-On our day back at the Baby Centre, there was an adoption! I'm thankful to have experienced that joyful moment for my last day there, and that another precious girl now has a forever family. I loved what her new daddy said (roughly paraphrased). "I'm a man of few words, but I am a man of action... it's not her and us, she is one of us now." I admire this family for doing as God has called and welcoming a precious daughter into their family. I remember first wanting to adopt children (in the future obviously) when I was about 9 or 10. After meeting orphans and seeing different orphan care ministries on this trip, I think it's a given for my future. The church needs to majorly step it up in this area, but I think that's going to be a separate post.
-Tenwek Hospital (in Bomet) is a really, really awesome place. There is a very rich history of awesome missionaries serving God and others unconditionally. Franklin Graham and Samaritan's Purse are huge supporters as is WGM. I really love the community that the missionaries have there, the kids call the other adults "Aunt" and "Uncle" and run freely among the homes of the other families. There was also great camaraderie among the volunteers. A group of us went on a hike up to the highest peak around, with an awesome 360 view. I love to be in God's creation, and we enjoyed some great conversation and views on the way up and down. At the top of the hill, there was a group of school kids who were fascinated to see us. A comment by one of the kids made me so sad. He said, "Americans call us black monkeys don't they?" I explained that we do NOT. It's interesting what people's perceptions can be of other cultures.
-Kayla and I went out one day with Tenwek Community Health, to an immunization clinic for babies. The most interesting part was when the kids from the nearby school started walking home and noticed me inside the building. So they started stopping in the road to stare through the windows at the fascinating mzungu (white person). So I decided I might as well go out and say hello. I've been stared at a lot here in Kenya, and kids are always very excited to greet us, but this was to a whole new level. Kayla and I demonstrated a high five and then all the kids wanted to high five me! It was strange (and kinda flattering). It's moments like this that remind me that I'm an outsider here. I've been thinking a lot about this and the implications it has for cross-cultural ministry anywhere. However, in Christ, we are all the same.
-We also got to go on our safari in the Mara. It is truly beautiful, unlike anywhere else I've ever been. Upon arrival, Kayla and I were greeted in the traditional Maasai fashion, by men dressed in the traditional red color, chanting and singing. At the end, they all started jumping, and man, can they jump high! Our cabin was open on one side, and we could see the river from inside. There is also a large hippo population in the area so we would hear them all the time. Did you know hippos kill more people than any other animal in Africa? Anyways, it was so great to just hang out in the cabin and be totally focused on relaxing and have time to really think over everything that has happened in the past 7 weeks... which is a lot! We went on safari drives in the late afternoon and early morning, and managed to see every animal except for the leopard, though not for lack of trying. We saw a cheetah every time we went out, though not one running full out, some lions getting ready to hunt, and A BABY ELEPHANT. That was probably my favorite. There were some awesome sunrises and sunsets, and so many beautiful landscapes.
Pictures will tell the best safari stories, I'll try and post some soon! I can't believe I leave this Thursday night, and I'll be home Friday afternoon. Bless the Lord oh my soul!
Pictures will tell the best safari stories, I'll try and post some soon! I can't believe I leave this Thursday night, and I'll be home Friday afternoon. Bless the Lord oh my soul!
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