Acts 10:11-12 “11 He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air.” (NIV)

One of the great benefits of traveling to far away lands for mission work, is seeing all the amazing animals in the wild. It is not uncommon for me to squeal in delight as I spy God’s beautiful creatures grazing by the side of the roads. I am thankful to know that heaven will contain animals for me to continue to enjoy and I can’t wait to play with them. My greatest animal adventures occurred on trips to Kenya. Continue reading to experience a glimpse into those trips.

Nairobi, Kenya sits atop a large bluff. The slight elevation provides some welcome relief to the heat. As I leave the city behind, I notice the slow decrease in population as I move further from the city. Instead of tall buildings, towering trees and lush green patches of earth dominate the scenery. The road curves and turns as the warm wind blows in through my open window and dries the sweat off my face. The car turns again and the road drops away in front of me. The mighty expanse of the Rift Valley opens up before my eyes. It spreads out in every direction. The breeze becomes much drier and no longer offers much relief as I descend into a barren and desolate landscape. The green is gone, replaced by dusty, brown arid conditions. As the journey continues, I contemplate a nap to avoid the doldrums of this empty valley. Just as I am about to close my eyes, something moves in the distance. Straining to make out the shape, a zebra gallops across the landscape and I squeal. Before long, more animals move through the underbrush of the Umbrella trees. Giraffes, Baboons, and monkeys. My once weary eyes now scan the horizon in hopes of seeing more creatures. A deep residing joy settles over me as I bask in the beauty of God’s handy work.

Psalm 37:4 “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (NIV).

The Lord knows me and knows the desires of my heart. He knows my love of travel and my love of nature and He lovingly provides me with many opportunities to experience both. All because He love me. Jesus loves you too and He wants to grant you the desires of your heart. As it states in Psalm 37:4, all it takes is for you to delight in the Lord. Jesus waits for each of us to turn to Him, to give our lives to Him and in return, He will provide for us today and for eternity in heaven with Him. What are the desires of your heart?

Yvonne

Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”