Day 10 (by Daryl Summey & Luke Carter)

Sunday morning began with an early morning game drive at 6:30 AM. We set out from Fig Tree Tented Camp as the sun rose over the Serengeti and hot-air balloons lifted off for an over-head view. Mix in the amazing wildlife of Masai Mara and you've got an unbeatable sight. We started out seeing the ever-present zebras, gazelles, and giraffes, but it wasn't long before we saw something even more exciting. Luke spotted a cheetah crouching in the tall grass atop a hill. As our matatu drew close, to about 10 feet away, we discovered that it wasn't just one cheetah, but four... a mother and her three adolescent offspring. Then, we witnessed a rare sight as the mother darted off (the statements about cheetahs being fast are no exaggeration!) with her eyes fixed on a young impala. As quick as a flash, the chase was over, the 3 younger cheetahs joined the mother, and breakfast was served. About 30 minutes after the cheetah show, we spotted a golden jackal (looks like a fox) and watched in amazement as he chased down his breakfast as well; a young Thompson gazelle.

Another highlight of the morning drive was sighting the king of African wildlife, the lion. That was something we were all hoping for, and we not only got to see one, we were able to see two female lions and sit in our vehicles just 20 feet away. It was truly an impressive sight. Among numerous other things, the rest of the drive included seeing a very large hyena up close (we couldn't hear him laughing, though... not even at Michael!) and seeing 3 large herds of animals: 16 elephants (or more), 14 giraffes (or more), and hundreds of water buffalo. While our hearts were set on seeing the black rhino, the only one of the "Big Five" that we hadn't encountered yet, that didn't work out for us. We'll just have to wait to see it next time.

The rest of the day included two more flat tires (that's four for the weekend, all on the same van!), our body-jarring drive back to Nairobi, a quick change and loading at the Karina Guest House, and our drive to the airport for tonight's departing flight. While waiting to go through security at the airport, Kim abandoned us on her way to Gatab to stay with her cousins and Pastor Wambua, our dear friend, said his final goodbyes. It's hard to believe that we've only been in Kenya for 9 days. The experiences that we've had, the friends that we've made, the lessons that we've learned, the sights that we have seen, have all been huge blessings from God. We stand amazed that God counted us worthy of participating, in a small way, in what He is doing in this part of the world. Praise the Lord for His grace! HALLELUJAH!

An old song (that some people have been singing this week) refers to Africa when it says, "It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you. That's more than a hundred men or more could ever do." That is very true. Africa has been a blessing. We have fallen in love with the place and more importantly, the people. And for some of us, a hundred men would have a hard time dragging us out of here. However, when it's spouses, children, friends, and other loved ones that's drawing you, the pull towards home is overwhelming. As sad as we are to leave this great place tonight, we're many times more excited to return back to Dodge County where we belong. Pray for us as we travel to London, have a 6 hour lay-over, and then make our way to Atlanta and eventually, back to the D.C. Lord willing, our excited faces will see some of yours at around 10 PM on Monday night. Thanks!!!