Five weeks ago, we welcomed John and Lisa Cranmer for their first visit to Kenya. John was a groomsman in Jonathan’s wedding; while pursuing a career in public health at Johns Hopkins he met Lisa Nutting, a doctor-in-training with a shared passion for improving health care in the developing world. John and Lisa focused their studies on Latin and South America, and so we had not thought that our paths would cross professionally. We were delighted and surprised a few months ago when they wrote to say that Lisa had accepted a five week research assignment to Kenya! John was able to travel with Lisa for the first ten days of their visit to Kenya, and then returned to the US to begin a doctoral program while Lisa continued her research.
The past five weeks have been full of wonderful fellowship, as Jonathan reconnected with John and we built a new friendship with Lisa. It was a joy to introduce the Cranmers to Africa–the pace of life in Kenya’s capital, the beauty of Nairobi National Park (Photos Here!), and the splendor of the Great Rift Valley.
After a few days of adjusting to jet lag, we had a small Wheaton College reunion at our favorite retreat, Malu Farm, with the Cranmers and Jessie Gac. John, Jessie, and Jonathan are all Wheaton alums from 2000, and we enjoyed hiking, good food and conversation for a very restorative three days. (Photo Album Here!)
We were sad to see John go after the first ten days, but were able to host Lisa for subsequent weekends. We wrapped up her visit this afternoon with a meal, fellowship, a quick swim and then a drive to the airport. We will miss you, John and Lisa!
Great! It’s so refreshing to have friends from the old world visit you in EA!
Hope your spirits were buoyed.
It sounds like you’re looking forward to Brussels!