There is something energizing about waking up far from home.

Soft light streaming through gauzy window coverings. The sound of unfamiliar birds just outside. A hot cup of coffee to settle in before a day filled with a million new everythings. Awareness and attention heightened. Nothing routine. Nothing ordinary.

This end of summer adventure with Dylan is a long time coming. A long overdue trip to visit my brother and his wife in Africa. Dylan’s fifth continent. And a continent that Bob and Kristi have called home for nearly 24 years—from Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and currently South Sudan. As Dylan embarks upon his final year in high school, Bob and Kristi generously gifted him the opportunity to join them in Kenya—a place they retreat to, a place they love, a place they wanted to share with us. Sadly, Jon wasn’t able to join us this time, so we’ll have to come back and explore this beautiful country again. Yes, I already want to come back. Kenya—beautiful, welcoming, kind-hearted Kenya—

Traveling with family is a treasure, an experience we will not forget.