FOT Naivasha
Trip Start
Oct 03, 2008
1
11
18
Trip End
Nov 02, 2008
Naivasha,
Kenya
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
306 people from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, plus Peter Watson from the UK and Merrie and me attended the Feast of Tabernacles this year. Fish Eagle Lodge and Campsite lies beneath a stunning canopy of giant Yellow Fever acacia trees atop a lush green grassy landscape, punctuated by subtropical flora. Above, within and below are colobus and black-faced vervet monkeys, fish eagles, merabu storks, superb starlings, long-tailed wydha birds and hippos down at the lakeside. Daily activities included a 9am leaders meeting, and 10am services. Afternoon activities included games, "Planet Earth" videos, Feast film, Family Day and lots of socializing. Accomodations were mainly tents which we have been bringing from the USA for the past few years. Internationals stayed in rooms at the adjoining Fish Eagle Lodge and dined there as well having all their meals prepared with mineral water. The camp had its meals prepared by caterers from Migori who camped with us and did all the work. A special meal of "nyama choma" was funded by our international guest and consisted of 6 sheep and goats slaughtered on site and served roasted along with chipati bread, ugali and a glass of wine. That meal was an often mentioned highlight of the Feast activities for the East Africans. The Feast film featured interviews that included my parents, Jack and Anne Elliott. The Africans were delighted to see and hear them and kept asking if they were still alive. It was difficult for them to comprehend that the video was a recent production and I assured them that they were just like that today. Dad is 85 while the average life expectancy of a Kenyan is only 48. The Feast was the best we have experienced in Kenya. This is my fifth time to coordinate the Feast here in the last six years and it is a busy time. Since Trumpets I have given 10 different sermons, a Bible study, 16 baptism counselings, 6 leadership meetings, 3 seminars, 3 deacon ordinations, 14 baptisms, and an unknown number of member visits. By the end I was worn down and opted not to give sermon number eleven. Weather this week included a bit of everything from clear sunny skies to heavy thundershowers. Through it all everyone enjoyed an uplifting and inspiring time together and we parted longing for the next time we will be together.
