sticks

This is too hilarious not to post.

We've been asked to carry a lot of things between Kenya and the US for people.  Mail to/from is not speedy or overly reliable -- and can be very expensive. So folks always take advantage of people traveling between the two countries to take things like mail, presents, small equipment for the dental equipment, etc.  You know, normal stuff.  A few weeks ago, though, our friend Matt, who's in a Dental Residency program in the US asked if we could bring back some sticks. 

Yes, sticks.

 bag of sticks

 Dexter excited to get to work

 pile of sticks, ready to be whittled

 whittling

final product, at the requested size

neighbor's kitty, who used to live here, supporting the work

There is a purpose to this madness! Matt wants to do some research on these sticks, which are from a specific tree here in Kenya. It is what the Maasai people use to clean their teeth. They grab a branch and basically chew it. Matt's going to do some research to see if there's any special quality in the branches...I think...

The trick now will be to see if we can actually get them into the US.  We have a letter explaining the reasons. We'll just hope they don't have the dogs out when we arrive in Boston on Tuesday afternoon!