Hippo-Hello from Lake Naivasha!

We arrived safely a very special location in the Great Rift Valley of southern Kenya Sunday, December 9…about 12noon—Lake Naivasha! A unique fresh-water lake on the high plains of the valley, Lake Naivasha is about 8 miles across, and is home to various birds (fish eagles and storks!), fish, and of course—the hippopotamus. Our camp is on the shoreline being protected from the hippo population by small barb-wire and electric fence at the shoreline.

The United Youth Corps participants spent the afternoon setting up camp, pitching 32 tents, and getting the site organized for arrival of 90 campers and more staff to arrive later that day. They did, indeed arrive (by bus and public transport)—but to a rain storm that carried on for almost 3 hours! Mr. Tim Waddle worked with program director Antonio Ndung’u to get all campers to their tents to avoid the worst of the rain. Due to inclement weather, we were unable to eat dinner until about 8pm that evening—when, thankfully, the rain stopped. After a wonderful meal of rice, peas, beef and carrots—we were all able to settle in for the night. It was a cool night, damp from the rain, and a few of the campers (and our Youth Corps staff!) were a bit chilly. Today, one of the Kenyan staff took a taxi into the town of Naivasha to purchase blankets and bedding for those with further needs.

This morning (Monday, December 10), I woke up before sunrise (as many of the campers and staff were already awake—beginning the preparations for breakfast). Youth Corps volunteer and I (Matthew Kireilis) took a walk at sunrise to the lake shore and viewing stand. The sunrise was beautiful, and we were treated by the arrival of a huge hippo coming out of the lake just to “pose” (thankfully beneath the stand) for us to take a picture! He then lumbered back into the lake through the Lilly pads and submerged once again. Not your typical early morning site!

We started the day with Mr. Waddle giving the orientation message to the entire camp and I followed up with a Christian-living discussion on the subject of “Making Friends at Camp”. The first day of activities got off to a great start at 10am. We’re looking forward to warm/dry weather for much of the week—but we’ll see what God provides for us! Overall, things have gotten off to a great start—and Matt, Jennifer, Becky, Jennifer, and Jeremy are setting a good example of involvement and service. (PS: --Love you, Tanya!...)
~Doug Horchak