The Journey

After our much needed leisure day in Mombasa, we travelled 8 hours via extremely bumpy gravel roads to Amboseli National Park for a safari! Our drivers call the bumpy roads "a free massage." The trip was uneventful but full of moments that will forever be in our memories. At one point we wiped our faces with wipes and were horrified of how dirty the wipes were. The dust was unbearable at times.
We made several friends throughout the drive. Children love waving and calling out to us as we drive by. They spot us from a mile away.
We saw several animals on the way and gorgeous scenery. Pictures do not do this place justice.
Giraffes, zebras, cows, goats, elephants, and there's a...bird oh my!
We arrived at Amboseli around 1600. Cheetahs greeted us shortly after we entered the park. Josiah was pumped because he's been to Africa four times and has never seen a cheetah.
We watched two cheetahs stalk a very brave and confident gazelle for quite awhile. They must have had a big breakfast because they did not execute the mission we were all patiently waiting for.

We  drove around for around 2 hours and saw....
Wildebeests
Gazelles
Monkeys
Cheetahs
Elephants
Zebras
Warthogs
Secretarybirds
Crown crested cranes
Ibis birds
Bustard birds

....to name a few.

Our drivers are amazing and very knowledgable about the animals. We ask A LOT of questions; they have the patience of saints. They are able to teach  us about every animal we see. Simon and David have been with us from day one and are two of the kindest human beings on the planet. We are certain that gentler souls do not exist. It will be hard to say goodbye to our new friends.

We were also able to see the base of Mount Kilimanjaro several kilometers from our destination.  We were hoping, praying, and crossing everything we could  so we would be able to see the summit while on the safari. It is often called the 'shy mountain' because it clothes its peak with clouds. As we were on the safari, Mama Julie mentioned that she thought she spotted the peak. Apparently we are all mountain experts because we quickly corrected her telling her that was definitely not the peak.
A few minutes later, the clouds parted and revealed a large portion of the peak. Mama Julie, please forgive us for doubting you :)

We were all in awe of the beauty of the land and the ability to see animals  (that we only see on TV or magazines or internet) in their natural habitat.

At Serena lodge, we met up with the Tanzania team. We were able to enjoy a hot shower (something we have not experienced in 9 days) and had an amazing dinner.

A few of us played a  card game of  Pick and had a blast. Not that we are keeping track...but, Kenya team 2 Tanzania team 1.

Tomorrow we are off to another safari at 0600 followed by breakfast and a visit with the Maasai tribe that lives off the land in the park.

Our journey is coming to an end. A sign of a great trip is when we refuse to talk about going back to reality. Of course we want to see our loved ones, but we would love to spend more time on this beautiful continent.

Reflecting on our experience here, we have discussed the importance of not taking anything in life for granted, the importance of serving others, and doing whatever we can to make the world a better place. We have witnessed firsthand how small acts of kindness can truly make a difference.

On behalf of Josiah, Robb, Beth, Andrea, Rachel, Corrine, and Jen, thank you all for your support, prayers, understanding, and love. I am certain that we will all return to Africa someday and we will remain friends for life.

Tomorrow we will leave African soil and return to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The memories we have made and people we have met will forever be in our hearts. We are all truly grateful for this opportunity to work with Hope Without Borders. Lance and Julie are the most selfless, loving, and caring people on the planet.

 Kwaheri kwa sasa

Marci 

We have awesome pictures to share. We will post them tomorrow!