Return from Safari -- July 30th

Hakunah matata (Relax, enjoy, don't stress)

Sorry to make everyone worry. When I tried to stop at the internet cafe yesterday, there was no service avaialable (TIA).


Yes, I survived the safari, and I didn't get eaten by the lions!!! The animals were magnificant and VERY, VERY CLOSE!!!!

I was able to borrow chargers while on the trip, so I will have plenty of pictures/maybe video to post when I get home!!!

In the Masai Mara, our van was lucky enough to see the leopard, and we had two male lions move in between our two parked safari vans. I was carefully sliding my glass window closed as they headed our way, and then they were less than 10 feet away -- AMAZING!!! I got to see the Wildebeast crossing the river 2 days in a row -- very good odds considering the driver said that people only get to see a crossing about 25% of the time!!! We even saw a crocodile death rolling a wildebeast -- UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

In Amboseli, we were close enough to an elephant that we could here the suctioning of the mud as she moved forward to find some other grass, and we could literally hear her chewing. There were also plenty of hippos there.

The flamingos and rhinos lived up to expectations at Lake Nakuru!!!

There were giraffes throughout the whole trip, one right by the side of the highway (kinda like deer at home), but I think it may have done a lot more car damage. We also saw plenty of gazelles, zeebras, buffalo, and ostriches, not to mention so many other kinds of birds, and plants -- what a dream come TRUE!!!

I would definitely like to return someday and go to a few more of the national parks that I was unable to visit. Maybe head down to the beaches of Mombasa, and squeeze in a hop to Zanzibar. Might take me another 20 years to save up for the trip though :-)

I have 2 more volunteers that are currently working at the orphanage with me so I have travel partners again... thanks for all of your prayers.

Also, little Kate's mother came to claim her while I was away, but I am sad to say that I think she would probably be better off living at the orphanage. Unfortunately Rose, the orphanage director, can't do anything about it when they provide the proper documentation from the court system/police department. I found out today that she is HIV positive, and her mother also is and is a prostitute in Nairobi, leaving Kate at home unattended for many hours at a time. Please pray for her safety and that God will protect her.

Now that the children are done with school classes, Rose has put me and the other two volunteers in charge of keeping the kids busy. We colored Christian coloring books this morning. This afternoon, I gave trumpet lessons to about 10 older kids, while the other two volunteers made masks with the other younger children.

I also gave the older children their harmonicas, and then the kids gathered in the courtyard with their masks and harmonicas, and sang several Christian songs for us. It is so wonderful to see that these children worshipping God, and having the ability to join with them.

Rose has an amazing story about how she started with just a few street kids, and how God has grown her efforts and provides the needs (food, clothing, shelter) for her and the kids....truly AMAZING. Please continue to pray for the children and staff at The House of Mercy.

Enjoy your weekend, we plan to try to visit many different sights throughout and around Nairobi.

Kwaheri -- (goodbye)

Lynn