We’d thought it would be forever. Xavier’s first mission trip. First international trip. First flight….

And after two days to get there, he was going out to schools every day for a week. The week felt like a month, he said. But Kenya was amazing. Xavier marveled at the sweeping landscape. He appreciated the large Christian population, and the beautiful, enthusiastic children. He lamented the condition of the roads and traffic, the abject poverty, and lack of sleep.

His group went on a safari over the course of the last two days. He saw giraffes, hyenas, monkeys, hippos, lions, zebras, crocodiles, and rhinos. There may or may not have been spotted cats there–their coats make them very difficult to pinpoint.

He ate crocodile and ostrich at the Carnivore buffet and lived to buy the t-shirt. He brought home beautiful, thoughtful gifts that he haggled for.

He hopes to return.