The Osborne's live in Kangundo, a small town about 40 miles northeast of Nairobi. There is a police station and a hospital in the town as well as many local businesses. Kangundo is located approximately 6500 ft. above sea level on a high plain. The temperature in the area ranges from 70-80 degrees and humidity is minimal. The compound is located about 3 degrees south of the equator. There is a paved road to town but most of the roads are dirt and can get rough.

The Kenyan people are friendly, generous, intelligent and very conservative, especially upcountry where the Osborne's live. Women always dress modestly in skirts and grown men never wear jeans or shorts. The majority of the nationals speak three languages: Swahili, English and a tribal dialect such as Kamba. Most Kenyans rely on growing crops for feed on their shambas (farms) for food. Because of severe drought conditions over the last few years there has been famine in the area. Kenya has been receiving rain since December and the crops should be harvested soon.

The Osborne's compound is much like an American ranch house. The only difference is the house has a garden and work areas surrounded by a high wall with a guarded gate. The house at the compound has flush toilets, showers, hot water, a washing machine, and a refrigerator. Sleeping requires you to use mosquito netting at night. Typical breakfasts are bread or muffins and fresh fruit with hot chai tea or coffee. Common Kenyan meals include foods such as rice, beef, tomatoes, potatoes, chicken, sweet potatoes, cooking bananas, greens, lentils, mangoes, avocados, papayas, and Coke (no Pepsi here).

The churches planted by Kenya Evangelico Mission are within walking distance of the Osborne's compound. The churches all have lively worship services and sermons. The typical service is over 3 hours long! The worship music of the service is upbeat and accompanied by a drum and tambourine.

Rev. & Mrs. Hoyt Osborne
P.O. Box 1622
Kangundo, Kenya

holo@iconnect.co.ke

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