Half of the Long Expected Post

Time keeps on ticking by—I can’t believe that Aaron came and went, we flew to Kenya and northern E and back, I got kissed by a giraffe, I stepped back into the busyness at the project, I celebrated Thanksgiving here and survived the Great E Run!!
This could get really long, but instead of being wordy I’m going to attempt to let the photos share my stories:) BUT, this server has been blocked AGAIN and I can’t load any more photos now.
It was really great to have Aaron here—I’ve probably said this on here before, but one of the greatest struggles of being in a place like this is the feeling that everyone in my “other life” (you, probably!) can’t comprehend my life here. Thus, it’s difficult to share what life is truly like here and the burdens in it. For this reason, I am glad that now I have another bridge between my worlds, that now Aaron knows some of the faces of these dear ones I work with and cry over.
It was also pretty great to have a break:) I definitely needed some time away and some space to process life and to think about this great big looming “what’s next?” question I’m facing. I didn’t come up with any answers and feel like I am a long way from them, but I was reminded that it’s not my life and it’s not about ME. So hopefully these photos will give you a glimpse into our journeys! If this allows me to post more later, I will post all the ones I intended to. I would like to clarify that Aaron’s photos are exponentially better than mine, and really I should just wait for him to finish putting them online and send you there. But until then, enjoy these!
*I was uploading pics backward so they'd be in chronological order (I am slightly OCD, I think). But alas! that means the safari pics didn't get loaded before my technical troubles started in earnest. So sorry, hopefully they will come later!

After being in Nairobi, I felt like I had been to the West and back! Here I am pretty excited that we got to order pizza and have it delivered. Wonders never cease:)

Headed to the aiport in Nairobi

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We flew up to Northern E to the town of Lalibela for a day. It is home to these incredible ancient rock-hewn churches. They are all carved below ground level, so you can't see them when you are just standing in the town.

St. George Church, probably the most famous one there.

A and I with St. George Church in the background.

These are called "tukels" and they are the traditional E. style of building. They start with a stick frame, then plaster in the walls with a grass and mud mixture that is actually harder than cement. The roof is regrassed every few years. The 2 story tukels were used to house animals in the bottom and people in the top.

Dusk view from our window--the town was peaceful. Life continues much as it has for centuries there--the placid evening was interrupted only by the lowing cows, bleating sheep, and the high pitched shout of children playing soccer in the streets.

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*Due to the E gov. heightened security right now, PLEASE use discretion in any comments you may leave! Not that my readers usually post politically sensitive comments, but just be aware! Please don't mention the country, the government, or the political situation. Thanks.