Halo, Watu Wazuri!
Rarely do I deem trips perfect, but my latest adventure may just qualify as flawless! Typically, I don’t pray over my travels, confident in my experience, but this time, I sought God’s protection and guidance—and I’m so grateful I did. Let me tell you about the extraordinary journey that unfolded.
My coworker and friend Cassie and I decided to spend our spring break on an African Safari—a fitting choice since we once lived in Africa. The blessings began from the moment we set out for the airport, and what followed was a series of remarkable events. Arriving at Casablanca Airport, we were startled to learn we needed visas for Kenya, an oversight owing to our American mindset. With departure imminent, we rushed to apply, hoping against the odds. Miraculously, in Cairo, just five hours before our Kenya flight, we were granted visas—miracle number one!
In Kenya, exhausted from our journey, we barely noticed the five-hour drive to the reserve as we promptly fell asleep in the van. Upon arriving, the savannah unfolded before us—an awe-inspiring landscape dotted with lions, cheetahs, hippos, and the iconic Acacia Tree. The only absentee was a rhino, which had wisely sought higher ground due to the rainy season.
Staying at an exclusive resort during the quiet rainy season meant personalized service—a personal chef and butler at our disposal. Amid this tranquility, a call from my usually composed mother raised alarms about nearby mudslides and flooding. Assuring her of our safety, we remained blissfully unaware until the final night, when torrential rains unexpectedly flooded our camp. With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to our hosts and embarked on our safari jeep, only to witness the devastation firsthand—cars, trucks, and people stranded in the rising waters.
Miracle number two unfolded as our sturdy safari jeep navigated through treacherous mud, safely delivering us to Nairobi. It was a stark contrast to the harrowing scenes we left behind, where over a hundred lives were tragically lost.
In Nairobi, settling into our hostel, we received a message that shook us—it was a query about our safety from the resort we had left mere hours before it succumbed to flooding. We had narrowly escaped disaster once more.
Reflecting on these events, I am humbled by God’s protection throughout our safari journey. Despite the challenges, Kenya’s beauty and hospitality shine through, making it a destination worth experiencing. Until next time, happy travels to all!
Kusafiri Kwa Furaha (Happy Traveling)!
