Jan. 2, 2026 – We have arrived in Kenya

 Ministry Partners,

Although we were not doing prison ministry, today it has been a busy day.

After having a good breakfast, we headed towards the border. Border crossing have always been a zoo but today was more so. We were met right outside the entrance by a man on a bicycle who waved us in which was quite clever of him since we would have to hire someone that we would find after entering. It takes one of these guys because there are different offices and different buildings to go to and if you are not familiar with everything it can take quite a long time to get through. Like today when half way through trucks had the route completely blocked so the man took us a back way after first getting us approved so we could finish having the van approved, get the insurance and get the travel documents we will need while in Kenya. It took about 2 hours woth a cost of about, $450 and then we have to go through the process to return to Uganda but we should escape the vehicle charges since the van is from Uganda.

As we left the border, the number of 18 wheeler trucks lined up to cross into Uganda was unbelievable, around 400 I would say and then there are those who are pulled off the road and parked. I have no idea how long it would take that last truck to get through but I have an idea that waiting however long to cross in the hot sun is not a favorite wait. Alfred says some wait for days to cross.

10 rows of electric wire on top of the hotel enclosure walls 

We were able to finally got to the hotel Edward found for us and settled in by 4:00. It was while Alfred was checking out the rooms and Aaron and I stayed in the van that I noticed that the hotel was surrounded by 10 rows of electric wire (just like my father used on our farm, to keep cows & horses in only he used 1 wire). The outside door to my room is solid metal with a metal bolt hasp for locking. It reminds me of some of the doors and locks I have seen in prisons.

Dinner was really good, I had sweet & sour pork with ½ rice and ½ potatoes and salad which was delicious. The guys had their local foods and said their was also good. Chaplin Edward had not yet arrived by the time I came back to my room. I will meet him in the morning.

That is it for today. Please pray for the inmates we will minister to tomorrow, that many will receive Christ as Savior.

That none would be lost,

Arlene