Africa is famous for their incredible animals. Some of them we get to see in zoos in the US, but that is not the same as seeing them in their natural habitat. Today we had the privilege of touring an amazing place called Crescent Island. This was the site of the filming of a movie, Out of Africa, and at the end of filming the animals they brought in were left on the island. Today it is a park you can walk through to see the animals up close in their natural habitat, and all mixed together.
Since we are all about relationships, we seized the opportunity to bring the children and staff from Beat the Drum along with us. We met them at the boat launch, and the children were so excited for their field trip! We split into groups of 7, and took the small boats over to Crescent Island. Along the way we saw so many hippos!! Most were asleep and our guides made sure not to get too close.
On the island we had a park ranger named Nicholas as our tour guide. He helped keep us safe and was a wealth of knowledge about all the animals. Ostriches greeted us before we were in the gate. Zebras, monkeys, impalas, gazelle, wildebeest, giraffes, and so many birds were around for us to see. We heard about pythons and hyenas, but thankfully only saw a snake skin.
The children were a joy to be with. Full of questions and as excited as we were to spot animals. Most of them would find a team member’s hand to hold as we looked around. When Christa asked Priscilla what she was thinking she said, “This is a long awaited day.” Another friend said, “We can really tell how much you love us.” In the struggle to build relationships across countries, this comment might have meant the most to me. We truly do love them and want to express that love in the best way for us both without hurting them.
Tomorrow we leave for Lodwar, Turkana. Please pray for us as we try to show love to another group of people, and we don’t speak their language. The Lord will provide.
Since we are all about relationships, we seized the opportunity to bring the children and staff from Beat the Drum along with us. We met them at the boat launch, and the children were so excited for their field trip! We split into groups of 7, and took the small boats over to Crescent Island. Along the way we saw so many hippos!! Most were asleep and our guides made sure not to get too close.
On the island we had a park ranger named Nicholas as our tour guide. He helped keep us safe and was a wealth of knowledge about all the animals. Ostriches greeted us before we were in the gate. Zebras, monkeys, impalas, gazelle, wildebeest, giraffes, and so many birds were around for us to see. We heard about pythons and hyenas, but thankfully only saw a snake skin.
The children were a joy to be with. Full of questions and as excited as we were to spot animals. Most of them would find a team member’s hand to hold as we looked around. When Christa asked Priscilla what she was thinking she said, “This is a long awaited day.” Another friend said, “We can really tell how much you love us.” In the struggle to build relationships across countries, this comment might have meant the most to me. We truly do love them and want to express that love in the best way for us both without hurting them.
Tomorrow we leave for Lodwar, Turkana. Please pray for us as we try to show love to another group of people, and we don’t speak their language. The Lord will provide.