Monday, October 5, 2009

The Journey Home...


Today is my last day in Africa.

I just got back from a Safari with my dad in
the middle of the Masi Mara... it's about as close to nowhere as you can imagine, but very beautiful. It was amazing. We saw baby warthogs, buffalo, zebra, giraffes, hippos! We saw a lion chasing a cheetah! And, we saw lots and lots of wide open space. We went on a walking Safari with a Masai Warrior. It was... interesting. The first thing he did was pick up some animal leftovers and asked us which animal this belongs too. I was a little freaked out at one point because my dad picked up some elephant stuff and asked if I wanted to hold it! We walked for a while, and eventually we came to the Masai Village.

We were greeted by tall Masai warriors who did a ceremonial dance for us and the women sang and danced too. We went into their huts where they told us about themselves. The huts were...captivating... made out of elephant dung and tree bark. The only light came from a small hole about the size of my fist. They are very proud of who they are.





It made me sad to see how they had to live. There is terrible drought in Kenya and they have lost a lot since it started. Their cows are thin and starving, and they don't have enough food. There only protection from the wild is a thick barrier of sticks and thorns.
It was awsome and very sad at the same time. I almost started crying. What if I was a Masai? I would have to live like this! How horrible it would be, waking up every morning to work and work and work? I wake up in the morning and turn on the T.V. I just felt so grateful that God blessed me with the family that I have today. My dad and I were talking about how God puts you on the earth for a reason. He puts you in the situation your in for a reason. I was blessed through God's mercy and grace just to be born in America. I, WE, all deserve to be a Masai and live like a Masai. But, through the blessings of God we are given the situations and families we have in America.

When I first moved to hawaii, I was dissapointed because I thought my house was a bit small. I know that sounds crazy, that's just how I felt. Now after seeing the Masai houses and lives, I am ashamed at how I felt. My dad tells me that God puts you in situations to either be like Jesus or to learn to be like Jesus. I think the same about my blessings with being able to see the Masai and go on this trip. I learned about how much I really have and how much I have to give.

Well thats what i've been doing. Now its my last day and I can look forward to is 40 hours of traveling to get to my home! I miss home and my family and all of my friends. But, I wouldn't trade the mental and emotional learning that I have gained (while I was here) for anything... or the time with my dad.

I'm leaving for home tonite at 11. Please pray that my dad and I will survive the 40 hours!

Carly
Ps. - This verse has been on my heart for a while and I would like to share it with you.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51: 10).

Pps. Please continue to pray for Moses. Here's my last video when I had to say goodbye to him:


10 comments:

Renee said...

Wow, Carly! Amazing post...I heard your Dad ask you several times, "why do you think you are here?" Clearly, you have learned and grown in understanding of that! Your words paint a beautiful picture of your heart, a heart that will likely be changed FOREVER because of all you saw on this trip. Safe travels and blessings to you and Uncle Mark! Love all the pictures on your blog!
In His love,
Renee M.

kburrous said...

Hi Carly,
What a wonderful experience to have seen how others live and to have had the chance to bring your love and laughter to them for even a short time. You will forever have left your mark in their lives as they have in yours. To be grateful for the comfortable and fortunate life we live it an amazing gift that will be with you for the rest of your life.
Safe travels and big hugs for both you and your Dad! Love Karen, paul, Natalie & Max

kburrous said...

hey carly shay, it's natalie! it was super weird to leave from hawaii and all of the sudden hear that you're in africa! must be fun...anyway bye!

Anonymous said...

Awww Carly.... everybody just loves you!!!!!! Are you home from Africa yet

Annie

reggie casadei said...

Carly boo, I am so proud of you and all you've learned about life, love, and giving. You are one of the sweetest girls in my life and you are very nurturing . I'm so glad that you're sharing these gifts and your heart with these people. It is such a great example of how giving and receiving are both the same. Both the giver and receiver benefit by such a blessed exchange. I know this experience will change your life and stay with you forever. Your parents are so special to let you go on this amazing journey that most kids don't get to experience. Share your blessings sweetheart. I love you so so much. And happy birthday teenager! Love Reggie yer other mom

reggie casadei said...

Carly boo, I am so proud of you and all you've learned about life, love, and giving. You are one of the sweetest girls in my life and you are very nurturing . I'm so glad that you're sharing these gifts and your heart with these people. It is such a great example of how giving and receiving are both the same. Both the giver and receiver benefit by such a blessed exchange. I know this experience will change your life and stay with you forever. Your parents are so special to let you go on this amazing journey that most kids don't get to experience. Share your blessings sweetheart. I love you so so much. And happy birthday teenager! Love Reggie yer other mom

reggie casadei said...

Carly boo, I am so proud of you and all you've learned about life, love, and giving. You are one of the sweetest girls in my life and you are very nurturing . I'm so glad that you're sharing these gifts and your heart with these people. It is such a great example of how giving and receiving are both the same. Both the giver and receiver benefit by such a blessed exchange. I know this experience will change your life and stay with you forever. Your parents are so special to let you go on this amazing journey that most kids don't get to experience. Share your blessings sweetheart. I love you so so much. And happy birthday teenager! Love Reggie yer other mom

reggie casadei said...

Carly boo, I am so proud of you and all you've learned about life, love, and giving. You are one of the sweetest girls in my life and you are very nurturing . I'm so glad that you're sharing these gifts and your heart with these people. It is such a great example of how giving and receiving are both the same. Both the giver and receiver benefit by such a blessed exchange. I know this experience will change your life and stay with you forever. Your parents are so special to let you go on this amazing journey that most kids don't get to experience. Share your blessings sweetheart. I love you so so much. And happy birthday teenager! Love Reggie yer other mom

reggie casadei said...

Happy happy birthday baby! I'm so glad yer mom gave birth to you on October 18th and I was lucky enough to be there when your big head came out! Xoxoxo Reggie yer bff and surrugate mommy

Anonymous said...

Wow Carly,
You really learned a lot from this trip. I hope that I can go on a trip like that someday!
~Kristina R.