Reflections on the return trip

It's hard to explain the pull that Africa has on me. I have come to believe that God places certain passions in each of us early in childhood, and that we each spend our youth discovering those passions and dreaming of them long into adulthood. When I think back to the weekend training that Rafiki held in January 2007 for wannabe Mini-Missionaries, it seems that there was a room full of people just like me in Rosemary Jensen's living room the first night. As we went around the room each telling our stories of why we were there, one person after another described this craving, or longing, to go to Africa specifically to work with orphans. When it was finally my turn to share, I expressed amazement that we all had this common thread to our stories--this long-held yearning to experience Africa dating back to some exposure in our youth, or some movie that swept us away. Mine was "Born Free", from way back when.
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Now that I have been able to return for a brief visit, it seems practically like home over there. It was so much easier this time, so familiar, so comfortable, so satisfying. It took me three years to get back for the second trip, much longer than I hoped, but I have to believe that it happened in God's timing. I believe that each trip is His gift to me, to demonstrate how much He loves me. And I'm filled with gratitude and awe at this boundless love!

This sequel trip just confirmed everything I prayed for--that Rafiki indeed is taking such wonderful care of the children and staff in each village. That love still abounds there, and is demonstrated by the amazing love of the children for each other, for their love for Jesus, and for their love for us, the visitors. Seeing them again was comforting and joyful and rewarding and so much more that I can't find words to explain. I feel like God is in control, and is working and thriving in that village in Kenya. I can only assume that the other Rafiki Villages are thriving as well.

In addition to sealing old friendships with the mamas like Miriam and Ruth and Susan and Rosaline, I was blessed to make new friends with almost a whole new staff of missionaries. Yeen-Lan was the same, and that too was comforting. She is so cool, and I feel a deep admiration and appreciation of her. The Mama's who are still there are amazing women. I love the new ones who have come to call Rafiki home.

The Mini-Missionaries that I shared Wageni Guest House with were amazing for the most part. Courtney Yantes, who was there for my entire trip almost, was a true gift. I adore her, and am so thankful for her companionship, humor, and love of God. I thank God for facebook, where I can keep up with her and Kristin, the last favorite Mini-Missionary that I enjoyed working and playing with in 2007.

The Safari to Masai Mara, and the reunion with old Kenyan friends Mercy and Jael, Maggy and Paul, were all icing on the cake! Thick, rich, sweet, creamy icing. Friends forever! Thank you Lord for giving me such adventures and such beautiful people with which to share them.

I pray that I will be allowed to return often, perhaps yearly, to my favorite home away from home--Africa.

I still haven't figured out how to download my videos and still shots off my new video camera that I purchased just in case I had an opportunity to enjoy a second safari. God, I feel so alive in the bush.