My taxi and flight went without a hitch. It’s strange being greeted with “Jambo!” or “Karibu!” instead of the Dinka equivalents. I even started speaking to my driver in Dinka, then burst out laughing when he looked at me in confusion!
What country am I in?
It’s clear to me I’m not in Sudan. But it’s not always clear that I’m in Kenya. Is this really Africa?
If my newest lodging is any indication, I’d venture to say it isn’t.
What I mean is... I’ve finally succumbed to pressure, fatigue, and temptation and come to the Kenyan coast.
The resort sent a driver to pick me up at the airport. And after stepping off the small plane, I was greeted by a gregarious chap named Peter who loves Jesus and claims to live by the two commandments. (No, not the 10 commandments; that’s too many to remember!) He lives by the two summed up by Jesus.
Love God. Love others. -- How can you argue with that?
We laughed most of the 20 minute drive down the coast as the wind coated me in a fine layer of salt. Palm trees. Coral rocks. Fields of blighted maize.
Blighted maize?
Yes, the drought that has hit East Africa has caused the fields to fail even on this windswept shore.
Peter deposited me at the door of the fancy resort and I was immediately faced with exotic tokens like key cards, towel boys and beach umbrellas.
Is this really Africa? -- It’s hard to say.
Don’t get me wrong. I need this break, and I’m going to enjoy it to the fullest. But part of me wishes I weren’t alone.
Anyone want to join me for a little siesta on the beach in Malindi? I would LOVE the company!
Thanks for praying for me to get some rest. I expect I’ll get more than my fair share here. Is it wrong for me to wish for sun when the drought is so severe?
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It's NOT wrong. God wants to give us all good things. Enjoy every moment of the blessing. pj
ReplyDeleteyou don't know me at all, i'm a phd student in logan, utah who reads your blogs and others because y'all remind me why i came to get this stupid degree: to give me better tools to save the world with.. i had good tools, but now i have better.. so i kinda know that - no, it is not wrong for you to enjoy the sun and the ocean while the drought is so severe. people who are dedicated to giving to others often do to the point of burn out, to the point where their giving isn't very good and may actually damage. you've got to be on your game in your job. you've got to be nice and thoughtful too, and quick on your feet. the way to do that is to take care of yourself. leave your work and find some comfort, rest and rejuvination. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteWishing you much rest & renewal right now!
ReplyDeleteHey Stephanie.
ReplyDeleteWhere are you staying in Malindi? I got to go down there from the North Eastern Province for a little R&R myself last year. We stayed at Turtle Bay and it was Heaven! Loved every minute of it and I definitely plan to go back some day.
Have fun.
Melissa
PS Watch out for those beach boys!
Melissa. I was at Turtle Bay. Loved it! Now I'm back in Nairobi. Fortunately, those beach boys left me... mostly alone. :-)
ReplyDeleteEveryone thanks for wishing me a great time. I loved it and rested well! Thanks.