A little of this, a little of that

It's already April and in just a month we'll be wrapping up another school year. I've had a great time in second grade! It's been a fun challenge learning new teaching techniques and working with the different age group.

This semester we had our Spiritual Emphasis Week (like VBS), the elementary spring concert, and I got to help with Disciple Now weekend for the youth in our community.

spring concert

sophomore girls' DNOW group

I've also enjoyed seeing more of Kenya this year. Friends and I have gone camping and visited the Kenyan coast over spring break. Here's a quick recap of some of the places I've seen:

We went camping in a national park called the Aberdares. It's in a mountain range and has lots of tall pines or trees that you don't necessarily think of when you think Africa. There were also a handful of beautiful waterfalls. The water was freezing, though!  We saw an elephant or two off in the distance and even had reed buck darting through our camp.

#campingwithwomen

the Aberdares

Another fun trip was to hike Mt. Kasigau. It was a bit of a trek to get there, but we made it in time to see a gorgeous sunset-t he outline of Mt. Kilimanjaro was just visible. 

We started the hike up the mountain in the morning and went through the different levels of habitat on the mountain- I was thankful for the cool rain forest at the top! The view was amazing. 

#campingwithwomen

I had to...the Gator Nation is everywhere. 

If it wasn't enough that we hiked a mountain, that night we slept on a rock. Literally. It's called Gui Rock and we heard hyenas in the middle of the night. Our guard got up to stir the fire to make sure they didn't come closer. 

sunset on Gui Rock

Funny sidenote- we were given a tip on a scenic short cut that actually made our trip about five or six hours longer than anticipated. It's really worthy of a whole 'nother blog post. We ended up in a game park and had to talk our way out of paying the entrance fee (to get out). 

It was beautiful, but that road kept on going.

 Spring Break came and there was no doubt that I wanted to spend it at the Coast. I got to swim in the Indian Ocean and ate some great seafood (and that's saying something since I'm not a fan). Highlights of this trip include the dhow ride at sunset and snorkeling.

the Indian Ocean

dhow ride at sunset

snorkeling in the Indian Ocean

exploring tide pools 

The latest adventure was back to Tsavo West - this time we paid to get in. We visited Mzima Springs, the black lava flows, and Roaring Rock with it's incredible views. There were plenty of birds to view and we also saw elephants & giraffes.

Mzima Springs

black lava flows

view from Roaring Rock

So grateful for a wonderful semester at Rosslyn. I have such a great groups of students and some amazing friends that enjoy adventures. Praising God for the opportunities I've had and looking forward to sharing Kenya with some visitors very soon!