Last Day

Well... here it is.

The day we all knew would come has finally arrived - our last day in Kenya.

This morning we all got to sleep in and enjoy a bit of a longer breakfast and meet at church at 10:30 for the Good Friday service. Here in Africa, the lives of Christians seem to revolve around their local church. They meet together in some form or another proabably four times a week at least. Personal space and downtime are not seen the same way here, and community is greatly valued over individual freedom. What a lesson for us - especially those of us who become resentful when the church "asks" for more than two days in a week.

Yesterday was a HUGE day. We all got up at 4:30 am to meet at church at 6:00 and go on Safari. That was amazing to say the least. We have had a big problem uploading pictures because of the 28.8 kbps modem connection, or we would post a zillion pics of the safari (and all our other adventures. I alone have over 500 pictures!). After Safari we had lunch, and then we toured the Rift Valley - about 7,000 feet elevation. It was actually cool for once! We got to the overlook site where there was a little shop that sold African goods and had to negotiate prices. That was pretty cool. Most of spent most of our money there. I did not exchange enough dollars for shillings, so my gifts for my wife and kids were a bit modest...

The drive to the Rift Valley was indescribable. You go through slums, farm country, large estates, mountains. It was breathtaking. The number of ancient vehicles decorated with all kinds of paint and held together by welds and duct tape is amazing. We saw donkeys pulling overloaded carts and camels carring people. Dozens of these cool Kenyan bicycles where the rider sits completely upright. We also saw bikers going up the mountain roads holding on to the backs of semis to hitch a ride. Mercy!

We came back from the Rift Valley trip and rested for about an hour and then had dinner at a five-star restaurant called Safari Park right here by Kahawa Sukari. I ate like six or seven kinds of meat! For 1950 Ksh ($30) you get all the fresh roasted exotic meat you can eat. The chefs come around and cut it right off the skewer. There was live music, dessert, salad...

Noemi - you keep on asking if Julius is eating... I feel like all we do here is eat. I have gaied 10 pounds if I've gained an ounce. One of the things I'm bringing home is a belly!

Seeing all the little children makes me miss my kids. I show pics of my family and get lots of questions about Anisa because she is African-American, but seeing the beautiful little girls here just makes me miss her terribly. Some of our team members don't want to go home, but as much as I have fallen in love with Africa, I love my wife and boys and daughter more, and I can't wait to see them. I wish they could have come.

I got one last opportunity to preach this morning at the Good Friday service. Once again I was humbled by the thought of preaching to these holy people. I believe God was honored, however.

This afternoon, many of us are doing some final shopping at the fancy mall. I have abstained to be writing to you, faithful blog readers. We will all be going to Pastor Simon's house for a late lunch at 4:00 and then to the airport afterwards. Then the long flight, and then home.

I will say this... the partnership with KSBC is supernatural and divine. I would urge all of you readers to begin to ask God whether He would have you come on the next trip and bless these churches while they teach you. It is amazing.

Sherry, I love you and I miss you. Ben, Sam and Nisa - Daddy will be home tomorrow, if the Lord is willing.

God's peace to you all.