Blogs from Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya, Africa - page 6

As we touched down the pilot announced ‘Welcome to Johannesburg…it is 5 degrees…’ ‘5 degrees’ I thought, ‘even chiller than I had expected!’ Pulling on our jumpers we ventured into the airport and sipping at a hot chocolate each we watched in amazement as a huge ball of red glowed from the horizon and slowly rose up forming a spectacular sunrise. After hanging around for 4 hours we finally climbed aboard our 3rd and final plane to Nairobi. As we landed stepping outside the plane we were hit by heat and humidity. ‘This is more like I was expecting’ I thought to myself. After the drag of waiting in line for a visa we were the last to leave the airport where a friendly chap greeted us called Jimmy. ‘Welcome to Kenya! It is winter here.’ ... read more

Our visit with King Kong’s cousins finished, we headed back into Kenya to see some more sights and to say goodbye to a couple of the guys on the trip, Joey and Clemens. We stayed at a farm campsite, where once again we would witness the might of Zane at a competition sport: ping pong. Whilst none of us quite achieved the legendary status of Forest Gump, from the film, erm, Forest Gump, we did do our best in what light we had to keep the ball on the table and not on the floor. A few drinks followed, and Clemens and I discussed life late into the night, interrupted only by our stargazing friend. Lake Nakuru. Famed for its pink flamingos, rhinos and great scenery. We went for a game drive and saw all this ... read more

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth (mourning attire) and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” Psalms 30:11-12 We pray this prayer for all those affected over the last month in the sad events happening in the USA. We pray for comfort and that hearts full of sorrow can make their way back to joy. In Kenya the people have experienced such pain as well. Imagine if you will, the little girl that lives a neighborhood away in a dirty little house. Liquor flows more freely than love. Hands that should serve and be gentle act as hands that hurt and bring disgrace. Food that should be on the table is nowhere to be found. The ... read more

Days 38-43: Entering Kenya during election time, saying goodbye to much of the group and cheetah spotting in the Masai Mara Arriving in Kenya, Nairobi we were straight away hit with hot weather, stopping for lunch on the side of the road in ‘Kenyan shade’ – under the pull out side compartments of the Tucan truck. We were arriving in Kenya at a very interesting time, as the first elections since 2007 were taking place. Josh, our Kenyan truck driver, had told us of his inability to cast his vote two days earlier, due to voters having to queue for hours. The country was on standby and nervous as the 2007 elections had resulted in post-election killings of hundreds of people, and thousands left homeless, after many Kenyans believed the result was tampered with. ... read more

It is a new crisp winter morning as I sit at my computer. We do not use the word "crisp" much in our Texan winters but I do like the break from the heat. Who doesn’t like something new? I know I like new! I like the new perfume my husband bought me for Christmas....as well as all of my other gifts. I loved the new experiences my sister in law got to experience on her first trip to America over Christmas. And, I am thankful for a New Year because it means new adventures. My son entered a new stage as he is 90% potty trained....and oh how I like this newness of not changing diapers! Spring Valley Academy children have been thrilled with new things over the holiday season. They got a new water ... read more