R&R at the Mara

This guy expressed how we felt once we hit the Mara. Ahhh...so nice...


Our place was spectacular! Phil did an awesome job booking it. We went with a christian company that we highly recommend called ACTS (African Christian Tours and Safari.)


So we kicked back out feet, relaxed, and enjoyed the view for a few days.

More photos on their way...

Warming them up...

Everyone was excited about going on a safari in Kenya, but we thought they could use a buffer between the States and the Wild so we took them on a little nature walk in Nairobi.


Apparently, they were more prepared for the wild than we thought because before we knew it, they were petting the cheetahs and loving it. Crazy ladies!!



We really did have so much fun! More to follow...

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

My Dad and I share a birthday. We also share a bit in personality. Just for the record...he did it first. This is us at the Giraffe Park in Kenya when they were in Africa with us. Fun times!!

I love you, Dad!

Engaged!!

Paris. Eiffel Tower. The man of my dreams.

Does it really get any better than that?

Not in my storybook.

It was perfect!

Thank you, my love!!!

In the meantime...

While you're waiting for more photos of the family visit, I want to show you this great video/sermon. It was filmed here with our SP Uganda team just two weeks ago. It shows the work God is doing in Uganda through Samaritan's Purse. Enjoy!

http://www.elevationchurch.org/sermons

our Loved Ones came

Where to begin?

Thank you, Lord - for bringing our families together - in Africa.

This long pause is finally broken. I have so much to tell you. I'll need to do this in segments, so please bare with me.

Earlier this month, Phil and I were blessed with a visit from our parents. Three sets. None of whom had been to Africa. Mine never having been across the Atlantic. Exciting to say the least. We are still amazed and grateful that everyone was willing and able to come - at the same time. This could only be God.

So here we are...outside of Phil's office in Nairobi on a warm, sunny day. An answer to so many prayers.

(Phil and I, Buzz and Linda, LaNea and Steve, Lynne and Tim)

Everyone arrived safely. Bags intact - all 20 of them - seriously. Though we were happiest just having them "with us", they came bearing gifts. They blessed us and almost the entirety of Kenya and Uganda - such generous hearts. Thanks again!!

Here's a picture of us SO happy to see LaNea and Steve at the airport. I love the smile on Phil's face, hugging his dad. There are a few of the many bags in the background. :)

Here's a picture of my mom and I at the airport - again - SO happy to see each other.

Fortunately there was space enough for everyone to stay together at Phil's apartment in Nairobi. So, our first morning together, we were able to stay "home" and make breakfast together. It was fun and gave everyone some time to ease their way into it all.

So this was our happy beginning. I know it doesn't really look like everyone's in Africa yet, but soon. We did ease them in, you know. Though they didn't really need it. I'll be posting more details and pictures in the days to come. And just maybe, Phil will be posting pictures as well. ;)

God desires to be with you.

"Come now, my love. My lovely one, come.

For you, the winter has passed, the snows are over and gone, the flowers appear in the land, the season of joyful songs has come. The cooing of the turtledove is heard in our land.

Come now, my love. My beloved, come.

Let me see your face. And let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet and your face is beautiful.

Come now, my love, my lovely one, come."

Song 2:10-14 NJB