Nairobi Adventures!

Greetings from Nairobi!

Today we thought we would each share a bit of our adventures.....after arriving in Nairobi at 6am we checked into the hotel, unloaded our luggage, and then went to do a site check for where we will be training tomorrow. We will be working with the Political Caucus Women's Group and will be spending 3 days covering communication skills to help them present their message more powerfully. Very Exciting!! Getting used to driving on the opposite side of the road was an adventure.......it's something to see cars and trucks coming at you on the right hand side of the road!!! ~Glenna

It was overwhelming to see the number of pedestrians....walking everywhere......while we were riding on the road in a vehicle, both sides of the road were full of people walking.....in full suits, dressed from head to toe. We weren't even close to being near the center of Nairobi...literally miles away.....and the residents were walking to get to their destinations. The streets are extremely tight and narrow...lots of traffic weaving in and out. I found it surprising that everyone was so well dressed....full business attire...men and women in suits. The City itself is fairly "dusty" with construction, smog, overwhelming activity with foot and vehicle traffic moving in complete chaos....yet everyone getting to where they need to be, vendors looking to sell their wares at the street corners.....this is the way of life here and throughout it all, locals are polite, courteous and welcoming. ~Robin

One of my highlights of today was to visit the Giraffe Sanctuary! We were able to hand feed the giraffes with little "treats"......they licked them from our hands!! I liked watching them stick their toungues out....and learned that giraffe tongues are 45 cm long!!!! It was cool! ~Griffin

For me today was about "imagining the unimaginable!" I never imagined I'd be face to face (literally!) with a creature of such magnitude. Today was a day of receiving from this trip....and the wonders that were involved. Imagine something in your life that would be one of the most wildest things that could happen.......and BELIEVE that it will!! How many people can say they've been kissed by a giraffe?! (See photo!) ~Bart

One of the first things I realized today....when seeing everyone walking miles from the airport to get to a destination...wherever it may be.....was that I was amazed. It was impressive to experience the overall courtesness of the population here. The overall experience with the giraffes was incredible because we were immersed in their natural habitat and interracting with them so closely. It was amazing to be so close to these gigantic creatures and learn that their hearts are 1' x 2' in size (to be able to pump the blood up their necks) and that when the babies are born, they drop 6 feet to the ground and walk in less than an hour and can run within 2 hours. We also learned that Warthogs and Giraffes live together because Warthogs have a great sense of smell and Giraffes have a great sense of vision....therefore one watches out for the other and alerts in time of danger from predators. It was an amazing day! ~Mathew

Kenya!

We arrived safe and sound in Kenya at 6am this morning. Are on our way to the hotel now to rest a bit after the 8 hour flight before going to do a site check for where we will be training Tuesday morning. Many sights and sounds.......will share more after we settle in a bit......just wanted all to know we we had arrived! Enjoy your day!

Hitching your wagon to a STAR!!!

I am amazed at the number of people who came up to us and asked about Mission Africa-LYLS.
every person said ........How COOL!! You could tell they wanted to come with us!!!!!

It just confirms in my heart that people want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. I am finding more and more everyday, when we are TRUE to ourselves, TRUE to our hearts and TRUE to our minds, the world opens up. I encourage you to listen to your heart, follow your gifts, believe that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!! THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR YOUR GIFTS!!!

You wil find that you receive more than you dreamed and can give more than you ever Imagined!!!

I so regret living in fear for so long.....................................what a waste of time!

the Bartman

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?......

Is it Superman in the phone booth????

A little bit of silliness on the streets of London before gearing up for the next leg of the journey. Spent a wonderful evening sharing our mission with many.....great conversations!! What a fantastic city London is to visit!

More to come.....

Taking London By Storm!!

We are in London!! Gearing up for the next leg of our journey to Kenya tomorrow......

Today we had the chance to see a little bit of London, unwind from the trip, and crash early to make up for the time change. We hope to visit Westminister Abby Church for services on Sunday then prepare for the next long flight which will get us to our final destination.

Today we were able to take the subway to the heart of London where we saw Buckingham Palace, The Eye, Big Ben, stopped for a moment on the Thames River and much more! Everywhere we went we were asked about Mission Africa!

Here's a photo that Griffin took of Big Ben......amazing to see such old and wonderful buildings.......walking around history! (Also managed to capture Robin in action!! Watch out! You just never know when you're on camera!!) ;-)

Enjoyed a nice English dinner in a lovely little restaurant and now it's time for bed....

Until tomorrow!!

Half-way there!!!!

Our flight arrived in London safely on Saturday morning around 1110am BST (610am EST). Everyone was able to get a little rest on the flight, but the food was less than desireable. After arriving and checking in at the hotel it was time for a late lunch. Hopefully a good nights sleep tonight as we continue our journey tomorrow. We're half-way there!!!!

We're Africa Bound

What a day today has been. Lots of hustle, bustle and last minute packing. Robin, Bart and Matt got all packed and we left the farm around 130pm. After stopping to pick up Glenna and Griffin, we made it to the airport about 45 minutes prior to the flight. I never knew that 5 people could have a truck bed full of luggage, but these 5 did. The original flight time was scheduled for 435pm, but I understand there's a slight delay. Hopefully they'll be on their way soon to Washington Dulles where they will then be departing for London until Sunday.

Stay tuned for more!

Mission Africa Kick-off Dinner

What a night it was on Thursday 26 June 2008. Matt and Robin arrived safely in RDU around 330pm. The team met briefly after their arrival and around 630pm, friends and the team met for dinner at 115 Midtowne. There were a total of 22 guests including the Mission Africa Team. The night started with a brief introduction of the team from Bart and the Juni spoke on the orphanage in Dalla in which they will be visiting. Part of the night was also the viewing of Bart and Glenna's video productions. What great pieces of work. They both truly have a powerful message to share.

More to come as the team leaves at 435pm on Friday 27 June 2008.

Thank You!!!

A great big "THANK YOU" for all who showed their support by attending the afternoon and evening of fun and festivities on Saturday (June 21) for "Mission Africa: Let Your Life Speak! "

Amidst thunder storms, torrential downpours, and map quest's incorrect directions......over 100 people shared their Saturday afternoon and evening to show their support of the upcoming trip. Food, laughter and dancing were all aplenty as good friends took a moment to catch up with each other, new friends were discovered, and all shared a sense of community.

Thank you to all who donated their time, talents and treasures to help make the event a success! Over $2,000 was donated to help facilitate the purchase of a generator for the village of Wikondiek, Kenya. THANK YOU!!!

It's still not too late to donate if you know someone who'd like to participate! Please encourage any donations made payable to "Let Your Life Speak" and can be sent to c/o C-3Communications, PO Box 80335, Raleigh, NC, 27623.

Thank you!
~Glenna

It didn't hurt too much....

The shots had to happen.........it's a part of traveling to another part of the world. Let the fun begin!

Entering into the clinic for international travel shots is nervewracking. Pages of paperwork needs to be completed and then you sit.....and wait. You wait for what you know you're not going to enjoy. You wait while your imagining the size of the needle. You wait for your name to be called.

Nurse Sue was wonderful! With the walls of her office covered with photos of patients she had administered shots to, she delighted us with tales of her past experiences. She was knowledgeable, caring, witty, and most of all......she was quick!!

Needless to say, we all survived!!

~Glenna

One Week Away!

Our mission begins in one week! On Friday, June 27th, we will depart from Raleigh, NC, to travel to Kenya to begin "Mission Africa: Let Your Life Speak!"

Once in Kenya we will work with a group of political caucus women in Nairobi, then travel to the remote village of Wikondiek where we will have the opportunity to work with students at a school. All of our work is focused on providing communication skills and encouraging participants to "Let Their Lives Speak!"

Our team of 5 (Bart Queen, Glenna Sanford, Griffin Sanford, Robin Creasman & Mathew Mordini) will take turns entering our experiences throughout the trip into this blog for our friends, family and supporters to keep track of our travels and experiences. Check back often to read the latest!!!!

Go.....let your life speak!!!