My Trip to Kenya - First Leg

It's been over a month since I've entered a blog and so much has happened.  I've been to Narok and back and am just now feeling like I'm rested from my visit to my family in Kenya.

I was to leave Mar. 25 and because of a late plane and no other flight to get me on I was bumped one day and actually left on Mar. 26 at 11:35 am.  Needless to say I wasn't happy about the delay but all worked out in that the two long flights, United upgraded me to the "Comfort Plus" seats which were great and I was sitting by some really nice people so it made it worth it.  My family in Narok were able to change their plans to pick me up one day later in Nairobi. 

Upon arriving in Nairobi finally on Mar. 27 8:40 pm, it was a welcome sight to wave at my beautiful daughter waiting for me on the other side of customs.  Getting the three bags I had checked in took forever it seemed.  Once I got them and through Customs (which wasn't bad), I finally was able to hug my daughter and get on our way to our room for the night.  Upon arrival there, we both snuggled in for a good night's sleep at 10:30 pm.  I was ready for some sleep.

The next morning after a nice breakfast and coffee in our room, we left with our taxi driver, Peter, and made our way to our first stop, a beauty shop where Danielle has an appointment to get her hair cut.  Her new cut is really nice and easy to take care of; it seemed quite short, but as Danielle said, "It'll grow back fast".   We then went to the Health Center where she had her Prenatal labs drawn.  After that, we went to the Westgate Mall where she had to do a little shopping and then we ate at the Sub Zone (Subway Kenyan style) and dessert at the Planet Yogurt, yummy!  Danielle had a ultrasound scheduled but because of her getting money at ATM and time she got back to doc for ultrasound, he was at lunch and she would have to wait for 2 hours and she said, 'forget it, we're heading back to Narok."  Narok was 2 1/2 hours away and we were ready to head home and so we did.

Getting ready to visit Narok!

Man, I can't believe it's been over a month since I've blogged.  This past month I've been busy buying items my kids want or need in Kenya.  This past weekend I started actually packing the footlocker and large suitcase to take to them; boy was that fun.  I will probably repack several items before I'm sure I'm under 50 pounds weight on each item.  I just don't want my carryon and back pack to be loaded down. 

I'm very excited to be leaving on the 25th for my visit with my family.  Even though I'll be gone 2 1/2 weeks, I will only actually be there for two weeks by the time I get to their house.  Danielle is coming to Nairobi to pick me up.  I arrive lat on the 26th and then she has an appointment on the next morning so it will be about noon before we begin the 2 hour trip to their home.  What a joy that will be when I can physically hug and kiss my sweet grandchildren.

Random thoughts - grandchildren and my health

My family in Narok have a blog that they update from time to time on what they're doing, what's happening in their daily lives and just telling things or sharing pictures of the children which I love to read and see!  My daughter placed an update on their blog today about the children, telling what they are doing and how they are growing.  I skype with them often and even looking at the children or talking with them, I can see they are growing; physically and emotionally.  I look forward to seeing them the end of March and getting to play, read, and do whatever they want (within reason, ha!). 

I have been told by my daughter that I need to begin walking more so that when I arrive there, walking everywhere will be easier for me.  I have started to log my exercise (which is mostly walking) and my foods daily so I can be accountable for these things.  I know I need to lose some weight, so why now start now for two reasons, my health and so I'll feel better in Narok.  I may be 60, but I hope the Lord will keep me here for a good time longer so I may watch my grandchildren grow, my three in Narok and Kylie in Texas.

I enjoy blogging my thoughts from time to time and reading over them periodically.  I hope others enjoy as well and feel free to comment. 

Mailing Time

Okay, so I put together some fun things for the family packed tightly in a box that weighed 9 pounds and mailed it on Dec. 1, knowing it wouldn't get to Narok by Christmas but hoping it would get there sometime around then.  The first of January I was informed it sometimes takes 2 months to receive packages; so we just continued to wait and see when they would get the package.  I was just informed that the package arrived finally.  Now I just hope all items mailed are still in the box.  When one sends a 9 pound box and it cost $61; you just pray it makes it there intact and all contents inside.  I'm so excited that they received it and also found out they received a jiffy pack I had mailed Jan. 13th.  Strange on the time it takes, doesn't make a whole lot of sense.  But once something leaves the USA, it's out of one's hands.  You better believe I'm taking things to them in March knowing it will get there in timely manner, ha!

Missing my children

Okay, my family has been abroad in Narok for five months now.  This Nana was one that always saw my family every three months.  I remember Kevin asking me one time, "So Dee, when we move overseas, are you going to come see us every three months?"  I remember thinking at the time, 'Boy, wouldn't it be great if I could visit that often?',  knowing in my mind that that wasn't going to happen.

Well, when Fosters moved overseas, I had it in my mind that I probably wouldn't see them for thirteen months.  Skype has been great getting to see my family more often than I thought I would get too; and the connection for the most part is pretty good.  However, it's just not the same as loving on them and getting to read to them all the time and playing games with them.  I miss loving on them! 

Danielle recently asked me if I could come in March or April which really surprised me.  I really thought I'd be going in Sept. sometime but maybe being able to go much sooner would be great.  So now I'm looking at the possibility of going the end of March and staying for 2 1/2 weeks.  The flights at that time are pretty good, so I need to decide soon if I will make the trip then.  I must say I would love to go sooner than later to see my precious family. 

We love our children, God loves them more!

Knowing when my daughter married and they both had a passion for missions, it would only be a matter of time before we knew God would send them somewhere, we just weren't sure where at first.  Taking several mission trips abroad, God finally spoke in their hearts to serve in Kenya; in Narok with a group called AfricaHope. AfricaHope is established in Narok and work with the Maasai people.  They help the Maasai to have better health for their children, along with better crops and opportunity for education. AfricaHope wishes to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and change lives through truth and hope. My son in law, Kevin, will be working alongside AfricaHope in the rural areas of Narok; and my daughter, Danielle's main task is tending to schooling five year old Eleanor and three year old John.  They also have a sweet 20 month old Madelyn. Danielle will also help with education to the people of Kenya. 

Our family left the states in September, 2011 and will be living and working in Narok for a three year term. We love them and support what God has lead them to do and pray for his watchful eye over our sweet family.

I truly believe the following scripture: "Love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold fast to him and serve Him with all your heart and all your soul." Joshua 22:5  This scripture gives us all something to think and work toward in our lives!