I finally FINALLY got through to Mom in Kenya. I tried about six times yesterday and got a busy signal each time. I tried again early this morning and on the third try managed to actually get through to her room. She seems in quite good spirits, and was quite garrulous. We talked for about half an hour, and I continue to be amazed at the quality of the reception. It was as clear as calling next door. She says that they feed her six times a day in the british style of several “tea times” between meals. She also described the way they do tea–instead of hot water they use hot milk, which sounds seriously yummy and I will have to try it. She’s also already gone through the two books that were in her carry-on, and is now bored out of her mind. (They probably don’t have cable TV there in the hospital rooms.) Oh, and as an added kicker, her luggage was lost in transit on her way to Kenya, and she’s been spending a lot of time on the phone trying to figure out just where the hell it is. She said it’s probably a good thing she’s in the hospital and thus does not need several changes of clothing.

Still not sure when she’ll be coming back. I’ll keep y’all updated.