We set out early Tuesday morning, returned back to Nairobi on Thursday ~ 2:30. The journey included a 5 hour drive to the Maasai Mara, where we set out for 3 different days worth of game hunts. On the way there, we were able to stop at a lookout for the Great Rift Valley. This spans across 5 countries (I think) and it is absolutely breathtaking. Then we continued on our way. The road is a fun place to start. For a period of time, it was smooth (mostly) and then we hit some dirt. It was so crazy how bumpy it was. They also do not feel the need to stay on their side of the road, unless completely necessary, meaning there is oncoming traffic. If there is smoother road on the wrong side, then they will drive there, and wait until the last minute to move back to the correct side of the road. As we traveled, we ventured through many different villages and found the people to be very friendly. We could practically wave to everyone, and we would receive a wave in return. Of course, it was my favorite when the children would wave to us, and get so excited when they would see a white arm flailing out the window. The closer we got to the Mara, the more Maasai people we began to see. They have a very unique lifestyle that is very much...not modernized, to say the least (more on that later). Before we even got to the Mara, we saw some wildlife. I think we saw wildebeest, zebras and some giraffes. This was sooo awesome, I can't even describe - don't worry, I took a lot of pictures! When we finally got to the Mara, we began to see more wildlife. We saw some elephants, and more of the same things we had seen previously. We finally got to the lodge, and had a few hours before we would be setting out for our evening game drive. It was just in time for lunch, so we ate and then perused the area. The meals were all buffet, and we probably ate enough to keep us satisfied for 5 or 6 days. We were in love with the food there. Then, we went to see the hippos. Behind the lodge, was a hippo pond. There were so many! After this, we enjoyed the beautiful pool! We were able to rest and relax while soaking in some rays. The lodge was so nice, it was exactly what we needed. Sacha and I got to share a king size bed that had a canopy style mosquito net. The floors were all slate, and the walls were all wood. The bathroom was also fantastic, not to mention the fact that we could get hot water whenever we wanted!!! On the first game drive that evening, we saw so much amazing stuff. We saw so many elephants, and antelope and that sort of stuff, but the coolest (by far) were the lions we saw. They are usually pretty rare, and difficult to find, but we didn't have any issues. There was a whole pack of them that were hanging out. There were two males that were leading the group. They had previously killed a buffalo (probably 2 days before) but were still in the process of eating all that they could. While one male kept watch for any scavengers, the other one laid on top of the carcass, with a very full belly. It was quite the sight. Then, we went up further on the hill, and found about 7 more lionesses and cubs. They were all so full from eating the buffalo! It was so awesome be to so close to the lions!
Other than the lions, we saw soo many elephants. By the end, we really wanted to see a rhino and a leopard so when we continued to see the elephants, we were getting annoyed. It was so much fun though, and I continued to be in awe from God's majesty. I don't think I've been in a situation like that where I've been able to see just how big God really is. It was awesome to see the sunrise, and the sunset two different times each. The classic picture of Africa with the Acacia tree in the foreground was just so beautiful. (and yes mo, I took lotssss of pics of it)!
the whole trip was the perfect length and provided us with an awesome opportunity to get out of the city (much needed).
now that we're back in the city, i think things are going to be easier. We've spent some time in the city, and just hanging out and resting up while the students are taking exams. We've begun the planning process of a training program that will take place next weekend, our second to last weekend here. I'm very excited to see the students grow and just have a very fun weekend with them, sharing in the love of Christ and helping equip them in their walks with the Lord.
I almost forgot some major event. Last Monday, we were able to meet up with Courtney, Corey and Kaitlin who were preparing to go home after their time in Nyeri, Kenya. It was SO great to see them, and have a little taste of home. We spent the afternoon/evening together as we took them to the Arboretum to feed some monkeys and then had a great dinner and dessert with them before saying our farewells. I loved seeing them and just sharing a bit of our trip with them as well as hearing about theirs.
I really think it's going to be an awesome 3 weeks that we have left. It's crazy to say that we've been here for 25 days already, as the beginning seems so far away. After we got back from the Safari we had a meeting with Naftali. It is always very encouraging for us to hear about our work from him. In this meeting he told us that we had already accomplished 6 weeks worth of work in the 3 weeks that we had been here so far. He told us that he doesn't want us to have an agenda when meeting with the students, but just to spend time with them and form relationships that will last. I think that was something very important for us to hear, as it can be difficult for us to see the progress. To us, the progress seems so small, but to him it's so much more than he could have imagined. It was a huge reminder that I cannot put a measure of success in this trip of my own standards. I have to constantly remind myself that I am doing the Lord's work, and that I cannot mess that up. He's the one doing the work by using the Holy Spirit in my life.
Please keep in your prayers:
- time with the students; that we could share in our lives and not feel like we are working when we are with them
- continued rest - i have much more appreciation for the staff now than i ever have before - i'm exhausted all the time!
- continued patience with the students and time, but also with each other
- a sincere appreciation for the country, and the people here
No comments:
Post a Comment