Giraffe Kisses

I'm on vacation!! I'm out of the desert and have been hanging out in Kenya! It has been so great so far, and so green.....there's trees everywhere here. It's been awesome to have a break, hang out,  and eat lots and lots.  The first day I was here I had chicken quesadillas, an ice cream sundae, cheeseburger and fries, and some chocolate pie my mom brought me...I know--amazing. I kinda haven't stopped eating like that either, but you can't be ashamed about it during vacation. I've gotten to see a lot of friends along the way which has been so great. I'm so thankful for the chance to catch up with old friends....tried to think of something profound to describe the moment, but it's not really working.

Probably the funniest moment of the trip was when I kissed a giraffe. Yep sure did. There's a really cool giraffe park right in Nairobi, and you stand on this platform which makes you eye level with the giraffe. They let you feed them and although their tongue is super long and slimy...it's a pretty good time for everybody involved. Well the guy who worked at the park put a piece of food in his mouth to get a giraffe kiss. I couldn't let him show me up...

As you can see I've had a pretty interesting vacation. Thanks to all who sent me cards and pictures through my parents...they mean more than you will ever know!!

Kiss the Rain

So I experienced my first rain yesterday in over 6 months. I was really excited to see it. Me and the roommates just went out and played in it. We let ourselves get soaked to the bone and when the wind blew, we would marvel at the fact that we had chill bumps on our arms. It was the first time in so long I've genuinely been cold. I wanted to go put on a jacket just because I could have worn it without sweating, but I decided to enjoy being cold instead. We danced around singing "Kiss the Rain," even though we could only remember those 3 words....so we just kinda sang them over and over again.
It was a fun afternoon, and really refreshing that I can truly appreciate something like a big rain. I mean I've always liked rain, enjoy the smell, like watching clouds roll in, but I don't think I've ever been thankful enough for it to just stand outside in the midst of it...to run and play..and take pictures...and just be a part of a moment that before had just been a routine occurrence. I'm not saying that I appreciate everything like I should....there's stuff to be a part of everyday and to simply enjoy it.......but yesterday, I was a part of the rain....and it was amazing.