Another week has passed here in Malindi, and it was the most exhausting one thus far. Monday we went snorkeling, or at least attempted to go snorkeling. We arrived to the ocean where a boat was waiting for us. We got on and waited for a few minutes while our guides got all of our snorkels and flippers. It began to rain and it was rather cold. Once we started moving, the sun finally popped out and it began to warm up. After a short ride, we arrived and jumped in. The coral was really pretty and it was a good snorkel. We got to see lots of fish and even a sea turtle. We snorkeled for about thirty minutes and then the wind and waves picked up. At that point, we all decided that it'd be best to get back in the boat. All twenty of us got back in the boat, and we began driving down the coast towards our lunch spot. It started raining again and it wasn't a pleasant ride. We rode for what seemed to be an hour down the coast, and finally our guides picked a spot for lunch. I'm not sure why we went so far because any spot on the sand would've done. We parked and all got out and ran under a big rock overhang to try to stay dry and warm. The rain kept coming down and it was pretty cold. A few of us attempted to start a fire, and after about thirty minutes we succeeded with the help of a local woman. As soon as we got it going, our guides told us to get back on the boat (which was covered) because they were about to serve lunch. For lunch, we feasted: all kinds of fish, lobster, and shrimp, as much as we could eat. It was delicious. During lunch, the rain stopped and the sun occasionally peaked out. After about an hour and a half for lunch, we were ready to head back out for more snorkeling since our morning got cut short by the rain. We all got ready to go, and then our guides informed us that the tide had gone out too far. Our boat was sitting in just a couple inches of water, and we would have to wait for the tide to come back in. So we got out and played in the water and sand. An hour later, the tide had gone out even further. The boat was basically on dry ground. We knew that this wasn't good and that we weren't going anywhere anytime soon. That was around 3:30 P.M. Kenya looked up on her phone when the tide was supposed to come back in. Bad news: It wouldn't go fully out until 5:45 P.M., and then it would start coming back in. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't somewhat frustrating. James called our bus driver and told him where we were. After another hour, we grabbed our stuff and abandoned ship. We started walking inland and about half a mile down the dirt road, we saw our bus coming. Overall, the snorkeling and food were good, but the rest of the trip was pretty tough.
Monday was to be our day of rest and relaxation while snorkeling before heading to the village. Needless to say, it was far from that. Nonetheless, we got back to the compound Monday night and packed our bags. Early Tuesday morning, we hit the road for Singwaya. It was about a two hour drive to the village down the dirt roads. Tuesday through Friday we did a basketball camp at the primary school in Singwaya. We'd have one class in the morning and one in the afternoon. The groups varied anywhere from about 40 to 150. Brittany and I were at a station of passing and defense. We were given a sheet of drills and games. We used some and made some up as we went. On Friday afternoon, we played a game against each grade. The whole school of almost 600 kids plus teachers came out to the dirt court that we made throughout the week. We played a short scrimmage game for guys and girls for every class from 2 to 8 (basically 2nd to 8th grade). It was exhausting but was a fun time for the kids to see how the game is really played. After playing all the kids, we scrimmaged the teachers. The kids laughed and screamed and cheered as we scrimmaged the teachers. They loved every bit of it. Afterwards, we had a closing assembly where we donated two basketball goals and several basketballs to the school. The students and teachers were very appreciative of our donations.
Friday night we set up a screen and showed the Jesus Film in Giriama, the local language. Although it was hard to tell, there seemed to be anywhere between 300 and 600 people there. One of the national pastors led an invitation, and 34 people came forward for salvation. Their information was given to the pastor of the church there in Singwaya. Hopefully the church will see much growth as a result of the basketball camp and the Jesus Film. The church has been meeting at the school, but recently bought a plot to put their own building. This morning the 20 from our group plus about 20 from the church cleared off about a half-acre of land so that they can begin their building. Wangiri, the pastor, was extremely appreciative of our efforts throughout the week as were the other church members. We have been praying that the Lord would grow the church in Singwaya and that many people would come to know Jesus.
It feels good to be back in Malindi and have a nice shower. The food in the village was rough for me. Luckily, I brought enough food to survive the week. We slaughtered a goat on Thursday and ate the good meat Thursday night. For lunch of Friday we were served what the locals call "matumbo." It is goat intestines, liver, kidneys, etc. chopped up in a soup. No, I did not eat it. Friday nights here at the Taylors are usually Taco Nights. Since we were gone last night, tonight will be our Taco Night. I can't wait to eat a full meal for the first time in several days!
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