The Doerksen Journey: Nairobi

Today was one of the days that Aby was looking forward to the most. We went to an Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Center with the Kennys and another missionary family, the Godwins. We first stopped for coffee and fuel (synonymous, I suppose) at the Kenya Coffee Company. Then we got driving, and there were so many new sights to see. At one point, we saw some small baboons on the side of the road. After about 2 hours of driving, we arrived at the Elephant Orphanage. We were a bit late to see all of the feedings but we were able to see some. The first group of babies (4 months - 24 months) were already fed when we arrived. They played in the mud hole and drank water from the buckets. Baby elephants drink from their mothers until they are about 3 years old. The babies at the orphanage have been rescued from various parks throughout Kenya. They are often trapped in watering holes. This society rehabilitates the elephants and then sets them back into the wild. The first group left & then the second group came for their feeding. They were so cute. They each had 2 bottles to drink. They receive this every 3 hours 24 hours a day. There were also a couple of caged rhinos that we were able to see, and they are majestic creatures as well. The society isn't as willing let the rhinos too close to spectators, which is a very good thing.

Following our time with the elephants, we went to a Giraffe Center, and there we had the opportunity to have a hands on experience with giraffes both young and old. One of the highlights there was being able to hand feed the giraffes with food pellets. One other fun thing was that these giraffes would take the pellet right from your lips if you held the pellet there. So all of us were kissed by giraffes today, though it took some getting used to. They are splendid creatures, to be sure. Micah and Aby are both glad to say that they've each experienced their first kiss. We had a lot of fun and laughed a lot.

Next it was time for lunch, and time had flown, so we sat down to lunch at an Ethiopian restaurant at about 2:30pm, for a cross cultural experience. The Kenny's ordered, and we all at least tried some, and it was a good time. Many of us liked the goat meat the best. The Ethiopian coffee was strong and accompanied by burning incense, so that was a new twist.

We've been here two nights, and already our kids are on a sleepover. Micah is sleeping over at the Kenny's, and their daughter is sleeping over with us in Aby's room. It's been great to see new friendships forged.