We've had an amazing experience in Kenya with so much to process, memories to think on, situations and people to pray for and new friendships to treasure.
It hasn't all been easy and there have been some frayed tempers and tears. Mostly though, there's been laughter, generosity, kindness, love, more laughter... and lots of singing!
Our last few days have been spent 'glamping' at Sweetwaters. It felt appropriate to end our 'safari' ('journey' in Swahili) with the usual kind of safari, taking rather scary, mud-slidey drives out into the bush to see amazing sights: whole families of elephants, giraffes so close we could almost touch them, a pair of lions lying low, huge rhinos, buffalo, baboons, zebras, impala... and lots more. Incredible!
The views of Mount Kenya swathed in morning mists and beautiful sunsets were breathtakingly beautiful. The vast, panoramic skies were awe inspiring. And the opportunity to share our last few days together in the company of our hosts, Richard, Heidie, Luke, Neve and our firm new friend Lieutenant Patrick has made the perfect wind down to our trip.
Patrick treated us to one last experience of the real Kenya on our journey back to Nairobi. As we pulled into a roadside market, windows tightly shut, our two minibuses were mobbed by banana sellers. Patrick squeezed out of the door and proceeded to barter for the best price, surrounded by women waving bananas, avocado and passion fruit in his face. Apparently having muzungus in the car pushes the price up, but he returned triumphant anyway and we tasted the best bananas ever, fresh from the tree.
We're excited about sharing our photos, stories and experiences with you very soon. We hope that the the things we've learned about ourselves, about the way other people live and the opportunities each of us have to be part of the change we hope to see in the world ripples out into the lives of others. We've been knocked sideways by the faith we've seen in people with so little.
We've realised how very poor we are in so many ways, how our comfort and material wealth often masks our lack of community and trust in God. How dulled our sense of joy in worshipping our amazing God has become.
We're praying that as we share with you and reflect on our journey, our Kenyan 'safari', God's kingdom will come a little closer in your lives and ours.
So huge thanks again for your support, and especially for your prayers - there were some crazily scary moments, particularly on the roads and we have been very conscious of God's hand upon us.
And lastly... special thanks to Richard, Heidie, Moses, Patrick, Carol for stepping in so bravely less than two days before our flight, and the lovely Helen whose vision it was to take this trip and who was, in the event, unable to come. Praying God's most beautiful blessings on each one of you.
Angie x
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