Real data collection, getting away, and keeping in touch.

Sheila and me during
a reliability test.

After 43 days of training 7:30 to 17:00, real data collection has begun! Huzzah!! Consolata, Sylvia, Sheila, and myself are now out Monday to Friday recording behavior and collecting hormone samples in our three study groups. The data are streaming in. What a blessing are good teams? I'm amazed to think that, in one week, four of us accomplish what I alone could accomplish in one month. I'm adjusting to spending my evenings and weekends managing the incoming data, and my weekdays coordinating collection so that when two observers are on the same group, they don't collect the same data. Cheers to new routines!

Last weekend, I went to the city of Kisumu to visit some American friends that I met in years past at a Christian wildlife retreat near camp. They've lived in Kisumu for 10+ years as missionaries. Whilst visiting them I treated myself to some of the latest treats of this growing city.

(Red dot: Kakamega)

Treats available in Kisumu: movie theater, java house with wifi and IHOP style breakfast, woolworth's, healthy u! (can buy quinoa, brazil nuts, nutritional yeast, bio-degradable dental floss, etc.), massages, lunches by lake Victoria, and a plush new hotel with gym, swimming pool, and shmancy restaurant. But by far, the best thing about Kisumu is the ex-pat missionary community. Last Saturday I was able to rejoin the praise/prayer meetings that I started going to in 2013. It's awesome to fellowship with these people (Americans, Brits, Germans) and hear about the crazy/incredible ways that they sacrifice themselves (e.g. special-ed teaching in orphanages, reuniting runaway boys with their families). I'm grateful to be a highly welcomed novelty (oddity?) in their missionary circles. Pictures of Kisumu to come...

There are dozens of people who I need to thank for keeping me afloat here. Some of you wrote letters that I brought here - THANK YOU! your letters are gifts that keep on giving. Some of you just casually keep in touch - via gmail, facebook, whatsapp, or just commenting here in blogger. I am super grateful for you. There is nothing like friends back home or elsewhere to keep perspective and keep going.

A few special shout outs: 1) Mike Zapata and Cornelius Van Wright sent along letters from the kids at church (I've been helping lead their Sunday school once a month for a few years). This was such an amazing surprise! 2) Clara Cheong: you are amazing. Really, how do you do it? Clara sent me here with a little present for each month accompanied by a note. At the beginning of August I opened up two little perfume samples. They smell like Eau de $$$. So exciting. 3) I have to testify that a miracle occured in early July… Hannah Omolade and Heather Obasare took a chance and tried to Facetime me from Australia. The call came through!!! We Facetimed as I stood in the middle of a parking lot, to the amusement of many onlookers! This was a momentous occasion :). Missing and loving you guys and many others.

Lastly, in response to someone (erratum: 'twas Mrs. Steele!!)
who wanted more pics of me in the field: here's a Nat Geo quality shot of me and a lady named Sputnik ;). 

Lots and lots of love,

Nicole

P.S. Resounding scripture of my week: If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and I have faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 1 Cor 13:2