Kwaheri - is swahili for goodbye, or literally for joy. My cousin Than, who has been doing grad school in Missoula for the past two years (and spending a great deal of prime studying time at my kitchen counter streaming Manchester United games and drinking highly sweetened chai), moved from Missoula today to return to Kenya. He has been a regular part of life at 706 Howell over these past two years, a sometimes soap-employee, a master at the grill, a great uncle to the boys and a willing wrestler with them, a cheerful pusher of the jogging stroller on our runs. When next I'm hiking with the kids and have to carry both boys downhill, I will miss my walking companion and fellow pack horse - just as I will tomorrow when I set out only one mug for midday chai.
So, Than, if you read this, all joy to you, kwaheri. You'll be missed. The kettle is on. Rooney just scored for ManU. We'll see you soon, Mungu akipenda.
