Wow. I have failed at being a blogger. Summer was packed and flew by, with little free time to update the blog, so I apologize to anyone who stops by every now and then and have found that nothing's changed as of late. The most monumental part of my summer was my two week trip to Kenya, with my family and 13 other members of our church. Words cannot describe how vibrant the country is and how beautiful its people are. I am at a loss for words in trying to convey the memories, sights, sounds, tastes (although these were not quite as beautiful as the other parts of the trip -- I think all 19 of us got sick at some point or another on the trip. I'll spare you the details), and feelings of the trip. One thing I do know without a shadow of a doubt is that God is good. All the time. We spent a week of our trip in a teeny tiny village called Rwika, working at a community program for children who are HIV/AIDS orphans. We put on a VBS for them, but they ended up schooling me on what it means to have faith and love Jesus. I got to hear some of the children's stories throughout the week, and each of them faced so much hardship, sorrow and uncertainty in their lives -- more than I can ever imagine -- but each had an unwaivering, steadfast love for the Lord and faith in His perfect plan. They sang songs of praise, many stomping the red dirt with their bare feet, bare from a lack of shoes, in rhythm with the music. They offered me their beans and rice every day at lunchtime, even though they knew it was the only meal they would get for the day. They poured out their hearts in prayers so genuine and joyful that they brought tears to my eyes. And they loved so purely, honestly and wholeheartedly that I am forever changed by it. They had so much faith and assurance in God because they had seen Him work miracles and continually provide just what they needed to survive. We miss that in the opulence of the US. I've never had to rely on God to provide for my next meal, or to encourage a sponsor to send me to school, or to supply a roof over my head, or to provide a neighbor or distant relative to provide for me. They are just amazingly beautiful people inside and out. I could talk about their beauty forever and a day, if their were words to describe them. Below are some pictures from the trip.
We went on safari our first week in Kenya. Here we are in the wild.
This is David, our safari guide. He is seriously the nicest man I have ever met! And the snazziest dresser with the coolest accent :)
Giraffes -- my favorite
Lions -- in case you couldn't tell
We stopped in a tribal village in the Masai Mara. The men have jumping contests to see who gets the most wives. Chase jumped the highest. Lucky man.
My mom and I got to dance with the women while they sang. SO fun! The woman who stuck their neck out the farthest was the next to get married (or got the most kids? I can't remember which). What can I say? I have an abnormally long neck.
Kelvin, Purity, Anne and another friend in the village of Rwika. Loves of my life.
The waver, as we called him. I light up with joy just looking at pictures of his sweet face.
The whole team in front of our hotel outside of Rwika
My mom with me and her future grandchild (I wish), Gift. Seriously, I was hoping she was a gift for me. She obviously loves having her picture taken with us.
My mom, Anne, Anne, Anne and I. If you forget a girl's name, it's probably Anne :) These three were definitely named Anne :) And I am obsessed with each of them.
