Samburu National Reserve
Sept 17th, 2014

This was a beautiful 6 hour drive north from Nairobi.

Entrance gate to the reserve.

There were all kinds of animals, including elephants roaming around our tent.

We were awakened at 3 am to the sound of elephants noisily eating trees around our tent.

Our tents are on platforms so we were safe.

Elder and Sister Anderson invited us to come with them on this adventure.
We are so thankful for this opportunity!
This area is NOT fenced so the animals roam freely.
There are MANY guards and towers to keep us safe.

We were invited to pick up our plates and move to the deck 

because elephants were coming through.

The dining room.

There were so many beautiful elephants.

We witnessed fighting with 3 bulls.

The sound of the ivory clashing was incredible.

 The elephants were majestic!

We heard a male lion roar early that morning! 

We were told that the sound will carry for 5 miles.

Our guide was looking for tracks but we never did see it.

We did get this great picture of the Lioness and Cub. 

We were so close to these animals.

They didn't pay any attention to us.

Cheetah

Leopard

Zebra

Reticulated Giraffe

Gerenuk 

Giraffe Gazelle

Impala

Dick Dick

The smallest of all the antelope family.

It's about the size of a large jack rabbit.

This Baboon was just outside our tent.

There was a troop fighting and screaching.

Vervet or Blue Ball Monkey

We were invaded by these little characters!

The padlock had to be in place on the door at all times.

Warthogs

Warthogs

or "Kenya Express"

Their tails (look like an antenna) are straight up in the air when they are running.

Warthogs are so ugly they are cute!

Oryx

Water Buck

Massive termite hills!

Weaver Bird Nests.

Guinea Fowl

Marabou Stork

 Grey Crowned Crane

Nile Crocodile

The Ewaso Ng'iro River runs through the camp.

There were hippos on the other side of the river.

 

Khallo  & Isaac our awesome guide and driver

One of the Masai guides from another vehicle.

Beautiful Sunsets!

THE END!!

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MARIA A.W. IMENDE

WIFE OF OUR BUSIA BRANCH PRESIDENT

June 22, 1966 - November 30, 2014

These pictures were taken at the 5th Anniversary Party for the Busia Branch 

August 30, 2014.

We enjoyed our very first African Dinner at the Imende Home.
Sister Imende is such a wonderful loving woman!  We had an immediate connection with her!
This was such a memorable evening for us as we visited and enjoyed the wonderful
African food and African Hospitality.
We will always remember Sister Imende saying, "This IS The African Way"!

On December 11, 2014
Sister Robai from the Busia Branch and Sister Horner
had the  sweet opportunity to prepare Sister Imende for burial.
It was very comforting to dress her in temple clothing.


The first viewing followed immediately just outside the mortuary.

This was followed with a viewing and short service
just in front of the family home.

The body was then transported to the Imende family compound 1 1/2 hours away
where about 200 people stayed the night waiting for the funeral the following day.
A special LDS Service in Sister Imende's honor was held that evening.

This bus was hired to drive Busia Branch Members to the Family Compound.

There was seating for 500 people under tents for the funeral service on Dec. 12, 2014.
The first 3 hours of the service was a traditional service and the majority of this
was presented in Swahili.  There was a beautiful song with drums presented.
 President Imende and his children spoke to bring transition to the
concluding LDS service.  Sister Horner was the first speaker.
Other leaders including the past Branch President also spoke. President Chirchir
from the Mission Presidency was the concluding speaker.  He gave a
powerful talk speaking in both Swahilli and English on the Plan of Salvation.

The 4 1/2 hour service was presented in the center area between the tents.


A photographer  was taking random pictures throughout the service.
These pictures were taken at that time.
The viewing took place under a small tent.
Pres. Chirchir is in the center with
Pres. Francis and Pres. Abner  from Busia Branch Presidency on each side.
Elder and Sister Horner & Elder and Sister Anderson are seated behind.

The burial plot is inside the family compound.
This was just before Elder Horner dedicated the grave.
The coffin is covered with beautiful lace.

Iron sheets as they call it are placed over the top of a coffin.
Everyone that wants to throws dirt on top of the iron sheets.

Many crowded around for the burial.

Following the burial there were many people wanting to know more about the 

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Elder and Sister  Horner kept busy sharing missionary pamphlets and Book of Mormons to

many who had questions following the service. 

The Imende family is a strong family with faith in Jesus Christ and his restored Gospel.
They have felt the power, strength and comfort of the Holy Ghost!

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE PLAN OF SALVATION!