Saying Goodbye to Uganda and Hello to Mombasa!

As we travel, we have made such good friends along the way. The hardest part of this journey is saying good bye to them. It was such an emotional good bye when we left the children's home. I remember staring into to the eyes of all those precious ones, not really knowing if we will ever see them again. Of course it is our hope that we do return, but in this life there are no guarantees. As I left, I wondered what the future holds for them. But this I do know, Mike and Lori (of Show Mercy, International) have given these children a chance at having a better life, and for this I am grateful. In our one month stay, we attempted to share some joy and laughter with these children, unaware of how deeply it would affect us. The Von family is forever changed. Every day we spoke of taking home a child, or maybe two. We knew this would be impossible, however, it was weighing heavy on us, knowing in America, this child would have a chance of a better life and a good education.

We also had to say good bye to our dear friends in Kampala. Brian, Susan, and their boys, Kenny and Roy, Richard, Douglas, Gilbert, Prossy, Christine, Rose, and Andy.
They had been such a part of our lives here in Uganda, a great part, an infastructure that kept us safe and sane. We will miss them so much. I know technology will help us to stay in contact.

So here we are in Mombasa! Already making new friends, feeling the warmth and love of the people. Here on the island, life has a different pace then Kamapla, layed back and yet, more intentional. Here, schedules are maintained and arranged. Our days have been quickly filling up with engagements, picnics, excursions, and tours.

Our host Carol is wonderful. She has been on the island for more than 24 years. She knows all the ins and outs of the place. Mombasa is culturally diverse. Here there are Arabs, Asians (Indians and Parkastanees), Kenyans, and Whites. There are many different religions ranging from Muslim, Hundu, Christian, and a variety of others.

We are looking forward to meeting/making new friends and developing an African network of relationships, sharing together our experiences and our joy.

Jerry