Whenever the kids are out for any break we try to take advantage of doing things around the country. This last break we had our friends join us from Wednesday to Saturday. Martha and Geoff, with their three kids, Kara, Micah and Matilda. Then our new fun friend James Lee interning from Echo. We were not sure where we were going to end up pitching our tent but are so thankful that the Lord worked it all out for us! At the end of it they blessed us with free camping and swimming in the lodges pool. Just a blessing.
We left Arusha and at Nyama Choma in Karatu with Pastor Kingo and Lukmy. Here is an attempt at a group shot.
Lexxi and Matilda
Kara, James and Nick putting up our tent
Micah and Ethan putting up theirs
Geoff and Martha's borrowed mansion :)
Jamesi's tent is not pictured... he needed some space. It is probably because he snores so loud. lol JK
And its time to get dinner on. First night homemade pilau and katchumbari. Beautiful start of our trip.
Yellow fever Acacia trees
The second day everyone but me went out to visit the school Yamaweega (New life) in Gigjedeshtakat. After being there James is going to help us know of more plants that can live in these harsh conditions. We want to benefit that village, maximize their opportunity and empower the people there. It was a hot day.
Not sure what Micah is doing but together with Ethan they are so fun to watch!
Kara and Lexxi
Sweet Matilda
The school
Yamaweega
It rained and the road turned to river so quickly.
While everyone was away I took some much needed time to myself to spend alone with the Lord. Just fitting to be in an area that is so dry with a natural spring. I needed a refreshing. Kisima Ngeda means a spring surrounded by trees.
I took a walk from the camp to the lodge next door.
Passed by the pool of water from the natural spring.
Bridged over the fish farm...
Through the reeds...
Passed the pool...
Then up the tree house. Just me all alone for 3 hours. Where I then was greeted by some wonderful American tourists, retired from Arizona University. It was so needed.
My bench for the day.
And the view.
I went back to camp at 4 but the group had not returned. I found a place in the shade to draw and put my feet in a bucket of cold water. The monkeys were my entertainment but the trees were my muse.
They got back later than expected and we cooked up some good pork chops, mini potatoes and green beans. Delish.
The next day was a play day. We had a good breakfast and then went over to the lodge to swim and have a picnic. It started to get cloudy, we then took a long walk out on the dry soda lake. The kids had a great time. This is James, Lexxi and Kara having devotions in the morning.
Our kids with Dillon and Kean who also go to their school but their parents run the lodge.
Geoff, James and Nick.
Pretty Martha.
James in his hammock and Nick enjoying the day.
Lexxi
Kara
Micah, Ethan and Kean.
Matilda.
A walk to the lake. I have no pics, but then we went and had spaghetti, sat around the fire and sang songs and told stories.
Morning view before we took camp down.
Overcast most of the way home.
Stopping at Lake Manyara.
So glad we had the company! They are such great people. Thankful we get these breaks every now and again. God is so good!
