3/16/10

It was amazing having my mother and Loch here, a unique time for them to really experience Kenya, a developing country at heart, and a place filled with love. We were able to end our trip with an incredible three-day safari to Masai Mara! Just ten feet away from 3 lions and their eight little cubs. I think my mom and Loch made a list, and we saw about 28 different types of animals, not bad in three short days. The land was beautiful it just stretched on and on. You could look in all directions and not see a single sign of civilization. It was hard to say goodbye to them, especially knowing they are each going home to a father (my grandpas) who are unwell, but I feel absolutely blessed they were able to come and experience a glimpse of my life here, why I do the work that I do, why I fight through the frustrations, and enjoy all of the delights.

As well today Marissa departs, she has been an absolutely unique part of my time in Kenya, a women with so much to offer the world, and a friend with so much to offer to relationships. All three of their presences will be missed in Kenya.

As I said my goodbyes, I somehow was convinced by Simon, that he should drive me on a motor bike all the way to Mbita, WOW, lets just say I could not feel my bottom for quite awhile after I got off that bike! But of course we made it safe and sound to Mbita. This is another busy week as we countdown, three weeks until the clinic is open. This week we will be meeting with and hiring community health workers to help with mobilization, we are interviewing clinical officers, meeting with perspective volunteers, and continuing to work on getting our facility ready to roll, by our kick off on April 3^rd! It’s all very exciting, lots of work, but that’s what I love most!