Let’s start first with Aidan, since I know many of you were so faithfully praying: We got a wonderful missionary friend here (from Amani) and her doctor who worked with us all through last night and today, along with our property caretaker (Stanley) who has been wonderful to us the whole time while here – he ran out to the pharmacist last night to get the antibiotic and brought it to us. (we don’t have transport here, and depend on either him, Samuel or our good friend Nik (in ministry w/Samuel) to take us everywhere)
So it was a rough night last night, but Rebecca tended to Aidan to get his fever progressively down. He and Rebecca unfortunately had to stay home from today’s happenings, but it was definitely the best call, since Aidan is much better as of this evening – but still not totally out of the woods yet. So we continue to appreciate and encourage your prayers.
So early this morning, running on 2-3 hours sleep, Tom got up, roused Isi and Sarayah, since today was Safari day! But we had to head out at the break of dawn to arrive at the national wildlife park early enough to catch the animals while they’re out and about in the early hours of the day before the sun gets hot.
We really enjoyed it, even though we certainly missed Rebecca and Aidan a ton. But we sent pictures and videos throughout the day to them, and Pastor and many in his family who came along (his wife, Pamela, his sons Emmanuel and Peter, and his grandson, Kingsley) encouraged Aidan tonight when we got home. (more to come later on this)
So back to the safari: It was fantastic! You couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather. The ministry van did great as well, considering it’s rear wheel drive and most vehicles on the safari park grounds are large SUVs, having AWD and well retrofitted specifically for safari adventures. However, the ministry van does have a pop up roof for viewing, and we have Nik, our fearless driver, who did phenomenal, even on some tough roads.
We saw giraffes, water buffalo, ostriches, antelope, gazelles, and many more – but two of the team’s favorites included the hippos, and of course, the lions! We saw 5 lions, in fact – usually we’re lucky to see 1 or 2. One even got right up next to the van. Rebecca and I have been on safari before (Aidan too, although he was only 6 at the time), but this was Israel and Sarayah’s first time, which was very fun. The views of the landscape, both the flatlands and the mountains in the background, were majestic; and seeing the cityscape in the background in some scenes is quite the unique juxtaposition.
After the safari park, we went over the giraffe center – a typical stop for us each trip to take new people we take on mission trips – since it’s just so darn fun. You get to feed the giraffes, up close and personal! Loads of fun, I could tell you more, but my typing is already getting lengthy tonight, and I’ll try to let the pictures or videos do the talking.
Last couple items to note: We came home and I (Tom) wanted to treat the team to a nice dinner, so we stopped at a nice restaurant called CJ’s. Everyone seemed to enjoy their dishes very much, and we had great conversations.
Then we got “back to the ranch” as they say, and Aidan was feeling well enough to come down while we had Kenyan tea and coffee in our house with everyone. Pastor Samuel and his kids encouraged Aidan and shared how the whole church had been praying in teams overnight for him. We felt so blessed, and I know he did, especially.
We wrapped up after about an hour of fellowship by sending pastor Samuel and his family off and Nik off to his wife and kids – since all of them needed rest, and both of them have respective pastoral duties tomorrow at their churches. We left in prayer and encouragement to one another, all founded in what the Lord is doing in our families, in our lives, and in these various connected ministries.
Working to get all of us to bed early(er/ish) tonight, since we all desperately need it, and we want to be fresh for tomorrow. It’s a big celebration at church tomorrow, for a number of reasons, and it’s our last Sunday here. (we fly out Monday night)
Last thing I’ll ask before closing: Please pray for what I’ll share (or not) tomorrow. (it’s very flexible here – but I’ve been given another opportunity to share a message and/or testimony) I want to leave an encouraging word to the entire church body. They are such a treat for us to be in ministry with – and we always talk of the church body here in Kenya and our local body that is so amazing, Calvary Chapel Ellicott City, back at home in the States.
Good night everyone, and for your prayers (for Aidan and everything happening here), we say “thank you very much” – or “asante sana!”
-Tom (and speaking on behalf of my wonderful wife, Rebecca)
