Saying “Good-bye” to our friends, colleagues and church family in Nairobi and rafting the Nile River each classify as experiences beyond my imagination. They were both overwhelming and left me wondering, “Is this really happening?”
Rafting is a favorite Mather bonding activity. Because of my previous family rafting excursions, I quickly realized that the Nile River was in a category of its own. In the US, rafting 
seemed to be a technical activity: turning the raft, back-paddling, carefully maneuvering to miss hitting rocks; essentially, trying to keep everyone in the boat. In contrast, on the Nile, most rapids did not require much strategic planning. We simply paddled towards the rapid and then “GET DOWN AND HOLD ON!!!” – falling out of the raft was expected. As rafters we felt a great impulse to “freak out” during the trip, but our guide was extremely laid back. Before going down a big rapid, the guide put us at ease by calmly saying, “The boat may flip over on this 
rapid, or maybe not. If you fall out, hold onto your life jacket, and just enjoy the Nile…”
Saying “Good-bye” to Nairobi also had its share of overwhelming moments. The hospitality we received was unbelievable. Our co-workers organized special farewell gatherings for us (thank you CWSEA and FECCLAHA!) and the coordinator of our program held a warm dinner in our honor (Thank you Rev. Phyllis!). Our Kenya church family, Loresho PCEA, gave us a luncheon after our last Sunday service (Thank you Rev. Agola and Loresho 
family!), and members of the church’s couples’ fellowship surprised us with a cook-out two days before our departure. On the day we left, several people tracked us down to give a hug and gift. One church member found us an hour before we headed to the airport to give us a pancho he made by hand. Each farewell event and each person with a gift or a kind word combined to create an enormous wave of love and compassion. We felt so undeserving, and at the same time so grateful. At times I became anxious about the incredible things people were doing on our behalf, but in those moments I felt God’s calming Spirit settle my heart. A voice seemed to be saying, “Just hold on, and enjoy the ride.”
Posted on July 31st, 2009 by Nancy
Filed under: Uncategorized