Lizzy's Fist Safari

We took Elizabeth with us when our guest, Jen, went on safari in the Nakuru National Park. She loved it!!


We wanted to get an early start so we stopped by the baby house to pick Elizabeth up before sunrise. The aunties were still asleep as we snuck in her room and snatched her out of bed. A somewhat cruel surprise, but as soon as she woke up enough to realize she was being put in the car, she let out her first sleepy little giggle. 

Cozy warm in the car, clad in her flannel pajamas, Lizzy set out on her first safari in a game park. Being the teacher that I am, we had to do a little prep-talk with the wild animals book in the car ride to the game park. Her face was full of excitement and anticipation even before we reached the game park. 

The rest of the time was as special as could be! Lizzy loves being out and loves seeing new things so this was right up her alley. And her other love, being the center of special attention, was also part of the adventure. 

She liked looking from inside the car better than outside of the car.

She saw the sights...

We got to see the illusive black rhinos

and some white rhinos having a little turf war

...and was NOT ready to leave! 

If anyone ever wonders, THIS is the reason (or one of many) that we choose to have so few babies at Haven of Hope. We want to offer special things and real-life experiences to all our babies, just like if they were in a normal family. Ultimately, we hope this helps in their transition from childrens home to their "forever home."  So, thanks to the support of many, Lizzy was able to have a fun, special experience at the game park. She had a great time!

Friday Favorites - I LOVE my Prado!

Let me just tell you how blessed I am to have an awesome car! God gave us this vehicle, a Land Cruiser Prado, that is perfect for our oh-so-wonderful Kenyan roads. 

It came in very handy while we on a little safari in the Nakuru National Park on Wednesday. We came up on a tour van that was stuck in the mud. And, yep. It was the Prado to the rescue! So much fun to be the rescue vehicle for a tour van. 

Fun with Friends

Our friends, the Omondi's, stopped by to visit us on their way through Nakuru on their vacation. It was so great to see them! Anjela and Julia are quite a pair! They are so very much alike. I get an uncanny glimpse into what Julia might very well be like in another year or so. They are just over a year apart.

While they were here, we took some time to go to Thomson Falls near Nyahururu. I have heard about them and wanted to go for some time. Absolutely beautiful. 

It was so great to have some relaxed down time to talk to Allison. They have been in the process of adopting Dennis's niece for 2 years, and they were finally legally recognized as Anjela's parents just a few months ago. Allison has been a great inspiration to me as I have begun processing this whole adoptive mom thing. Though our circumstances are different, there is a lot of common ground. Though neither of us when out looking for a Kenyan daughter to take as our own, God placed both of these girls right where He wanted them to be. And we are grateful mamas. 

Mamas and their girls.... 

The girls had a fun time playing together. The mamas had lots of great talk time. And Dennis hooked up my Wii and enjoyed some down time of his own. Thanks for coming, Omondi's! Julia is looking forward to seeing her friend "Anja" again in Nairobi!  

p.s. - I am sure the Omondi's would appreciate your prayers as they go to the US Embassy on Thursday for their visa appointment. They are applying for Anjela's first visa so she can make her first trip to America in September.