So some great things have been happening lately.
Friday:
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
Rode in a matatu and listened to "Paradise"
Saturday:
Zumani
Sunday:
Goodbye Drew :( (Not so great)
8th GRADE GRADUATION
Monday:
Saw the President of Kenya
In 8 days I go home and I CAN'T WAIT!!!! The next time I go to the airport will be because I'm the one to board the plane. I'm so tired of airport runs...it's almost my turn! I will miss everyone so much...but I can't wait to see my loved and missed ones back at home! <3
Monday, May 28, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
1 month left
Wow, I leave here in one month from today. I know my last post was similar to this..but the day when I leave Africa is really coming soon. wow.
I knew that while coming here I would miss some special things at home. It's been hard to be away from home with the deaths that have happened over the past year, especially my grandma and my dog. Death is never an easy thing..but being away from your family doesn't help. Also, any day now my sister in law is going to give birth to my first niece! I'm super excited! And, my friends Abner and Edely are getting married on Monday..YAY! :)
I have 3 more weeks left for teaching. I think I'm almost more excited about that fact than the students! It will be so nice to get a little break from lesson planning, grading, ect.
Last Wednesday Eric went home. Although he came to Maxwell late, he had been in Africa since July and his 10 months were up. It has been pretty sad to see one of my best friends leave. Good news is that he made it safely home, didn't miss any flights, and he is enjoying time with his family/driving again!
I just posted like 150 pictures on facebook, so I don't think I have the patience to post any on here for now. But, I'll try to get some more out before I leave. I'll have a couple of friends from Southern come visit before I go, so it will be nice to see some familiar faces again in Africa.
Again, it's going to be hard to say goodbye, especially to the Raymonds because of how close we've become this year. They have treated me like a part of their family in such a loving and caring way that I don't know what I would have done this year without them. They love me for who I am and don't try to change me. They listen and they've shown me Christ in their personalities. (and teach me some great recipes)
Soon, this dreaded day will come, but I know that it will only lead me to a great summer at MAC!
I knew that while coming here I would miss some special things at home. It's been hard to be away from home with the deaths that have happened over the past year, especially my grandma and my dog. Death is never an easy thing..but being away from your family doesn't help. Also, any day now my sister in law is going to give birth to my first niece! I'm super excited! And, my friends Abner and Edely are getting married on Monday..YAY! :)
I have 3 more weeks left for teaching. I think I'm almost more excited about that fact than the students! It will be so nice to get a little break from lesson planning, grading, ect.
Last Wednesday Eric went home. Although he came to Maxwell late, he had been in Africa since July and his 10 months were up. It has been pretty sad to see one of my best friends leave. Good news is that he made it safely home, didn't miss any flights, and he is enjoying time with his family/driving again!
I just posted like 150 pictures on facebook, so I don't think I have the patience to post any on here for now. But, I'll try to get some more out before I leave. I'll have a couple of friends from Southern come visit before I go, so it will be nice to see some familiar faces again in Africa.
Again, it's going to be hard to say goodbye, especially to the Raymonds because of how close we've become this year. They have treated me like a part of their family in such a loving and caring way that I don't know what I would have done this year without them. They love me for who I am and don't try to change me. They listen and they've shown me Christ in their personalities. (and teach me some great recipes)
Soon, this dreaded day will come, but I know that it will only lead me to a great summer at MAC!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
I don't have much time left here in Kenya. I am definitely having some mixed feelings right now. Although I'm excited to see my friends and family again, I'm really going to miss my new friends and family I have over here. As excited as I am about eating delicious food from places in the states, I'm really going to miss eating and cooking with the Raymonds! I'm very excited about working at camp again, but I'm really going to miss going on safaris and seeing really cool sights in Africa. I'm going to miss my students and I'm going to miss my African home and my year in Kenya. Although I am ready for summer break, June 5 will be very bittersweet, and I have no idea what is in store for me. I want to make the most of my time left here. And I'm so glad I came as an SM.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
SM Documentary
When the SM's met in Amsterdam...we decided it would be really cool to make a documentary of our experience in Kenya. Turns out that Drew Forsey is actually extremely legit at making videos and two parts of the documentary had been released..until last night. Here are all three parts...love looking at these and remembering all the really sweet times I've had here in Kenya. God has really blessed me throughout the past 8ish months and I'm so glad I came to Kenya as an SM! In case you're wondering, there is about one more part left that will be released just a bit after we leave. ENJOY! :)
Trailer: http://vimeo.com/30752794
Part One: http://vimeo.com/31078372
Part Two: http://vimeo.com/35616284
Part Three: http://vimeo.com/40669737
Trailer: http://vimeo.com/30752794
Part One: http://vimeo.com/31078372
Part Two: http://vimeo.com/35616284
Part Three: http://vimeo.com/40669737
Friday, April 6, 2012
Another update
I sit here as I wait for the hot water to heat up. It is rainy out side, my housemate turned the pump for the hot water to off, and I need to shower and be ready for church now in about 40 minutes. This is not the first time this has happened, and it is not pleasant when it does.
This past week went by so quickly. (they always do!) Nothing too exciting happened. I had a good time watching over Kyle and Caleb while Derek and Yani were enjoying Mombasa! AND I got to make some really good Cuban rice and beans thanks to Ashley's mom, Loida, for teaching me the recipe! :) skyped Lynzee one night, and Mom, Dad, Kristel, and Aunt Darney last night. It's always nice to see the faces of my family and talk to them for awhile. It's so hard to keep up with skyping sometimes because of the time difference, but I'm glad for what I can do.
Thursday afternoon was our last classes before long weekend. I'm working again this long weekend..so I went to staff worship for the first time ever on Friday morning (it's usually during classes at the elementary so we can never make it), I supervised on the "town trip" with the students at Galleria, I played piano, baked a cake, went to vespers, and came back to enjoy some company at the Raymond's house (and ate a lot of spice cake, tea, and noodles to fill me up) Today will be pretty chill. I'll be going to brunch here soon, then we're watching a movie for church, hanging out in the afternoon and who knows what I'll do tonight.
Anyway, nothing to interesting or profound this time. Just a little update to let you know what happened the last couple of days. A couple of things I'm really excited for: my sister in law, Julie, to have her baby, coming back home and seeing friends and family, eating American food, showing some good recipes to my friends and family, (sukumawiki and ugali is included in that list) working at summer camp, (and seeing ALL my awesome camp family, days off, chipotle, ect!) going back to southern, being an RA and living with Lynzee and my friend Sophie in BIRCH 1 (newest SV building) and being in Rachel's wedding! I can't wait! :) Happy Sabbath peoples!
This past week went by so quickly. (they always do!) Nothing too exciting happened. I had a good time watching over Kyle and Caleb while Derek and Yani were enjoying Mombasa! AND I got to make some really good Cuban rice and beans thanks to Ashley's mom, Loida, for teaching me the recipe! :) skyped Lynzee one night, and Mom, Dad, Kristel, and Aunt Darney last night. It's always nice to see the faces of my family and talk to them for awhile. It's so hard to keep up with skyping sometimes because of the time difference, but I'm glad for what I can do.
Thursday afternoon was our last classes before long weekend. I'm working again this long weekend..so I went to staff worship for the first time ever on Friday morning (it's usually during classes at the elementary so we can never make it), I supervised on the "town trip" with the students at Galleria, I played piano, baked a cake, went to vespers, and came back to enjoy some company at the Raymond's house (and ate a lot of spice cake, tea, and noodles to fill me up) Today will be pretty chill. I'll be going to brunch here soon, then we're watching a movie for church, hanging out in the afternoon and who knows what I'll do tonight.
Anyway, nothing to interesting or profound this time. Just a little update to let you know what happened the last couple of days. A couple of things I'm really excited for: my sister in law, Julie, to have her baby, coming back home and seeing friends and family, eating American food, showing some good recipes to my friends and family, (sukumawiki and ugali is included in that list) working at summer camp, (and seeing ALL my awesome camp family, days off, chipotle, ect!) going back to southern, being an RA and living with Lynzee and my friend Sophie in BIRCH 1 (newest SV building) and being in Rachel's wedding! I can't wait! :) Happy Sabbath peoples!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Recent news
Today it rained big time!! It actually started last night. During the banquet it was raining and it continued to pour all through the night. This morning I didn't expect it to rain for some reason...but all day long there were thunderstorms and the students acted like they had never seen anything like it before. It was a bit ridiculous. OH, and with the rain comes termites! WOW. They were everywhere today! But, the good news is that we moved into the new classroom and it's nice because now I don't have to bother the how much noise the 7/8 graders make.
This past weekend, I went with some SM's on a impromptu camping trip. We packed up, and left with the white van Sabbath morning for Lake Naivsha! Once we got there, we ate lunch and explored around our campsite and Crater Lake. Crater Lake was pretty cool because it was up high and had a cool view. Unfortunately, I kept forgetting my coat and due to the rain I sit here typing with a drippy nose. :( After we got back to our campsite we made ramen noodles with FRICHIK and went to bed. (we kept getting attacked by mosquitos) The next morning we woke up for the beautiful sunrise, had noodles again for breakfast, went shopping for some cards, played some pool, drank some tea, and headed for Crescent Lake. Once we arrived there, we hiked around the island, chased wildebeast, took pictures with giraffes, no big deal. It was fun..but I kept getting thorns in my feet and I got a bit of a sunburn.
What a great trip!! I'm so glad that we decided to go...camping is fun and full of memories! :)
This past weekend, I went with some SM's on a impromptu camping trip. We packed up, and left with the white van Sabbath morning for Lake Naivsha! Once we got there, we ate lunch and explored around our campsite and Crater Lake. Crater Lake was pretty cool because it was up high and had a cool view. Unfortunately, I kept forgetting my coat and due to the rain I sit here typing with a drippy nose. :( After we got back to our campsite we made ramen noodles with FRICHIK and went to bed. (we kept getting attacked by mosquitos) The next morning we woke up for the beautiful sunrise, had noodles again for breakfast, went shopping for some cards, played some pool, drank some tea, and headed for Crescent Lake. Once we arrived there, we hiked around the island, chased wildebeast, took pictures with giraffes, no big deal. It was fun..but I kept getting thorns in my feet and I got a bit of a sunburn.
What a great trip!! I'm so glad that we decided to go...camping is fun and full of memories! :)
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Purpose
Sometimes I wonder how or why I am here at Maxwell. I think about what things would be like if I was at an orphanage or at a more remote area. I try to figure out why God sent me here. Being a teacher can be fun and rewarding, but lately it just seems overwhelming, tiring, exhausting, draining, and discouraging. However, God says that He has gone before us and will never leave nor forsake us. I've been listening to Casting Crowns a lot lately and I really really like their music. This song I just love. Check out this verse and then listen to the words of the song on this video! Whether it's school or a job or whatever situation you are in. Realize that God has a special plan for your life and that we have a greater purpose than just life on earth. Our goal is Heaven and our "concerns/problems" here on earth are only temporary. Don't be discouraged!
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” -Deuteronomy 31:8
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” -Deuteronomy 31:8
World Read Aloud Day-March 7, 2012
Here's a link to what some of my students had to say to the question: "What would the world be like if everyone could read?"
Thursday, February 23, 2012
3rd Quarter Midterm
So it's officially long weekend and I just finished eating fried tofu and some fried gluten!! So delicious! I really like cooking and baking..pretty sure it's my favorite pastime. (BUT NOT doing the dishes)
Anyway, I finished updating grades last night and taking care of school things and it's nice to be off. NOW, don't get me wrong..me being "off" doesn't mean too much. I still had a meeting with a parent about her son's grades and missing work. I'm going to be supervising this weekend through the form of being a dean. I get to do all that fun stuff like turning off the power, unlocking doors, and getting girls ready for church. And, since I'm the only one left from Spiritual Committee I get to run the videos for church/verspers--set up board games Saturday afternoon and who knows what else. BUT, it will be nice to get a little extra sleep and not have to teach classes.
I'm here taking on these responsibilities because I decided not to go on the famous school trip to Mt. Kenya. I decided this for a couple reasons, but there is a part of me that wishes I would have forced myself to go anyway. I decided I wouldn't go so that I could save time on Thursday afternoons when we would have the meetings and Sundays during the prep hikes. (I was able to sleep in and get LP's taken care of) I also decided that I would save money. Not only would I get some money back from the Mara trip, but I wouldn't have to spend money buying all the necessary items for my trip. It started to boil down to the fact that not going outweighed going. While I stay back on campus, I also told Hadassah I would help her with Zivah and Zahra since Richard will be gone. Those girls are just so adorable and I really miss being with little kids. (Like Logan and Connor!!!!)
In other news, I've been trying to take care of some things for Southern, like who I will room/house with..where I will work, ect. We'll see what turns out of it!!
Anyway, I'm hoping to get more sleep..and I think I should start that tonight.
Anyway, I finished updating grades last night and taking care of school things and it's nice to be off. NOW, don't get me wrong..me being "off" doesn't mean too much. I still had a meeting with a parent about her son's grades and missing work. I'm going to be supervising this weekend through the form of being a dean. I get to do all that fun stuff like turning off the power, unlocking doors, and getting girls ready for church. And, since I'm the only one left from Spiritual Committee I get to run the videos for church/verspers--set up board games Saturday afternoon and who knows what else. BUT, it will be nice to get a little extra sleep and not have to teach classes.
I'm here taking on these responsibilities because I decided not to go on the famous school trip to Mt. Kenya. I decided this for a couple reasons, but there is a part of me that wishes I would have forced myself to go anyway. I decided I wouldn't go so that I could save time on Thursday afternoons when we would have the meetings and Sundays during the prep hikes. (I was able to sleep in and get LP's taken care of) I also decided that I would save money. Not only would I get some money back from the Mara trip, but I wouldn't have to spend money buying all the necessary items for my trip. It started to boil down to the fact that not going outweighed going. While I stay back on campus, I also told Hadassah I would help her with Zivah and Zahra since Richard will be gone. Those girls are just so adorable and I really miss being with little kids. (Like Logan and Connor!!!!)
In other news, I've been trying to take care of some things for Southern, like who I will room/house with..where I will work, ect. We'll see what turns out of it!!
Anyway, I'm hoping to get more sleep..and I think I should start that tonight.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Sunday afternoons
Sunday is my only day to sleep in and sometimes I'm so tired from the week that I don't wake up till noon!!! It's so nice to get this sleep but then I feel like I loose time that I could be using to get work done. I actually did pretty good this week about getting lesson plans turned in and updating all my grades by Friday..but I never feel like I'm done. Since the last week of break I haven't been able to feel like there isn't sometime hanging over my head that I need to do. I feel really busy here all the time.
Lately I've been having to create notes for each lesson in Social Studies, and while this should help the students improve their grade..I'm not sure it does. Sometimes it can take me up to 1 1/2 hours to create these and I don't even feel like they appreciate it. Besides, who wants to learn about "Reform in Industrial America" when you live in Kenya?! Thankfully there are only 2 more lessons after tomorrow..but that only means that I have to find some new material from online to buy and make a part of the curriculum!
I've got some new things to try this week and lessons should go smoothly. I go back and forth between feeling great about my lessons and then just okay about them sometimes. Can't wait for Friday and for that feeling of knowing the week is over! Time sure does fly here. Can't even think about going home yet....what a weird feeling it will be!
I'm excited about getting this week and next week over with and going on a camping trip to see "wild dogs" the weekend that we are off. I've even calculated and there should be a "new moon" meaning that it will be a great opportunity to see some stars! I just love seeing the stars in the night sky because it is so beautiful and brings me to far off places. Although I thought seeing the stars here would remind me of home...I think that because I've gotten into constellations and star gazing here that when I'm home seeing stars will remind me of being in Africa.
Learning that new song on the piano is going well. I'm doing more but I still need a lot more practice. I always enjoyed playing the piano and I forgot what a good feeling it is once you learn sometime new! Can't wait to have the song down, but until then I need to keep practicing!
Lately I've been having to create notes for each lesson in Social Studies, and while this should help the students improve their grade..I'm not sure it does. Sometimes it can take me up to 1 1/2 hours to create these and I don't even feel like they appreciate it. Besides, who wants to learn about "Reform in Industrial America" when you live in Kenya?! Thankfully there are only 2 more lessons after tomorrow..but that only means that I have to find some new material from online to buy and make a part of the curriculum!
I've got some new things to try this week and lessons should go smoothly. I go back and forth between feeling great about my lessons and then just okay about them sometimes. Can't wait for Friday and for that feeling of knowing the week is over! Time sure does fly here. Can't even think about going home yet....what a weird feeling it will be!
I'm excited about getting this week and next week over with and going on a camping trip to see "wild dogs" the weekend that we are off. I've even calculated and there should be a "new moon" meaning that it will be a great opportunity to see some stars! I just love seeing the stars in the night sky because it is so beautiful and brings me to far off places. Although I thought seeing the stars here would remind me of home...I think that because I've gotten into constellations and star gazing here that when I'm home seeing stars will remind me of being in Africa.
Learning that new song on the piano is going well. I'm doing more but I still need a lot more practice. I always enjoyed playing the piano and I forgot what a good feeling it is once you learn sometime new! Can't wait to have the song down, but until then I need to keep practicing!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Back to school
So, it's the second week back to school!! I can't believe it!! Nothing too eventful happened last week except I was off last weekend and it was nice to get a break and relax around campus!!! This week is already flying by as it is Wednesday night! Yesterday on our town day the SM's went to this Ostrich Farm and got to ride an Ostrich for 500 shillings!! (A little more than a dollar) Anyway, it was really nerve racking and really fun!! Before we left we had a goodbye meal for Frank and his wife and it was so nice to spend time with them. (He started sitting with us in the cafe and his wife and him work at the ECD)
Oh, i started learning how to play this beautiful song on the piano!! I just love it!! Here's the link to it...I'm probably about a minute into the song.. but enjoy http://youtu.be/GTkzyyv0DuA.
Today I taught PE and had the students do some races to practice their running..but I feel pretty tired out myself only doing 2 small races! Gotta get busy with school stuff...it feels like that's all I ever do these days!! :(
So, the documentary part 2 came out..it's really cool! I'll have to add links later!
I've been enjoying my hammock more lately and it's nice to relax in it!! :)
Gotta get busy..only 1 1/2 more days of teaching left till the weekend!
Oh, i started learning how to play this beautiful song on the piano!! I just love it!! Here's the link to it...I'm probably about a minute into the song.. but enjoy http://youtu.be/GTkzyyv0DuA.
Today I taught PE and had the students do some races to practice their running..but I feel pretty tired out myself only doing 2 small races! Gotta get busy with school stuff...it feels like that's all I ever do these days!! :(
So, the documentary part 2 came out..it's really cool! I'll have to add links later!
I've been enjoying my hammock more lately and it's nice to relax in it!! :)
Gotta get busy..only 1 1/2 more days of teaching left till the weekend!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
"Therefore we do not loose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For out light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." -2 Corinthians 4:16-18
It is getting to be about that time where I'm feeling drained and unmotivated. Problem is...I've just had a nice and long 5 1/2 week Christmas break. Other problem is..school starts Tuesday. Last problem..I'm not ready yet because I haven't done many lesson plans. I do not want to loose heart, but sometimes I really feel like I'm wasting away. (Outwardly and inwardly) I feel like I'm getting burned out. I want to be renewed day by day, but sometimes it's very hard to do. Sometimes trusting in God can be a lot harder than it should be. Why would my ways EVER be better than God's ways. The fact is that they can never be close to being better than His ways, but the truth is that I continually trust in myself before I trust in God. I think I can make it on my own and that is my mistake. These troubles are temporary and God's kingdom is eternal.
I want my momentary troubles to lead me to God and to fix my eyes on the unseen prize. I want all my efforts to lead me to God and an eternal life with Him. I want to be a genuine, caring, selfless daughter of God.
It is getting to be about that time where I'm feeling drained and unmotivated. Problem is...I've just had a nice and long 5 1/2 week Christmas break. Other problem is..school starts Tuesday. Last problem..I'm not ready yet because I haven't done many lesson plans. I do not want to loose heart, but sometimes I really feel like I'm wasting away. (Outwardly and inwardly) I feel like I'm getting burned out. I want to be renewed day by day, but sometimes it's very hard to do. Sometimes trusting in God can be a lot harder than it should be. Why would my ways EVER be better than God's ways. The fact is that they can never be close to being better than His ways, but the truth is that I continually trust in myself before I trust in God. I think I can make it on my own and that is my mistake. These troubles are temporary and God's kingdom is eternal.
I want my momentary troubles to lead me to God and to fix my eyes on the unseen prize. I want all my efforts to lead me to God and an eternal life with Him. I want to be a genuine, caring, selfless daughter of God.
Monday, January 9, 2012
I've really been enjoying Christmas Break!!! I was able to have a great time with Amy while she was visiting!! My family gave me tons of stuff and I am so happy!!! While Amy was here we took a camping trip to the Maasai Mara, Hell's Gate (the inspiration of Lion King) Mombasa (took an overnight train to the beach-Indian Ocean) and afterwards I went to Amboseli where I was able to see Mt. Kilimanjaro!
The Mara was really fun and I always enjoy seeing the animals there! At night we made a little fire and I walked around a little bit for a good place to see the stars. IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL! Oh, and I got attacked by safari ants a couple times so Amy and I decided to sleep in "da beast." On Christmas day we spent time safariing around and I was even able to drive "da beast." Well, anyway, we had an exciting trip back and only got stuck while on safari once! When we got back to the house late at night the other SM's and their family were having a Christmas party with yummy snacks and some games. (Although I was too tired and fell asleep on the couch) Oh, but then I woke up and called my family briefly and Katie Mac!! It was nice to hear from them!
A day or so later the Raymonds, Amy, Eric, and I took a trip to Hell's Gate! It wasn't really too far away and I was able to get in for residents rate. (DESPITE STILL NOT HAVING MY WORKERS PERMIT-but that is another story) So when we got there we hiked around in the Gorge for awhile. It was pretty fun climbing up some rocks and through the water. At first I wanted to try not to get my shoes wet, but then after awhile I was just walking around in the puddles of water. Caleb and I walked around for a bit and it was pretty fun talking to him. Towards the end of the walk I saw some maasai children but was able to talk to them a little bit in swahili! That was cool.
The next trip was to Mombasa-that's the beach on the coast! We left friday evening (almost 4 hours LATE from the train station) Once we got on the train we quickly ate dinner. It was quite an experience walking through the hallways of the train, like 5 cars down, to the dinner place. The food wasn't all that good but I feel like that's expected. This was the first time I'd ever been on an overnight train and it was pretty fun! OH, and I also saw the Big Dipper (really cool cause I've never seen that here yet) Baobab trees (the really fat ones) and I THINK I saw lion eyes..not exactly sure. Then, the next morning I got to see the sunrise. This was the BEST one I've EVER seen. The sun was BIG and RED! Too bad there are no pictures to share. I was really tired afterwards so I went back to bed. I was really happy that I was able to sleep for pretty much the rest of the way there. BUT, it was extremely HOT on the train. I felt all nasty and crusty when we arrived. Once we got to Mombasa we then took like a two hour matatu ride to Watamu. That is the Adventist Resort that we stayed at the whole time. Anyway, we were greeted with nice cool towels and cold fruit juice. Amy and I quickly changed into our swim suits and went to the beach before dinner. The whole day I didn't even realize that it was New Year's Eve!!! But, we had a good dinner (with delicious veggie meat) and then we went back to the rooms and played Monopoly Deal--a really fun card game that we've been playing a bunch over Christmas Break. New Years wasn't as big of deal like it is in the US, but we all stayed up and wished each other a Happy New Year and watch this burning thing the hotel next door had. The next day I went out to the beach and snorkeled a little bit and swam at the pool. We had a pretty good lunch and then I realized how burned I was and stayed inside. Although I had put on 50 spf in the morning..I forgot to keep reapplying it. I was so burned that I stayed inside all the next day with the exception of going out to get pizza and gelato for lunch. The beach was really beautiful and the sand was very soft and felt good on your feet. It was also really nice to see the stars on the beach at night. The last night we all went out to this restaurant which was a lot of fun. (Despite getting eaten ALIVE) The next morning that we left was so long. We decided to ride back in the vans which was bumpy and long, but I did get to sleep a lot of the way which was very nice.
The last place we went to was Amboseli. This is a National Park known for Elephants and seeing Mt. Kili. It was a long, hot, bumpy ride--but this is nothing new. Seriously I was burning up. We saw tons of elephants though. Like 50+ in one area! And some of the males were fighting which was quite a sight. Oh and the worst part is that I had to pay visitors rate which was $80! But, we still had a fun time.
It's been really nice being back and getting a chance to relax a little bit. Saturday we had a big potluck at my house. Then we went to Ngong Hills and had pizza at the Raymonds for dinner. Pizza at their house is ALWAYS TO DIE FOR! Afterwards we watched Courageous which was a very very good movie. Sunday, we had a good breakfast at Java House, went to New Life Missions Orphanage (AMAZING) to the Glass Factory, to Karen (a town where I bought some great roses for 100 shillings and had some delicious mint chocolate gelato) and ate Italian for dinner. The food there is very good--but don't go there if you are starving or in a hurry!
Anyway, this is SO LONG and I'm getting ready to relax. haha. Idk, I guess maybe I'm still tired. Tomorrow I should be going to get a pedicure so I'm really excited. I'll post more pictures later!
The Mara was really fun and I always enjoy seeing the animals there! At night we made a little fire and I walked around a little bit for a good place to see the stars. IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL! Oh, and I got attacked by safari ants a couple times so Amy and I decided to sleep in "da beast." On Christmas day we spent time safariing around and I was even able to drive "da beast." Well, anyway, we had an exciting trip back and only got stuck while on safari once! When we got back to the house late at night the other SM's and their family were having a Christmas party with yummy snacks and some games. (Although I was too tired and fell asleep on the couch) Oh, but then I woke up and called my family briefly and Katie Mac!! It was nice to hear from them!
A day or so later the Raymonds, Amy, Eric, and I took a trip to Hell's Gate! It wasn't really too far away and I was able to get in for residents rate. (DESPITE STILL NOT HAVING MY WORKERS PERMIT-but that is another story) So when we got there we hiked around in the Gorge for awhile. It was pretty fun climbing up some rocks and through the water. At first I wanted to try not to get my shoes wet, but then after awhile I was just walking around in the puddles of water. Caleb and I walked around for a bit and it was pretty fun talking to him. Towards the end of the walk I saw some maasai children but was able to talk to them a little bit in swahili! That was cool.
The next trip was to Mombasa-that's the beach on the coast! We left friday evening (almost 4 hours LATE from the train station) Once we got on the train we quickly ate dinner. It was quite an experience walking through the hallways of the train, like 5 cars down, to the dinner place. The food wasn't all that good but I feel like that's expected. This was the first time I'd ever been on an overnight train and it was pretty fun! OH, and I also saw the Big Dipper (really cool cause I've never seen that here yet) Baobab trees (the really fat ones) and I THINK I saw lion eyes..not exactly sure. Then, the next morning I got to see the sunrise. This was the BEST one I've EVER seen. The sun was BIG and RED! Too bad there are no pictures to share. I was really tired afterwards so I went back to bed. I was really happy that I was able to sleep for pretty much the rest of the way there. BUT, it was extremely HOT on the train. I felt all nasty and crusty when we arrived. Once we got to Mombasa we then took like a two hour matatu ride to Watamu. That is the Adventist Resort that we stayed at the whole time. Anyway, we were greeted with nice cool towels and cold fruit juice. Amy and I quickly changed into our swim suits and went to the beach before dinner. The whole day I didn't even realize that it was New Year's Eve!!! But, we had a good dinner (with delicious veggie meat) and then we went back to the rooms and played Monopoly Deal--a really fun card game that we've been playing a bunch over Christmas Break. New Years wasn't as big of deal like it is in the US, but we all stayed up and wished each other a Happy New Year and watch this burning thing the hotel next door had. The next day I went out to the beach and snorkeled a little bit and swam at the pool. We had a pretty good lunch and then I realized how burned I was and stayed inside. Although I had put on 50 spf in the morning..I forgot to keep reapplying it. I was so burned that I stayed inside all the next day with the exception of going out to get pizza and gelato for lunch. The beach was really beautiful and the sand was very soft and felt good on your feet. It was also really nice to see the stars on the beach at night. The last night we all went out to this restaurant which was a lot of fun. (Despite getting eaten ALIVE) The next morning that we left was so long. We decided to ride back in the vans which was bumpy and long, but I did get to sleep a lot of the way which was very nice.
The last place we went to was Amboseli. This is a National Park known for Elephants and seeing Mt. Kili. It was a long, hot, bumpy ride--but this is nothing new. Seriously I was burning up. We saw tons of elephants though. Like 50+ in one area! And some of the males were fighting which was quite a sight. Oh and the worst part is that I had to pay visitors rate which was $80! But, we still had a fun time.
It's been really nice being back and getting a chance to relax a little bit. Saturday we had a big potluck at my house. Then we went to Ngong Hills and had pizza at the Raymonds for dinner. Pizza at their house is ALWAYS TO DIE FOR! Afterwards we watched Courageous which was a very very good movie. Sunday, we had a good breakfast at Java House, went to New Life Missions Orphanage (AMAZING) to the Glass Factory, to Karen (a town where I bought some great roses for 100 shillings and had some delicious mint chocolate gelato) and ate Italian for dinner. The food there is very good--but don't go there if you are starving or in a hurry!
Anyway, this is SO LONG and I'm getting ready to relax. haha. Idk, I guess maybe I'm still tired. Tomorrow I should be going to get a pedicure so I'm really excited. I'll post more pictures later!
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| A HUGE thank you to all who bought stuff for me!! :) |
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| In our tent at the Mara before we choose to spend the night in "da beast" |
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| I got many hippopotamuses for Christmas! |
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| We made it out alive! |
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| My favorite animal here in Africa! |
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| Tanzanian/Kenyan boarder with Amy <3 |
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| No big deal |
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| The 50+ elephants at Amboseli |
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| Sunset at Amboseli |
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| Waxing Gibbous--I need to get a better lens and tripod but lens credit goes to Eric |
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