Safari

If you ever have the chance to go on Safari you should. Don't talk yourself out of it because of money or time. If you know you are going to a place like Africa start saving you pennies now.

Monday we left for two days in the Masai Mara. That is where the Masai Tribe lives...or at least a lot of them. The are the really tall, dark African's that wear a lot of earrings and jewelry. They also wrap themselves in beautifully colored cloths, mostly reds. Red scares the lions.

Yep... the Mara...were you can ride in a van or jeep, stand up with you head out of the roof looking for wild animals. The scenery is beautiful. For me, it was an awesome feeling being so close to nature. Even though it is extremely bumpy, (my left arm is bruised from bumping against the jeep) I found is exciting and relaxing. A chance to take in creation in its natural setting and a chance to not think about much of anything. Except were those lions going to succeed at killing those water buffalo? It was cool to watch the lions at work. Tell you about it at home!

We also saw a leopard in a tree. Sat and watched for a long time. Apparently is it more rare to actually see a leopard. He was stealth and strong. We saw giraffe, elephants (several babies...so cute), zebra's, gizelle's, tobi's, wildebeasts, warthogs and more. Another rare find was to actually get to see some lion cubs. Our driver pulled us close for us to see. Jessica and Kaitlyn squealed in delight which caught momma lion's attention and see growled right at them...which made them scream, which made Momma roar and driver correct the girls to be silent. We have had a good time laughing, but really the best advice on Safari is to be very, very quiet.

We have some great pictures. I look forward to sharing them. Altho I learned do not buy batteries in Africa...they all die in 2 minutes. We missed some great pictures too!

Just remember, Africa means Safari! Also, safari meant hot baths!!! We all enjoyed that. Esp. since being home (Kean's house) we again have little water and no hot shower water. Pray for rain in Kenya!

I hope one day to come back with some of you for a missions trip to serve and love on these sweet people and to go on Safari again!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ok, here I go... off to the blogging world.... Why does this feel scary to me? I am only in my mid 40's and afterall isn't 40's the new 30's? I truly am excited to start this adventure if only as therapy for myself. Somedays there is so much tension between my heart and my brain I find it hard to think straight. Can you relate? Anyway, here I am if anyone would like to share in my journey and thoughts please do. I love company. Yesterday and today I worked with a patient who reminded me so much of my friend Melissa that died last July from lung cancer. Today was especially difficult. This patient's physical pain has been great and she keeps rubbing and pointing to the same location that I remember Melissa complained about. I do not provide bedside nursing, but I round with the doctors on patients who are admitted to the oncology service and help manage their care through their hospital stay and on into home needs. While I was in the room I actually had my fi
Read more

The Whole Hearted

Image
Transitioning to a new role as a nurse I attended a health coach training. There I was exposed to a speaker by the name of Brene Brown, she spoke on connnectedness and vulnerabilty. Brene is a social worker turned reseacher setting herself on a journey to "cure" lack of connectedness. Guess what she learned? "VULNERABILITY: The Core of Relationship" Here is the deal, people who had more of sense of connectedness did not necessarily have less struggles. Instead she named this group of people "The Whole Hearted". Because these individuals had a strong sense of "worthiness". There are 4 strong characteristics of The Whole Hearted defining the worthiness they feel. 1. Courage: "Cour" latin word meaning who you are with your whole heart 2. Compassion: Treat yourself kind. If you can't treat yourself kind, how can you be truly kind to others? 3. Authenticity: Those who let themselves be seen loves greater 4. Vulnerab
Read more

We're Here

Jessica and I are here, Nairobi, Kenya! Although here inside the Kean home I feel like I am just up the street on Mill Brook Circle in Stonemeade. That's the thing with good friends, no matter how long it has been since you have seen each other it always feels like just yesterday. The plane rides went well, no delays, no problems getting through customs. Jessica and I passed the H1N1 screening. ;). She is feeling good. Her cough is aggravated today... the air in the plane is dry and drier here too. But no big deal. Making her drink a lot today. Last night I thought it was just fatigue not allowing me to find things and think clearly, but today we have learned our luggage was stolen from. Nothing we can't live without, but a clear reminder of the fallen world in which we live. And we are sad that some things we were excited to give the girls here are gone. I haven't seen much outside the comfort of this home yet, but I will say driving at night in Nairobi is
Read more