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Saturday, 10 July 2010 21:42 |
Day 7
I can't believe we leave for home tomorrow...
This is going to be short bc I am tired, but here is our day...
Some woke up & Safaried at 6:30 this morning. I did not, bc I was out until almost midnight on a night safari and saw 2 female lions with 2 cubs, they got within about 10 feet of our vehicle. It was amazing!!! We loaded up & left for Nairobi at 9:30. On our way we made 3 stops, the first at The Presbyterian Church of East Africa's special place for women, began in 1977 where they teach the single mothers to spin & weave their own wool to sell to make a living for themselves. The second place was at the Equator where we took some pictures, watched water drain clockwise, counter clockwise & straight down depending upon where you were at in relation to the equator & we were accosted by the shop owners who were not happy with us at all bc we didn't stop to shop. Finally we stopped at a restaurant called Hotel Starbucks, I asked our driver if they had good coffee...I don't think he got my joke.
When we finally arrived in Nairobi we went directly to the Hope Center & one of the slums. As they led us through just a few blocks of the slums my heart was completely heart broken. I am still working through my emotions as well as the rest of the group. This was poverty like nothing we saw in Mombasa, complete & total filth as a river of sewage ran through the area. My words could never do it justice what we experienced, I am sitting here attempting to come up with the words to say & I simply cannot. The Hope Center is a true beacon of light in a very dark area. It began in 2002 by World Hope & Shawn Koonce helped start it. It is truly amazing what has been done here in the past 8 years. I had NO idea what it was until we got there, but it is incredible all that they are accomplishing.
Finally, we went to Java House and for a few minutes forgot I was in Kenya bc this restaurant was so American in style & menu. The food was great but we all kept asking ourselves, "How can this upscale restaurant be literally walking distance from the slums?" Complete desperation & unashamed lavishness juxtaposed right next to each other.
I can't believe we head home tomorrow. I am so excited to see Nikki and my girls. I am sad to be leaving Kenya and the people here. I am hopeful as to what we can continue to do to make a greater impact. Once again I say Asante, thank you for your continued prayers & support. |
