Mattix Montoge

So, it was friday and we went to the local sandbridge market for supper and then walked back on the beach. As we were walking back, Daddy noticed the large waves so we all ran back to the house and made a quick run to the beach. There were some nice waves to end the day and get ready for the weekend. I also included a picture of Anna and I at the swim meet last weekend. Enjoy. Dean

I spoke with Chris just before they boarded the plane. They almost did not make it.....I tell you, it will be nice to have conversations with her that are longer than just a minute or two. The hardest part for me has not been the time with the girls. We have had a blast and they are so good. It has been being away from Chris, we usually text or talk about 10-15 times. a day, so this has been a change. I look forward to seeing her again.

So Chris is having a good last few days in Kenya. Her last night (tonight) they stayed at a very nice resort. She was so excited that the meals even included dessert! She went on a safari and saw lions, hippos, zebras, and a whole bunch of other animals. She has one more day and then she begins the long flight home. We look forward to seeing her. The girls and I are having a blast, we rode our bikes to the donut store this morning, went to get new swimsuits and some books. Tomorrow we plan to.....go to the beach :) and then they each get to use the video camera to do a movie that I will compile and burn for Chris when she gets back. Now I am just chillin and getting ready to do some reading. A good day.

So, of course, EVERY day we have to go to the beach. It has been hot here so even though on day 4 of beach trips for them they grumbled a bit, when they get there and start playing in the waves, riding their boogie boards and taking my kayak out (I got a new lifejacket for them) they have a blast and we usually stay for several hours. Today, it was so hot and the water was so cool, we pretty much just soaked in the water and enjoyed some great waves that appeared. We also were able to observe a dolphin feeding frenzy just feet (probably no more than 30) from shore. Here are a few pictures. Enjoy.

So Chris has finished her last "work" day in Kenya. Tomorrow is a safari and then she has two days of travel back home. I talked with her and she is doing well. A little tired and she has had to adjust to "Kenya time" (slow motion and less planned). And sometimes the days have been long. They have an 1 1/2 hour bus ride every day to the school they worked on and often they would not stop to eat during the day because a majority of the people they were working with did not have much food to eat so it would not be poilte to stop and have lunch. I know she has much to tell me and I am looking forward to hearing all about it. I know she will enjoy this last day to refresh before she travels home. The hotel she is staying at does not have hot water and they have lost power for 2 days so she is glad I gave her one of my many flashlights. Here is a picture of the capital Nairobi

So, our big plan to camp has fallen victim to a dredging project that made it hard to ride on the beach, heavy thunderstorms, and hot weather. It hard for Daddy to call it quits. I am used to just pushing through. But, in a circle pow wow with the gals, it was agreed upon that even though we were already on the way, we should turn back. So, now it is the next morning at 8:30am and we are on the beach, the girls are in the waves for the dawn break, and I am sitting and enjoying a mocha and getting ready to surf. After this, we have a special request for bacon and eggs at home. They were so excited to go to the beach so early, and of course I don't mind, this is low tide;).

So, Chris had a good day today. She had to wade in knee deep mud to get to where they were working today. She spent a long tome talking with a lady in a field and then as she walked away, she realized that she will likely never see her again. They both talking and sharing, but they live worlds apart. She sounds in good spirits.

The three girls and I leave tomorrow for a backpacking trip in the wilderness area of the backbay. We have about a 5 mile ride in and so it should be an adventure. It is just remote with no cars or houses for miles on each side and the atlantic ocean in front of you. So we packed up tonight and the caravan will leave around 10am. They are all excited and I have taken an extra dosage of my patience pill:) I figure, hey, worst case, it all goes south and I slap the chemical night sticks I bought for each of them on and we walk back in the dark. I would just have to keep turning around and making sure I see 3 moving glow sticks..I will keep you posted.

So, Chris had a good day two. They went to some of the poorer parts of Kenya and she said it really had an impact on her. Their are some areas there that are a little unstable, so they could not go out to them and she said it was good they had a local guide. She is resting well and staying busy. Continue to pray for her impact.

Well after 24 hours on a plane or in an airport, I just got a call from Chris and she made it to Kenya safely. She seemed upbeat and I was glad her international phone that i set up for her (with lots of prayer) is working great. She is off to bed now since it is late there. I will keep you posted. The girls and I are doing fine and are heading off to the beach shortly. Dean