Golden Memories

Sunset over Lake Victoria

Trips to Africa are always hard to describe.  I think it's because in one scene you can see such incredible natural beauty, crushing poverty, amazing opportunity and loving kindness that I think one's senses--or emotions--are overwhelmed.  Our trip in July was a wonderful chance for me to see things anew through Kathy's and Amy's eyes.  We went mostly as tourists and observers, which isn't comfortable for me--I like to have a project and a schedule--but which allowed (or forced) me to just look and listen.

The giraffe sanctuary, baby elephant orphanage, Lake Victoria beach day and our safari to Maasai Mara were beautiful.  A sunset picture at Angel House that Amy took in the first hour we were there revealed beauty I hadn't noticed before, although I've visited several times.  Be sure to look at Amy's pictures--she did a great job documenting the trip.

But the memories I keep having, and that make me want to go back again, are of the people.  Holly and Lawrence of course, who we just wish weren't so far away.  The angels at Angel House, and the wonderful staff there.  The students at Angel Secondary, and their devoted teachers.  Piki-piki drivers, car drivers, safari drivers, Lawrence's friends and family and neighbors in Gem, solar/pump technicians--new acquaintances and renewed ones.  For the most part, people who enjoy simple friendships and will do anything for a friend.

There's a quote from Ernest Hemingway where he's lying awake the night before he leaves Africa, listening, and homesick for it already.  It takes a week or more, when I get home, for my dreams to not be dominated by the African sights, sounds, smells and people.  And when they finally fade and are replaced by more mundane subjects, I'm saddened a little.  I miss it already.