Only Two More Days

          As you may already know, two days from now, I’ll be boarding a plane for yet another trip to Kenya, Africa. I’ll be traveling with Denise, a friend who has been there nearly as many times as I have, and Jackie, a newby to the whole African adventure. My son Nick and his wife will be following us a day later.

          Our plans are to go on safari, visit a few area animal parks, trek through Hell’s Gate, and spend at least a few days volunteering at one of the schools. We also are taking a load of books, games, and teaching materials to a school.

          And while I am gone, I will be celebrating the twentieth anniversary of my first trip to Kenya. At that time, I thought I was too old for such a trip! And here I am, twenty years later, going again. Am I crazy or what? I have been feeling homesick for the African plains, the chaos of the Nairobi streets, the hopeful smiles of all the children, and the chai tea.

          Here are my favorite pictures from those previous trips. 

Val in Mathare Slum, 2006

In the small Maasai village of Saikeri,
I found this kid wearing a shirt from the city just up the road from where I live, 2013. 

On safari at the Masa Mara, 2015. I think it's the best picture I have ever shot,
and I have taken ALOT of pictures. 

Val giving her phone to the boy who worked on the rabbit project with us, 2017.
He was so appreciative that we were all in tears. 

Outside of Ololaimutiek Village, adjacent to the Masa Mara Reserve, 2018 

Went to an animal park with the girl I sponsor through Compassion and got to pet the cheetah. They purr! 2019

Val, Denise and me, ready to go out to eat when we were staying in a rental at Diani Beach, 2022.

Oh, and also today is my sister Pat's birthday. I always wonder if she would have ever gone to Africa with me and what she would have thought.