Swimming in the sea is something I have longed for when in the heat of Korr and I have taught about tourism in Kenya for many years. For these two reasons I was keen to visit the coast whilst here. This school holiday seemed the ideal time to go. I travelled by coach with my housemates to the coast north of Mombasa. The large all-inclusive resorts didn't appeal to us (or our budgets!) so we stayed at the field centre of A Rocha Kenya right next to the white coral sands and warm Indian Ocean.
The centre is a very special place on an unspoiled stretch of beach, with wonderful Kenyan food and hospitality, great company from volunteer researchers, beautiful fragrant frangipani trees, crabs (that reminded us of camel spiders) skittering around at night and the opportunity to learn more about the issues facing the area.
A Rocha is an international organisation of Christians in conservation that aims to promote the study and conservation of natural resources and habitats. The Bible tells us that 'the earth is the Lord's' (Psalm 24:1) and also that 'the earth he has given to man' (Psalm 115:16); God has given us the responsibility to preserve and develop the world around us on his behalf. In this part of Kenya there are coral reefs, natural forests and mangrove swamps which sadly are all threatened by human activity.
There was also time for sunbathing, walks on the beach, reading and napping. The night guard at the centre is a Rendille man called Niko. We were able to keep up our Rendille language and share stories of the north with him.
Because of the rain, this is technically the low season for tourism in the area but the occasional rain storm didn't spoil our enjoyment. All in all a perfect little holiday!
So glad you ladies enjoyed your break with us and were able to get in some rest and relaxation before going back to school! We loved your company and were sad to see you go!
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