Field Trip Highlights

Kenya is an amazing country with so much to see and do.  Through our family read alouds, research, conversations with the locals, and field trips we have learned so much about their 43 tribes, food, history, animals, economy, politics, and many other aspects of Kenyan culture and life.

We thought we would pick a few pictures to highlights some of the fantastic ways we've been able to experience hands on learning:

Nairobi National Park:  It was amazing to see the animals in their natural environment and riding in the safari jeep was so fun for the boys.  It's the only African National Park in the world that is surrounded by a big city. 

Kenyatta International Convention Center:  Used to be the tallest building in Kenya.  People are able to go to the top and see 360 degree views of the city. Including the Ngong Hills and Nairobi National Park.

If you look closely you can see the traffic mayhem at the bus terminal area 

Trip to the Masai Market:  One of the most aggressive markets I have been to, but I boys were wise and kind.  They looked and compared prices until they found just what they were looking for.  Seth is very excited about his spear and Joel his carved rhinoceros.

The market about a 10 minute walk from our house:  Every day hundreds of stalls are set up with items varying from fruits and vegetables, to clothes, to kitchen items.  You can have your shoes washed, your knives sharpened, or have freshly trimmed sugarcane.  

The boys were infatuated to see him use his machete to trim the sugarcane

 The Bomas of Kenya: a cultural center where a dance group performs dances from the various tribes of Kenya. It was amazing to see the rhythm of these dancers and how they incorporate dance into so many of their celebrations and rituals.  The costumes were beautiful as well.  They also have acres and acres of land where the huts from the various tribes and regions have been replicated.  The boys loved exploring these and imagining living in them.

Foodplus Supermarket:  After trying various grocery stores, we have landed on one that fits well into our routine.  Good thing we are eating simply here, because the carts don't hold much!  They have outlawed single use plastic bags, so it's really important we remember to bring our reusable bags to the store!  We always learn something important about the culture when we go shopping!

Karura Forest:  One of only a couple green spaces for walking in Nairobi.  It is not free, but it was well worth the effort to get there.  This is where the resisters hid out when they were working to overthrow the colonial government.

All Saints Cathedral, downtown Nairobi:  We decided to go here for Easter and we were moved by their worship and their history.  They have taken an active role in combating corruption, preaching the gospel, and taking the lead on important societal and moral issues for nearly 100 years.  They have 4 services on a Sunday mornings and even when it's not Easter we sit shoulder to shoulder with others on the bench.

Building relationships with new African friends:  We are so grateful for new friends that have invited us into their homes for dinners.  We have enjoyed their company and the yummy food!  We have had wonderful conversations where we have learned so much about the history and culture of Kenya.

Our landlady, Judy, her husband, and granddaughter.  She has been so
 responsive to the issues we have had in the apartment.

She made a wonderful meal of traditional Kenyan food:
Ugali (looks like mashed potatoes), sukuma wiki (sort of like kale),
cabbage and carrots, goat (our 1st time- really yummy), and beef. 

The area coordinator for Moms In Prayer, Liz, invited us
over for dinner with her family.  She made us quite a feast: curry, fish,
beef, and chipati.(a cross between naan and a tortilla).  It was so great to
learn more about the political situation from them. 

We met David while we were volunteering at New Life.  They invited us for
dinner and we had a wonderful time. This week I will also be helping to train
Sharon and 3 other women in leading Moms in Prayer Groups!

Lake Naivasha, in the Great Rift Valley (about 2 1/2 hours from Nairobi):  We spent two nights at a place on this beautiful lake.  We hiked Mt. Longonot one morning and took a boat trip on the lake the next morning.  

At night the hippos come out of the water to graze

Hiked to the top of Mt. Longonot, elevation 9, 100 feet.  We also walked 4 miles
around the crater rim.  It was a tough hike in parts, but worth the effort! 

Part of the rim and inside the crater

The boat we took is on the right in the picture.  At times I was a
bit nervous when the boat got close to the hippos!

View of the Great Rift Valley.  It was incredible to see something that we have
only read about in books! 

National Museum: We spent most of the day at this museum.  They have a wonderful exhibit on the history of Kenya and another one on the incredible archaeological finds made mainly around Lake Turkana.

We've never seen so many birds in our lives!  Some of them
we have seen in the wild in the National Park and at Lake Naivasha.

Hotel Rooftop Pool:  Kevin traveled to Rwanda last week and it is our tradition that I plan a surprise of some kind for them when he travels.  A friend told me about this hotel that has a warm pool where we could pay a day fee.  Although this wasn't education, it was the perfect surprise for them, and a great break for me as well!

Arboretum:  After going to church, we spent Mother's Day here.  It was great to let the boys run and we always learn about a new slice of Kenyan culture when we are here.  There are families having picnics, preachers preaching to listeners sitting on the grass, young people playing games, monkeys eating trash, and several photo shoots going on- one today was even making a live music video.  Parts of the park are peaceful and quiet and parts are definitely full of life and activity!

Click here to see how lively a place the arboretum is:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cRmKHOtJ9U