For those of you interested, here are some photos and videos of our trip to Kenya. Enjoy.

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Our kids are amazing little travelers.

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We started our journey by spending a few days in Istanbul visiting some of our favorite people.

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We spent our time in Kenya touring a number of Christian Relief Fund schools, sharing tea in homes in villages, and talking to pastors, students, teachers, and others about their successes, challenges, and needs. To say that “we learned a lot” is an understatement. Here are a few of the things we learned:

You don’t need electronics, social media, or internet access to have fun.

Friendship doesn’t have to be hard. You don’t have to have much in common. You don’t even have to share a language.

How to milk a cow why taking care of animals is important.

Why planting trees, potatoes, and taking care of our planet is important.

How to dance.

How to cook, Kenyan style.

Schools are not all alike. Also, education is important.

Churches weren’t meant to be homogeneous. And that’s pretty wonderful.

One good way to get your family to bond together is to fly yourself to a country where you don’t have cell service.

Kenyans are pretty good at maximizing the usage of their vehicles.

Kenyans can carry just about anything on their heads.

Kenya seems to be the most welcoming country on the planet.

When you travel with 8 kids, you’re pretty much a tourist attraction in and of yourselves.

Tiny travel toothpaste is adorable.

There you have it. Believe it or not, that’s the extremely concise version of our adventure. I’ll leave you with a little begging. Please consider supporting Christian Relief Fund. Disclaimer: I’m not employed by them nor do I receive any compensation from them. They have been so incredibly gracious to help us find ways to get involved in a family-friendly way across the globe. Every single day we witnessed how this organization (based right here in Amarillo, Texas, I might add) is changing lives through clean water, nutrition, education, and inspiration. Donate here. Or, sponsor a child. It’s only $35/month. Sponsorship changes the futures of these kids by providing them with nutrition, healthcare, and education. Then, if you are able, find a way to go meet your sponsored child or visit the well you helped drill. You’ll learn a lot about joy. You’ll learn a lot about Jesus.

Of course, if you want more information about opportunities to help change lives in Kenya, let me know. Talking about this is one of my favorite things.