On Thursday, as the Masaw'a team was making their way back, Karla, Amy, Stephanie, and Christi visited an orphanage near Scott. It was a wonderful time of playing with the kids, encouraging, and providing some of the donated items.
On Friday we had a down day, so we visited a game reserve in Nairobi. Immediately upon entering the park we encountered several giraffe, warthog, zebra, and antelope. The highlight, though, was trailing a mother lion and her 3 cubs in the distance, to eventually settle about 40 feet away from them as they joined two male lions to feast on a giraffe. We were close enough to smell this downed giant...can you hear "The Circle of Life" playing in your head right now, too?
Following the game reserve we headed to a restaurant called "Carnivore." Made famous for their selection of game meats, which are now outlawed, they have had to get creative with their menu. Instead of game meats, they now bring you a selection of roasted meats until you surrender. Our selection included: Beef, turkey, chicken, lamb, chicken gizzard, lamb liver, ostrich meatballs, crocodile, ox balls (no...not meatballs), and camel. Personally recommend the ostrich...delicious! Following dinner we did some shopping (no pictures since we don't want to ruin any surprise gifts) before joining the vice-chancellor at his home for tea, and then getting to bed early for an quick Saturday start.
Today (Saturday) the team split and headed off to different villages. Wondering where your loved ones are?
- Brian and Dan went to the Kunikila District for Brian to teach at a church today on "Spiritual Growth of Church Leaders and Discipleship." They will be spending the night with Paul at his rural home in Masaw'a (where Brian will preach tomorrow morning).
- Stephanie, Christi, and Amy visited Masaw'a today with Raphael, a few other Scott students, Rodah, and Paul's sons. They spoke to small groups of youth on pressing issues they face, and spent time playing games with them. They have made it home safely to Scott and are winding down for the night.
- Robin, Renee, Scott, and Gayle joined a local nurse to lead a medical seminar on HIV, nutrition, and hygiene. These topics are desperately needed in the area, and many signed up to attend. They are now back at Scott preparing for night.
- Buddy and Jim went to Kalamba where Buddy taught on "Spiritual Growth and Discipleship" at a rural Bible College. They have returned safely to Scott. In the morning, Buddy will be preaching at the Community Chapel in Machakos.
- Phil and Chip are in Mwingi with the vice-chancellor (Dr Mumo). The is the furthest distance any have travelled (3 hours away)...bush country. They will be spending the night at Dr. Mumo's rural home, and there is a rumor that Phil will be requesting a goat be sacrificed...we'll wait eagerly to see what happens... Phil taught a seminar today out of Isaiah and will be preaching Sunday morning in Mwingi.
While aware that these city names mean very little (in fact some may not even appear on Google maps!), know that everyone is safe and doing well. Our trip has passed the half way mark, but we are eager to see what God has in store for our final week. Thank you for your continued prayers.
