As we wrapped up our last night at the tea hotel, we took our coffee and chai outside on the patio. The air was fresh with the smell of the day’s rains, and it was a little chilly, especially for the Kenyans. We sang a few songs in English and Maureen, Risper, and Francis sang some in Swahili while I hummed a bass line. It was a great feeling as our group began to gel and really express their feelings about all we have seen.
The next morning we slept a little later than the day before (some slept later than others, wink, wink) because our destination was nearby. Kericho feeding station was the site of our biggest surprise on the last trip, in the size of the crowd. There were at least six-hundred last year so we did not know what to expect this time. There were not as many people this year, but the energy was just as high. I’m not sure why I feel this way, but something about this place just feels good. I discussed this feeling with Rick Bratholomee and he agreed. Sometimes you can just tell when a group of people are somehow blessed by God.
Francis Chepkwony is our worker at Kericho, and although he is from a different tribe from a long way away, he has definitely won the trust of the people here. He also seems to be a capable leader, as he kept control of the crowds, kept us on schedule, and had all of his property looking fine. The municipal water pipe that we sent the money for just this month was already in and working and the new livestock projects were in great shape. The cow already had a calf, and was producing milk for the orphans.
The kids sang for us, we blessed the widows with their gifts, met the church members, and ate lunch all in the record time of two hours. They wanted us to stay longer but we had decided to try to see the Nakuru Game Park this afternoon, so by a little after noon, we were on the road to Nakuru.
I visited this national park on my very first trip to Kenya in 2008, but our driver at that time did not know the park well, and I was a little disappointed. This time our new driver, Oching was much better. He drives tours into this park all the time, and knows it like the back of his hand. He also had a radio that the drivers use to cooperate on wildlife sightings. We saw flamingos, (there are literally millions), pelicans, rhinos, and even a lion or two.
The best part was definitely the stop at the baboon cliff overlook. This is a picnic area high on a cliff looking out over the entire park. The view was stunning. While we were distracted by the view, the baboons made their appearance, raiding Susie’s snack bag inside the van! There is a blurry picture of the thieves caught red handed in the album below. Later Rick tried to see how close he could get to one of them. He got pretty close, about 2 feet away. There are some great pics of it.
We were all very tired when we finished the park and made it safely to our new favorite hotel, the Stem Hotel in Nakuru. Dinner was buffet, good and fast, and now we are preparing for bed. Tomorrow we visit the IDP camp and then into Nairobi for some fun and shopping before we head home Saturday night. Blessings on all of you who are keeping up with this blog, comment if you can.
4 comments:
As always, the words and pictures make each of us reading it feel we are with you and that is a wonderful feeling. I am always so glad to read of a visit that generates a 'good feeling' about a particular site although now that applies to about all of them. Kericho is such a beautiful area. I loved the kids wanting to feel Pam's hair, I have had so many want to touch my white skin and rub on it, like I like to rub their heads too, I just like the way they feel. I am glad you got to visit the game park, it is just a part of the overall experience-all our kids now have been taken to similar places which they have enjoyed so much.
john
I will never say, "Don't have a cow man." Without thinking this post. LOL. So blessed by the blog and the life change happening in Kenya. My heart and theology has been changing since you left for Kenya. There is so much about God and His plan to know and reflect on. I do not know if I will ever understand half of it. Can't wait to see the lucid the baboon raid.
Thank you again for taking the time to journal your daily experiences & photograph these moments. We here at home are blessed to share in the journey & see through your eyes the wonder of all our Abba Father is doing in Kenya among the widows, orphans,& our Brothers & Sisters in the Kenyan churches. Looking forward to seeing the "baboon encounter." :) Praying for you all!
Blessings, Cindy
Wow! The photos of the wildlife park were great! (especially Rick having an eye to eye encounter with the baboon) There are so many possible captions to put with that one... but I better not. :)
Blessings, Cindy
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