Kenya: Chapter 1 (and some big news!)

Last year, I was reading one of Cjane's blog posts as I so relish doing in the mornings. My heart nearly leaped out of my chest when I read one particular morning that she was to be making a journey to Africa with Basa Body.

"TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!!" I swiftly typed into the comments section next to 334 others with the same plea.

I'm not sure how it all went down after that, but I do remember a phone call where I begged one more time.

"Let me see what I can do," the Ceej replied.

Really? She's actually going to see if Basa Body would let me tag along? I wished hopefully, not ever really thinking she would take me seriously. But in my past experience, Cjane has proven to be a grantor of many wishes for me, so why should I have been surprised at her generosity? I do love that girl. Anyhoo, it seemed that months had passed until I heard from her again on the subject. I received an unexpected call from her one afternoon. She explained that Basa Body was going to Kenya in August 2011 and she didn't feel right about going because she and Chup were feeling it was time to try for a baby again.

"Would you be interested in going in my place?" she queried.

YES. YES. YESSSSS!!!! My joy could not be contained.

Not more than a few weeks later, I was very surprised to find out that I was actually expecting a baby myself; a baby that was due in August 2011. With mixed feelings, I called Cjane to tell her that I could not go to Kenya anymore. BUT, by some great fortune, Basa Body changed the trip to April 2011 and invited us to both come. Once more, my joy could not be contained.

THEN, Cjane found out that she too was expecting. She had been very sick and I believe that she still is, the poor dear. You will send a prayer her way, won't you? So, sadly, she is not here with me now. But I am thinking of her and want to express my gratitude towards her and her wish-granting ways. Hence, although I still don't fully comprehend how or why I was chosen to come on this trip, I can definitely trace much of it back to my dear friend. Thank you, Courtney!

So, without further ado, I'll give you my first day here in pictures. Tomorrow, I'll tell you about these sensational people and what I am learning from them (with new and improved pictures!).

P.S. When this trip is through, I will be exactly 6 months along.

P.P.S. If you are reading my posts, then Basa Body would like to offer you 10% off on any purchase that you make with them online. The redemption code is : mindy. If you live in Utah County, you can buy their products only through Cherry Lane Boutique on 500 N. and University Ave. in Provo. Tell them I sent you. Trust me, you will die for their lotion and you will feel good knowing that your money goes towards providing the people here with sustainable jobs, not just a one time hand-out.

Mombasa, Kenya, Day 1

My morning walk on Diani Beach where I observed fishermen casting their nets and collecting mussels in the tide pools. (Side note: I ventured out into a wasteland of seaweed, washed up on the shore that I somehow got stuck in. Yes, I walked through rotten seaweed up to my knees for 200 yards. Don't ask me how.)

Played with the children of the workers at Shamba La Salama.

This is Clinton. Too bad I didn't get a shot of his brother, Nixon. Honest.

Visiting the Coast Coconut Farms factory where the coconuts are pressed into oil.

A woman cuts open the coconuts with her machete.

The coconuts are pressed into 100% organic, virgin coconut oil and stored in drums.

We visited some of the homes of the factory workers and met their families. Meet Monaisha and her new baby. Isn't she gorgeous?

A typical home of a villager. The interior is dark (no light, no plumbing, no water) with dirt floors. Seeing the way these people live and observing how loving and happy they are makes me question whether or not it matters that they go without the creature comforts I have come to expect in my life.

A village woman weaving a mat.

The lovely Page Checketts, walks with the village grandmother. Page is ready to give up everything and transport her family here to live in the village.

Page and I have had many discussions on whether or not people from developed countries are helping or harming these villagers by bringing "relief" to the people here. They seem so incredibly happy. While I think that providing clean water, education, jobs and some basic health care needs are valuable, most everything else seems unnecessary. More on this tomorrow. I'm curious as to what you think . . .

Kwaherini! (Goodbye, everyone!).