Did I tell you it is winter here in Kenya? The temperature has fluctuated between 82 and 85 degrees and the Africans are freezing. Mommas have their babies wearing winter caps with ear coverings. Gas station attendants, fueling our car with petrol, are wearing three layers of shirts, a down coat and a winter hat. And when stranded in traffic, men come up to the car selling sunglasses, maps AND winter gloves. Now, I know what a native Colorado resident thinks when he sees a Texan spring skiing in a ski bib. "What? You think this is cold? This is t-shirt weather!" exclaims the snowboarders. I feel the same here in Africa. I suppose it is all boils down to what you are used to.
On Wednesday morning before the African sun peaked on the horizon, we packed the "boot" or trunk and headed for the East Coast of Africa. By 2:00 in the afternoon we arrived safely at Nyali Beach off the coast of Mombasa. Micah and Kaden needed a place to run and play and Paul and I neeeded an emotional break. Let me explain.
Because our skin is white, most people wrongfully assume that we are wealthy Americans with deep pockets and a bank account reflecting many digits. So people of all ages, with all types of personal and organizational needs do not hesitate to ask us for financial help. On a daily basis, for four weeks straight, we have been asked to give money to those in need. So, to a limited extent, I can now relate to the pressure wealthy people experience when they are continually asked and expected to donate to every charitable cause.
Let me be real transparent. I have been in need and I have asked for assistance. I understand desperation, especially when it involves my children and I do not judge the people asking us for help. Paul and I have been abundantly blessed by our family, friends and TCA and we want to give. So, when we are asked, we help as much as we are able and we always encourage the people to seek God as their source. We tell them, "I will help you but my ability to help is limited. While this is all I can do, I will pray with you. I will ask God for His provision and blessings on your life."
I tell you the truth, Paul and I are walking out the encouragement we are giving. On January 8th, Paul was laid off from Merck Pharmaceuticals and he has been relentlessly sending resumes, applying for jobs and interviewing but nothing has opened up. So our coming to Africa and giving of what we don't have has been a journey of faith; trusting our Heavenly Father to provide for us everything we need for life both now and when we return. The Lord has been so faithful. If you helped make this trip possible, it was the Lord that encouraged you to do so AND I believe your obedience will be rewarded. May God bless you with His extravagant love!
Ok, if you are still with me you must be wondering, "How in the world did Danielle start with winter in Kenya, travel to Mombasa and then end up here?" I admit that was a wild rabbit. So, as I was saying, Paul and I needed an emotional break and Micah and Kaden room to run.
The idea of having "room to run" I took from Micah. Our second afternoon in Mombasa Micah said, "Mom, can we please stay one more day? We can run here." At our apartment in Nairobi, the boys do not have room to run or grass to wrestle in. Thank you Jenn Montgomery for taking care of our house, dogs and lawn. When Micah and Kaden return, they will be ready to play. So come one come all! If you have boys who like to ride bikes, wrestle on the trampoline, run barefoot through the grass, play baseball and soccer, ride wave boards or any other heart pumping activity you are welcome at our house.
Nyali Beach in Mombasa was a lot of fun. The boys enjoyed it so much we ended up staying three days. Micah and Kaden were very fortunate to have a lot of first time experiences. Together they sailed on a catamaran, rode on a camel, drank coconut juice and Micah, because he is 10 yrs old, was able to take an introductory bubble maker scuba diving lesson. Paul had the opportunity to take a shallow water dive in the Mombasa Marine Park and I took lots of pictures and slept like a baby.
