Myers family visit

Exploring the wonders of Kenya with our friends, the Myers family.

This past weekend, we hosted our friends the Myers family who have travelled to be with us from New Brunswick, Canada. We had an amazing few days of sightseeing, shopping, and just being together.

This is Andrew's third trip to Kenya as he was a part of the CBM certificate of ministry team that first brought Erica to Kenya in 2004. He also joined Aaron on his first exploratory visit in the spring of 2006, when we were discerning where we would live and serve in Africa. He and Kelly have supported and encouraged us throughout the journey of these past twelve years. It is so good to have them here.

Over the years, Andrew and Kelly have anticipated one day coming with their two daughters, Lauren and Leah. We are so excited that this time has finally come. Along with joining us for work this week, they will be taking their girls on safari in the Masai Mara and travelling with us to the coast next weekend to experience the Indian ocean.

A family of hippo checking us out

Zebra wading along the shores of Lake Naivasha

A pelican keeping his eye on the nearby fisherman

The Myers near Cresent Island, Kenya

There are more than a few musts when you travel to Kenya. You must try Stoney, the fizzy ginger beer. You must experience an open-air market and try your hand at bartering. You can't miss out on the amazing tea and coffee -- yes, even Kelly our non-coffee drinker indulged! You have to enjoy the local fruit, including the creamy avocado growing in our backyard. You must get out of the city and crest the great rift valley and explore at least one of the dozens of national parks and wildlife reserves.

You must get stuck in traffic. You must be scared at least once by an oncoming bus or lorry. You must get startled by at least one curious monkey, ornery giraffe, charging hippo/elephant/buffalo, creeping safari ant or wayward bird. You must try the Kenyan edible playdough also known as ugali. You must be rattled by at least one of Kenyan's numerous and cleverly hidden speed bumps.

And of course, you will be struck by the beauty and grandeur of this place. You will be touched by the warmth and kindness of its people. You will be charmed by the adorable children. You will savour the stunning moments of sundown. And, if you are truly fortunate, you will experience the rains.

A determined warthog marching past us in Karen

Emma and Lauren at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Feeding time

Getting up close and personal with the giraffe in Karen

Fun at the giraffe centre

Andrew meeting Daisy

Kelly about to be kissed

It is a blessing to have friends that are like family and to be able to share with them such a special part of lives. We know that it is a great privilege to be able to live and serve in Africa. Thank you for walking with us and Canadian Baptist Ministries.

Andrew, Leah, Kelly, Lauren, Erica, Ava, Emma, and Aaron