of the intersections in the main shopping area - just to show that we can be a busy, jostling, traffic infected town at times - and it is far worse today!!
AND in the next photo we are coming down into the very centre of town on the Uganda/Nairobi road. There are times in the day when it can take TWO hours to travel from here to the other side where the white sky-scraper is standing on the left. nearest to the road.!!     The roads are busy ALL day with ordinary vehicles, trucks and lorries, as well as motor cycles in abundance, AND pedestrians who tend to be worse than 'Jay-walkers'.     It is very dusty in the dry season, and very WET when the Rains come.     There are frequent power blackouts, and sometimes a shortage of water.     BUT for all of that, and the hustle and bustle of life, Eldoret is not a bad town to live in.
Well I must confess I did not have a lot to talk about this week.   I hope you will forgive me letting you have a peek into our town.      That town is now much closer to us than when we arrived, and we no longer feel as it we are in the countryside.    But it is still far enough away for us not to be very disturbed by it in relation to noise.   On the other hand we are more and more aware of its influence in relation to providing a lot of temptations and attractions away from good morals, and social behaviour.     Crime is growing, and Drug (and even People) Traffickers are increasing.    We thus feel the pressure of this both in the Homes and the School.     Much Prayer is needed to keep on the straight and narrow paths that lead to Life.

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Do you feel days and weeks are speeding up?    We do.    It is more and more as if each week goes by faster than the one before.    An incredible feeling of acceleration!       Life continues here reasonably uneventfully - the restorative and progressive works continue to near completion, and everyone is feeling a little thrilled by changes that are to come.     Nevertheless the hum drum daily matters of just living keep us busy in prayer, and in trusting our Master and Lord.   We hope to send out another brief Update to all those whose electronic address we have on record.    Till then may God our Father in Heaven keep you close, assuring you of His Love for you.

Sincerely in His Mercy and Kindness

John, Esther and Daryl.