Gabe is Safely in Kenya

It's so great to know they are there safely and that they've gotten some rest now! I was more worried about their exhaustion than anything else! Here is Gabe's email that he sent last night - I figure Jill has forwarded it to most of you, but I'll be trying to post what I hear from him too. Avery and I are doing well and having fun at Mimi's and Grandad's house. They had to put down Scooter, their dog of 18 years on Tuesday morning, so it is sad for him not to be around. Avery misses him. Talk to you all soon!

Jill

From Gabe Wed. morning, 6/13

Well, we made it! Sorry I haven't emailed before now. It's Wednesday morning our time and we finally made it in to town. Our Virgin flight arrived just in time to catch our KA flight to Mombasa. We had to wait in line FOREVER to verify the online booking, but we made it. The guys thought it was hilarious that we just walked across the whole airport on the runway side to board our plane. The weather in NBI was perfect - so cool and crisp. It was really nice when we arrived in MBA too - about 80 with a cool breeze. We got a taxi to Kilifi - it was $70 but well worth it. That's hard to pay when you know a matatu for all of us would have been about $5 but with the luggage there isn't much option. it's amazing how comfortable i feel. Language is coming back easily and everything feels like it did when we were here. The smells are the same, the people are the same and everything, but it feels very surreal to actually be sitting here again. I've made great friends with all the staff at Dhow's Inn, so we'll be fine there. They, of course, are all shocked that I speak their language. I even met the night watchman this morning - his name is Jefwa Mwanzaro. Imagine his shock to find out I have the same name!

We went to bed about 1pm yesterday to take a nap and planned to walk into Kilifi for supper. I woke up at 930pm! The guys woke up about 630 and knocked on my door but i didn't even hear it. I don't think i moved the entire time. They were already back asleep by that time, so i ordered pepper steak and chapati for supper at the Inn. it took about an hour to cook and I just read and journaled while I waited. I probably got to bed by 1130 and slept all night until daylight this morning. We were all exhausted, i suppose

We got up and walked into town this morning. we got breakfast at the Arcade Cafe (an old favorite of Jill and I's). Gladys (the owner) wasn't there, but we had good chai (hot tea). i had samosa and the guys had omelets and toast. Trent ordered milk and when the girl delivered our tea, she asked if the milk was to be hot or cold. i thought she meant the tea milk, since she brought it seperate, but she meant Trent's milk - so he got a piping hot glass of HOT milk! It was funny and he enjoyed it anyway.

It's been so fun showing them around. Vince has already said he wished he could take it in faster - but that will come with time. There are a few things different about Kilifi. I'm most excited about the Italian Gelati (ice cream) that is right next door to our old office! We'll be trying that out! Omar's is closed (this was my favorite place to get an ice cold Coke), so I'll have to find the new "cold" coke machine in town.

We are planning to tour around town this morning and maybe head to the MCRC and see if John is around. I'll probably make some calls and let guys know we are around as well since it's time to jump in and get busy! We'll send some more news when we have. In the meantime, thanks for all your prayers. Even though we missed our flight in London, God was good and we got another flight that got us here in time to not delay our time in country. The devotional book has been wonderful and so appropriate each day. The Spirit was really leading Steve as he put that together and we really appreciate it. Amani na dheri (grace and peace) Gabe