A day four ourselves.

For Friday 7/15, our kind leaders gave us a surprise! We woke up at an early 5am to leave for South Coast Kenya for 3 days with all of our luggage. We then headed off toward an unknown destination after checking into our hotel. Praise and worship songs filled the bus as we traveled towards our surprise. Then we pulled up to our surprise: a snorkeling boat trip! Praise God! What a great idea! Many of our team hurried into the water by jumping off a 10ft ledge and swam to the boat. Sea sickness was not absent from our team, but thank God, no one hurled. The water was so beautiful as we sailed out. Crystal clear waters paired with fine grain white sand was only a small part of what we saw of God's canvas. Palm trees and rustic African boats were gazed upon as we drank our cold cokes from glass bottles and had chia tea and mandazies(an African-like doughnut). Once the anchor was down, snorkeling gear in hand, Matt was the first to jump into the cool water. Everyone quickly followed. Squid, sea urchins, sea stars, an array of colorful fish, giant clams, barracudas, eels and sting rays were just a few of God's wonderful creatures we were privileged to see. Although for some, it was the first time, everyone loved the adventure and got the act of snorkeling down to an art. We finally ended up on a small strip of beach in the middle of the Indian Ocean where our team enjoyed soaking up the sun, collecting sea shells, and had a fun sand fight! After everyone explored the small 100m strip, it was time for lunch!
Lunch was at a small off the coast eatery where everyone tried fresh boiled crab, a seaweed/coconut roll, and a whole fish(scales, eyes, fins and all) sauteed in coconut maranara sauce paired with coconut milk rice. The view from the table overlooked the ocean we had just came from and everyone enjoyed the abundant food. For dessert, a yellow passionfruit, mango, banana, and Kenya's delicious oranges was presented to us. After lunch we got to take a tour of a small tourist town and coral/rock garden. We took a stroll on an old bridge which weaved in and out of the rock garden. The coral statues stood around 8ft tall and we were told at high tide, they would be at least half covered in water. Just as we left the garden, we were amazed at how much the tide had come in already, covering much of the earlier barren earth. Traveling back to our bus was much shorter of a ride and in no time our venture was over. Time to head back to the hotel.
We are staying in a... quaint hotel; simple, but does the job well. Before testimonies and dinner, we showered our now burnt bodies and took a small rest. Tyler gave his heartfelt testimony before dinner and we traveled to a nearby place to enjoy chicken, beef, veggies, french fries, and ugali(an African thick cornmeal). Coming back, Stephanie's testimony was told and stayed on our hearts as we got ready for bed.
Although the day was over 16hours long, it was just the break and refuel our group needed. We are getting up early tomorrow for more missions! As I lay here in bed, the radio from the streets seep into the paper thin walls. Although harsh Kenyan preaching is far from a lullaby, it will have to do for tonight.

Goodnight Africa!

Whitney Cloud(team member awesome)