Back from hiatus...

Hello to all of our wonderful supporters. Due to our busy schedule after safari, we were not able to update the blog... Here goes: Kenya part two.

Safari:

Safari was marvelous. I've heard many times that God reveals Himself to us in two ways--through scripture and through nature. It is incredibly evident to see the beauty in the African savannahs...untouched, with animals still roaming in their natural habitats. It's mind-blowing to realize that God has thoughtfully created every single aspect of our natural world-the beauty is just unsurmountable. The ride to safari (about 4.5 hours on some bumpy roads) was just as interesting. We saw many Maasai people with their cattle and herds along the way. Their red dress and elaborate jewelry and beading is a beautiful sight. We observed giraffes and zebras along the way, just roaming in the tall grasses. It was very cool to see!

Once we reached Maasai Mara, we checked into our hotel. It was a very nice change from Gracia. :) We stayed in tents--no, not the camping/sleeping bag tents. Instead, there was a nice, stone bathroom with wood laminate floors, with a canvas tent surrounding normal furniture. Upon blowing drying my hair on day two, I blew a fuse. God's way of telling me to not worry about my looks? :) The joke was that you had to make sure you zipped the tent down to the floor or else babboons would come into your tent. We did see babboons near the restaurant. Between meals on Saturday, two swooped in the open air restaurant and stole an orange and some rolls. Some teenage girls spotted this spectacle and began snapping photos. The babboons were not happy with the giggling, photo-snapping girls, so they proceeded to through the orange rind at the girls, followed by a dinner roll. Shortly after, a security guard picked up the roll and tossed it into the trees where it disappeared back into the hands (and bellies) of the babboons.

Over the course of Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we took 4 game drives to observe the animals of Maasai Mara. We saw some incredible animals in their natural habitats. We saw 3 of the "big 5" animals: elephants, buffalo, and lions. We did not see rhinosauruses or leopards, although we searched. The other animals that we observed include zebras, babboons, hippopotamuses, antelopes, cheetahs, giraffes, and many types of birds. We saw some of the circle of life as well--a lion was feasting on a buffalo that he killed (smelly!) and we observed some lions mating (cue Marvin Gaye music). Let's just say there was a lot of giggling happening in our van. Cindy videotaped the scene and had to stop because we could not control ourselves. Very mature, we know.

Safari gave us the opportunity to reflect, rejuvenate, and evaluate our personal goals as well as God's goals for this trip. It is important to see another side of Kenya--it's a disservice to God's world to only see the suffering. He created so much beauty and we were blessed to be able to take it all in. Safari also created a space to share and grow in relationship with one another. It was truly refreshing to be in a community of believers. It helps to grow your faith when you can explore, question and grow without having to constantly defend what you believe.