The soil here is red.

So I'm finally here. It's Tuesday evening and my experience so far has been amazing.

The plane ride was long and tiring, but it was worth it. However, after almost 24 hours of plane connections and waiting, we lost 2 bags of luggage. Please pray that their belongings will be found (Dan and Paul). But thanks to God for getting all of us here safely!

Well, so far we have been doing "touristy" things to get to know Nairobi better. Yesterday, we went to the center of Nairobi and climbed 30 flights to reach the top of the KICC (Kenyata International Conference Center) that overlooks the entire city of Nairobi-- I'll post pictures when I get the chance because the internet here is really slow.

Then, we went to the city market. In a tiny building, there were so much to find. Everything was a piece of art, from salt and pepper shakers and to beautiful paintings of Kenya's natural sceneries. Since we didn't have any Kenyan shillings yet, we couldn't buy anything, but it was definitely a great experience.

Today, we were able to taste some of Kenya's wildlife. We went to a place where they take care of orphan rhinos and elephants. Since it was dangerous to see the rhinos, we were unable to see them, but the baby elephants were absolutely adorable! We were able to touch them and also learn that elephants today are still being poached for their ivory tusks. This program was dedicated to helping these baby elephants grow to adults. Since it is unsafe to bring them back to their natural habitat, they are then transfered to other locations where the land is larger for them to thrive.

After, we headed to the giraffe house, where we were able to feed giraffes! There were 3 giraffes (Betty, Daisy, and the other one I forgot). Paul and Kate fed them from their own tongues! (I wasn't that daring) After a fun time with the giraffes, we headed to Karen Blixon's home to see her beautiful gardens-- the author of Out of Africa. The plants in Kenya are unbelievable. All different colors, and types from ferns and cycads to cactus.

The school children on the bus when we left from the elephant house.

Tomorrow we will be visiting the 2 worst slums in Nairobi, which will give me a different perspective from todays in the city of Karen (where primarily white Kenyans live).

Again, thank you for your prayers but please continue to pray for our group. God is here and is working through all of us. Please pray for Paul and Dan's luggage, please pray for us to be able to have a listening ear, and for our healths. Thank God none of us has been sick yet! Please also pray for our tour guides (Peter, David and Victor). Thank you!

D.T.