Raimo and Leena Leppihalme

We are Leena and Raimo Leppihalme from Kankaanpää.
The reason we went to Africa was to see our daughter Maria and her husband Heikki. We thought that seeing them and seeing Africa would be a unique experience. We pondered whether we should go or not. Finally our travel plans started to materialize in November 2004.
We were often in touch with our tour leader Outi and got some valuable tips concerning the planning of our trip. We started the journey on the first of December, the return flight was on the 13th.

We were surprised by all the experiences we got from the trip. When the plane landed in Mombasa we met our beloved Maria and Heikki as well as some of their friends. It was a wonderful and unforgettable moment! It was also wonderful to experience the friendly embraces and warm greetings of the African people. The conference we attended was a new experience for us, because we were used to the quietness of the Evangelical Lutheran church. The African service was full of music and people sang praise for hours on end. The speeches of the pastors were interpreted for us through headphones.

It was also wonderful to swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and walk on the white beaches. The low and high tides of the ocean were a new experience for us. The beauty of the blooming trees, the heat and the humidity of the air, and the drops of water on plants and trees in the morning were also something impossible to describe.
The hotel with its ventilation and service was good. There was plenty of food. We were also offered fresh fruits and freshly squeezed juices.

We also had a chance to visit the slums. For me (Leena) the trips to the slums were especially daunting. You have to see the misery and the diseases of the slums with your own eyes to believe how bad the situation is.
We were also able to visit a few private homes where we received plenty of hospitality and great kindness.
The trip was unforgettable. We stayed healthy. The flights went well. We are very thankful to the Heavenly Father, whom we often prayed for a successful trip.
We haven't told about the great safari experiences and visiting the home of Maria and Heikki. They were also a part of this unique trip. And we shouldn't forget to mention Outi, Mikko and Tatu, who had a vital role in making our trip a success.