Wasini Getaway!

Sunrise at Diani Beach, Kenya

This past week, Erica and I had a wonderful getaway on the coast of Kenya. We are so thankful for our good friend Melanie who moved in with our kids and enabled us to enjoy this week of holiday together. We are also glad that our friends Wayne and Maureen Morgan were able to join us over the weekend with their son Michael. It was a beautiful place to enjoy with friends!

Exploring Wasini Island on the border of Kenya and Tanzania

We relaxed in the small community of Ukunda and had great adventures exploring the beautiful Kisite marine park and Swahili communities of Wasini Island. Sailing on traditional dows and snorkelling on the reef were amazing. One of the highlights was meeting pods of dolphins on our trips around the island. We were also blessed to have a sea turtle swim with us one morning while we were snorkelling on the reef.

Tourism is a major industry for Kenya, but over the past year the country has suffered greatly from security threats that have kept many tourists away. On Kenya’s southern coast alone, over 5000 workers have been "let go” as hotels, restaurants, and tourist centres cut back. Recently Jonathan and Angie Scott, of "Big Cat Diaries” fame, have been calling people to visit Kenya. Scott argues that tourism is vital to both Kenya’s economy and its conservation efforts. Without travellers bringing much needed money into Kenya’s marine and wildlife parks, there is not enough resources, or incentive, to protect Kenya’s natural wonders.

Erica with our local guide, Jumo, 
at one of the historic mosques in Wasini

Living in Africa has been a blessing to our family in so many ways, but we are continually amazed by the incredible people that we meet and become friends with along our journey. Over the past week, we have met several wonderful people who have shared with us their love for life and the people of their community. Above all, every where we went we met people who are praying for Kenya. Praying for peace. Praying for rain. Praying for God to heal the brokenness that they have experienced.

One of our most memorable moments from the week was sailing with a group of about 25 strangers in boat on some pretty choppy seas. Out of no where one man pulled out an empty water can and started beating out a song. Soon another man jumped up with a coke bottle and an old nail, tapping out a rhythm as people joined in. The minutes fades away as everyone laughed and sang together. We weren’t strangers anymore.

"Pamoyo Pa Mtima"

Swahili Proverb

"If the heart loves a place, 

it's a good place for the heart."