HE'S BAAAACK...

Finally a "late" post, for sure...but a journal entry...Jonny's back from Africa one week now, and I just need to get this recorded in some words and photos...

Jonny came back in from Africa last Wednesday the 5th. He was very tired, "jet-lagging" and hungry. (over 19 hours of flying)



And every mom knows what happens when the troops return from a trip or retreat carrying all their dirty laundry, bags, and booty...

See those sandals there??? Those are a pair Jonny bought in Kenya...made out of tire treads...tough stuff...





He did not want to leave without bringing some of the "flavor and taste" of the trip back with him. It does pull up meaningful and special memories for him when he partakes....




This was my souvenir gift. It is a very heavy egg made of soapstone. It is beautifully painted. Mine was the elephant. Each one had a different scene on it.



Following are pics that I borrowed....ummm...nabbed?? from Al's photo album on Facebook that he shared with Jonny. Jonny only had some phone pics, so I am grateful to Al (their lead man) for the photos he posted that I might be able to share here and also just for my journal memories...

a larger group meeting

sleeping quarters

water tanks

Camp days

Cowboy Jonny and his new buddies...one of these guys got to keep Jonny's hat. :-)

Yes, goat carcass. they ate goat meat on New Year's Eve...verdict? (it was good!)

The entire 11 member team together, finally...after 7 were stranded in Rome for 5 days when their connecting flight was missed.

The American team, some of the Kenyan team, and some campers...

Another Camp day...teams and games...


Yes...before they left Kenya, after Camp was over, they did get in a small-scale Safari and saw a number of animals..this is one of them, and yes...there was a fence between the group and THIS one!!

They enjoyed the country, the open landscape, the wildlife, and most of all ,....the people..

Jonny came back greatly impacted...by MANY things. Part of his heart is back with his new friends. The walk into the slum on Sunday was an eye opener...something he will not forget. Over one million people living within guarded walls surrounding one square mile....It is NOT a safe place, especially at night. The ones who knew the Lord truly understood that Christ was their ALL...their everything. When you don't have much to start with, then you understand the sufficiency of Christ much better.
The eyes of the people in the slums ...who did NOT know Christ, Jonny said they were so empty and lifeless, staring at nothing, communicating nothing, as the group walked by the small houses in a street that was literally single file wide.

I am glad he took this trip. I know he has been impacted. I know there are many things going on in his heart and head right now as he adapts to "re-entry" back into this materialistic and entitled nation of ours. He has struggled. But we know it is all a normal process of visiting and being a part of a 3rd world country and culture, and then coming back to where God has placed him in this abundantly blessed and plentiful nation. He understands now the reason why so many of us in our faith and maturity levels have not quite grasped the term....I have everything I need in Christ. He is my All....IN all.

So glad to have my 3rd born back home. I missed him. I am glad he got to go on this trip. He is already planning for going back next year...NO surprise here...

That is my entry today. For any who stopped by, thank you for popping in. You are all dear bloggy sisters. Hope you are staying warm in this Winter season's cold spell we all seem to be getting a taste of. Looking for that Spring Robin!!!!

Hugs to you all.