Hey Everyone,

It's Kaila again, except on a little more serious note. As the trip comes to an end I can say I have learned a lot from both my classmates and the people of Kenya.

From my classmates, I have learned that each of us handle situations differently, whether it be interacting with the students at St. Al's or walking through the city of Eldoret.

Yet, the biggest things are what I have learned from the Kenyans, which is no matter where you are, the quantity/quality of the things you own, and other things along the lines of economical status, you always can take the time to be gracious and kind to everyone. As well as that, I have learned you always have to be grateful for everything in your life good or bad because it always can be worse.

<3 Kaila Lewis

Friendships Forged, Forever Remembered

Hello everyone back in Indy!
Today has been a truly touching day for everyone. This morning, we went to St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School in the Kibera Slums. To get there, we had to drive/walk through the slums, and it was a really eye-opening experience. Open sewage, garbage everywhere, not to mention some quite sinus-cleansing odors. However, despite the awful conditions, when we arrived at St. Al's, all of the students were beaming and thrilled to see us! We got to split up into small groups and sit in on different classes. Annie, Connor, and I first sat in on a Geography class, in which we discussed air masses and human effects on the climate (more like Biology?). Our group then made its way over to the next school building, where Catherine, Sean, Joanie, and I sat in on a Kiswahili class. Today's topic was folk tales, and the students told tales in Kiswahili and then in English. Catherine was brave enough to stand in front of the class and recite her own folk tale off the top of her head! After many photos and exchanges of emails with newly made friends, we left the slums to eat lunch at Savelberg Retreat Center. An hour later, we hopped back in our new 25-seater bus, and proceeded to take a driving tour of Nairobi. Unfortunately, I was too tired to keep my eyes open and therefore am unable to provide an accurate description of what we saw. We our now in a shopping mall drinking coffee and blogging in an Internet Cafe. It has been a wonderful day, and tomorrow's surprises are bound to be just as amazing!

~Rachel Fogel~

P.S. Sally Shapiro will have more pictures posted by Wednesday, so keep checking the site!

from eldoret, still...

Hello to everyone back home! This is Aron Theising and I'm writing from Eldoret. I think Brenda's blog post (saying that no one had gotten sick) was a jinx. Last night, I was lucky enough to get a bacterial infection that was pretty nasty. I'll leave out the details, but it was bad enough that Dr. Mamlin told the group that he thought I should stay in Eldoret for another night while I healed. So this morning, when the group moved on to Nakuru, I stayed behind at the Mamlin house on the IU House campus. Between fever jumps up to 101 degrees and blood pressure drops as low as 70, I managed to get some sleep. After much Cipro, an IV, and large amounts of Tylenol, I have stabilized and feel so much better. As for the rest of the group, I'm sure they're having a blast. Your children are in great hands and are having the time of their lives. Tomorrow they will travel to Nairobi, where they will go into the largest slum in Africa, Kibera. This will probably be the most difficult part of the trip for many. My brother told me that the poverty in this slum is pretty unheard of - it's unimaginable. So wish your kids luck, pray for them if you are into that, and be prepared to see a change in them when they return to you on Wednesday. As for me, I am catching a plane from Eldoret to Nairobi tomorrow night. I'll meet up with the group and have one day in Kibera, and then we'll take off for home.

We'll see you soon!

Aron Theising

last one from eldoret... at least i think it is... not totally sure

hey everyone,
i have absolutely loved the trip so far. every day has been different and equally meaningful... it's weird, i didn't expect to feel so comfortable here, i mean, we're in kenya, this is about as foreign as it gets, right? but the hospitality that the kenyans and everyone we've met here, like the mamlins, have welcomed us with open arms into their homes and into their lives. i guess it isn't something you would notice because it is so commonplace in the usa but people here are so much more friendly. they will smile at you as you pass them in the street, make eye-contact, and the little kids usually wave at us. everyone has been so nice and i really think everyone has enjoyed the trip. tonight is our last night in eldoret and we're all sorry to leave. the iu house and the compound here is wonderful and though we are all looking forward to hot (as opposed to somewhat warm) showers at lake nakuru, we are all sad to go. eldoret is a gorgeous town and on the whole we have felt very safe walking around in town. connor and sara told you in their blog post a few minutes ago how much fun the day was and i am very sad to say it's our last here. nakuru is supposed to be a very nice hotel, so it should be fun. we will be going on game drives and we're hoping to see lions and the famous nakuru flamingoes. after nakuru, and the crazy long drives in transit, we will be back at savelberg in nairobi. kibera will be like nothing we've ever seen before according to the chaperones, and i know i'm at least feeling a little nervous and a little anxious about what awaits us in the slum. the trip has been amazing. though i over-use that word like none other, there really isn't a better word to use to describe the experience here. i know everyone reading the blog is anxious to see picutres and hear even more stories, and i promise we all have more than you will ever have the patience to sit through.
love to all,
catherine

Whatta Daggone Day

Wowzer, today was quite a day. A little more light-hearted than our previous days, but it was great nonetheless. We started things off with a friendly little game known by the Kenyan locals as a "scavenger hunt". Teams were divided evenly by skill, wit, heart, desire, and courage. Connor's group was equipped with the best in the biz. Catherine "Super Star" Johnson, Lara "I Know You Like What You See" Kish, Brenda "Don't Mess With The Best" Adams, Connor "Im So Fly Till I Die" Glass, and Mwenge "Winning Is My Weakness" Mwenge reported back to the IU House in record time, leaving all of the other teams weeping in defeat. The scavanger hunt including retrieving things such as pictures of billboards, pineappaples, spoons, and stamps. Connor's group hasn't received their grand prize yet, but they have already reserved a spot in the new trophey case at school.
Sara's group actually finished first, but decided to use their time more wisely by spending their remaining time at the Sally Test Center. Everyone joined and spent the rest of the morning at Sally Test and then had a relaxing lunch back at the IU compound. After lunch, we took a quick dip in the pool. We had the afternoon to spend as we pleased. Some chose to stay and journal, some chose to go back to the Imani Workshop, and some returned to the Sally Test Center. Connor and I met up with our friendz that we met on our OVC visits and showed them the Sally Test Center and the IU House. Margaret, the social worker we visited with, and her two daughters, Jane and Grace were so kind to us and showed us their house the other day and so we felt like we owed it to them to spend a day as our guests. Dunia, the manager of the IU compound, has a cuz who does sick henna tats and hooked us all up for a small fee. It was GREAT. We were so grateful for her work and she appreciated the business because she needed the money to pay for her medical bills. Everyone got tatted up except for Connor and Glennis because they are nerds. Grace and Jane were nervous about the tattoos until they realized they were only temporary and saw how hott da ladies looked.
The rest of the day finished in the regular routine of dinner and reflection. Both of these things were equally great. Sara and Connor then drank coffee and can't fall asleep. We are super excited for tomorrow, and can't wait to see what fun-filled surprises are in store for us.

Love,
Connor and Sara

Another piece ending..

Hello all,

Today we end our time here in Eldoret. It's a surreal day for most of us because we can't believe how quickly the time goes. The students continue to amaze and bewilder me. I really believe they are going to come away with more than you (or I) ever imagined on this trip.

Everyone is doing well. We've had no illness or any kind of disaster (fingers crossed). Everyone seems to be getting enough sleep and make sure to remember their malaria meds. They are definitely getting enough to eat. Food has not been a problem.

After today internet connection and availibility will be sparse and unknown for the most part. We will spend a day at Lake Nakuru and then head to spend our last few days in Nairobi. Going to St. Al's school in the slums is going to take a toll on everyone so we have a really fun last day of surprises in store for them.

No one should worry. All the babes are doing well and no one has even mentioned going home. You would all be so proud of the things/thoughts that this trip has evoked. They truly are a great group of young people and we hope they continue to spread a great message.

Thanks for your love and support. None of this is possible without you!

Brenda

by the way.. we did a scavenger hunt around Eldoret today and the team of Lara, Catherine, Conner, Mwelga and I couldn't be touched. I think we set a record! :)

Random Thoughts

I have decided not to write necessarily about what happened today; I thought I would post some major perks to the trip. I seem to struggle to journal by hand, but this comes pretty natural to me, so here it goes. Over the last couple of days I have made lots of friends. I know in my last post I was a bit apprehensive towards the awkward stares and empty faces, but a lot has changed. For instance, on the 23rd the group split into pairs and did “field work” with social workers for the Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) program of AMPATH. (FYI: AMPATH stands for Academic Model for Providing Access To Healthcare now) I am probably repeating someone else’s blog entry, so I apologize. Anyways, Glennis and I walked in the country side of Eldoret called Kapsaret. Our social worker is named Evarline. She was very sweet and the pastor’s wife at the local church, so everyone knew her. It was very fun and comforting to have all the people on these back roads smiling and saying hello. They actually shake hands here more than anything, and Glennis and I learned the more respectful way of shaking hands because that was what the Kenyans were doing. We visited 4 people who were all single parents and just starting the OVC program. It was a great experience to just be so welcomed. The hospitality here is unimaginable back in the U.S. People who really are struggling to feed themselves are offering tea to strangers. Our last house was the best. We met up with two men on the street who happened to be our next visits.
The one who left the impact on me is named Joseph. To let you all know a little of his story. He lives on the boundary between Langus (sp?) and Kapsaret, which was hit very badly in the clashes last year, and his whole house was burned to ashes. Just before the clashes he lost one of his 5 brothers and sisters. And on top of all of that hardship Joseph is 27 and has run his household for the last 6 years when his mother abandoned the family. Everyone is in school, and Joseph walks two hours in the morning, every morning, to go to computer repair class in hopes of opening his own business. He walks every day back to his new house that was given to his family by a good friend after his first house burned down. Okay so that was a lot of his story, but it is so important because when we sat on his couch that did not have cushions in the living room that was all concrete where some of the children sleep on the floor, he told us he was happy. He has been through so much in his mere 27 years that he could complain about or quit on, and instead he is grateful for his life, house, family, education, and community. I cannot find words to explain the optimism and just the overall average common person mindset that is soooo very different from the United States. This is just one of my highlights. I thought I would write more about another experience, but I think I have written a lot already. I will fill you in another time.

I might not have connection to write again, so lots and lots of love to my family and Andrew. I think about you all a lot, and I am so thankful to have you all in my life.

I can’t believe it’s so close to over :(
Lara Kish

Hey Everyone! Being in Kenya has been the most amazing experience of my life! I am sure everyone has filled you in on our days up to this point, so I will fill you in about today's activities. This morning my group (group 2) had an opportunity to visit the Imani Workshop, here we took a tour of the workshop and got to see how everything is made. We saw quite a few people from the support group session that we sat in on which was very exciting! Group 1 went back to the Sally Test Center for the morning. After lunch we had free time, I went back to the Sally Test Center to play with the kids. Some of the students went into town for some shopping, some stayed at the IU House, and Rachel went back to the Neema House. I have absolutely fallen in love with one of the babies at the center named Ray(mom you may be picking up an extra person from the airport), he was born prematurely at 7 months and abandoned on the side of the road. Many of these babies have similar stories, but one of the women today told me to think of it as a positive. She said many of these babies will end up with a better life than they would have had had they not been abandoned, this was a very interesting perspective to me, but very true. I have been doing a lot of reflecting on this trip, especially as our days here are becoming fewer. This trip truly has been life changing, it has taught me about what it means to have true faith in God and to be thankful for everything and everyone in your life. I cannot wait to get home and see my family, I miss you so much! I love you Madre, Meanie Beanie, and Yunna Bunna XOXOXO!

Sincerly,
Maya Byrd

Support Group and Shopping

(Sorry for the delay. Kenyan internet connection can be unreliable at times.)

Jambo everyone!

This morning we split up into two groups and we each went our separate ways. My group(Group 1) went to AMPATH to listen in on a support group for people living with HIV/AIDS, while the other group went to Neema House. For the first half-hour, we sat in the psych office and listened to a therapist named Clarice talk about the program, how AMPATH deals with patients and disclosure, and her personal experience (everybody-minus one-who works in the clinic is HIV-positive). We then listened in on the group discuss the use of ARVs, living with AIDS, and the side effects. Although the members spoke in Kiswahili, an interpreter helped us understand what they are going through. All in all, the experience was inspirational.

After lunch, we had a little down time(about half an hour?) before splitting into our respective groups. Group 2 walked to the Sally Test Center, and Group 1 drove to the Imani Workshop. While there, we took a short tour of the building. We got to see how the paper for journals and cards is made out of papyrus, how the magazine beads are made from rolled up strips of paper, how tote bags are made, and all sorts of other crafts. We then were able to "explore" the shop in the front of the building. Most people walked out with bags full of gifts for family and friends.

Upon return to the IU House, we had two hours of down time (spent cleaning and catching up on journaling by some, sleeping by others, etc.) before dinner.

We left at 6:30 for an Indian restaurant called Sikh Union. The food there was delicious! We were all amazed at how much food kept pouring out the kitchen.

Back at the IU House, we met for Reflection in House 1. The question we were given last night was: Which of the five Grad-at-Grads is the most difficult for you, and how will this trip help you overcome those difficulties? We all had a lot to say about each Grad-at-Grad, and some of us became fairly emotional. Altogether, our reflection was enlightening.

After a great day, we are all exhausted and ready for a good night's sleep!
Goodnight from Kenya!

-Rachel Fogel-

Hopefully this link will work and you can follow it to some photos of our adventures! I couldn't figure out how to upload the photos to our Blog site (I know that sounds very cliche') so I am linking the photos this way.

I'm trying to include photos of everyone - I'll double check and add more tomorrow. (now that I know how to do this...)

http://picasaweb.google.com/SallyKeckShapiro/Kenya2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCNv69oqIkcLR-AE&feat=directlink

Enjoy! We sure are!
Sally Shapiro
(along for the ride)

P.S. If you're wondering who I am, I'm a parent at Brebeuf that came to Eldoret in March with my husband and loved it so much I came back over! I rendezvoused with the Brebeuf group here at the IU House and will be continuing on with them from here. I've got to tell you, you have a great bunch of kids!

JAMBO! Every single day that I've been here has far exceeded anything that I could have expected. Today was really eventful and we really got into the heart of some of the issues going on here. The first thing we did this morning was go to the AMPATH (Academic Model for Providing Access To Healthcare) building where we met two field agents who work for the OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) program. We then got into two vans and drove into the slums of Eldoret stopping in different places where each pair of students was meeting with the field agent who would be taking them on the house visits. The purpose of these house visits is just to check up on how a family is doing. The leader of the OVC had given us a special assignment of interviewing the people we saw and then writing about their house and our expirience with the people.
We got out of the car onto a crowded street where everyone was staring at us and some coming up to us to shake our hands. Our agent met us there and led us through an alley to where all the houses were. Cows and goats were everywhere and the streets were covered in dirty water and mud. Some of the houses were made of cement and a lot were made of mud. Children ran to the streets to gawk at us and say, "Mzungu (white person); How are you?" They loved it when we waved and responded.
We went to six houses in all. They varied in size and decor, but all of them were inadequate (In one house had a soccer ball sized chunk of mud fell from the ceiling while we were in there). We met lots of children who had lost one or both of their parents to either AIDs or the political clashes. The guardians were the mothers, aunts, grandparents, and even random neighbors that were kind enough to take the orphans in. We saw places that consisted of one room with a chair and bed that served as home for 7-9 people. We met children who were constantly hungry, but still focused on their school work and taking care of their younger siblings. We talked to the people for about 15 minutes in each, and were amazed by their stories. One woman was the guardian for six children, was HIV positive, had just had pnemonia last week, and was diagnosed with cancer yeaterday; but she still smiled at us and welcomed us into her home.
We were all really humbled by what we saw and the kindness of the people. Seeing where they lived and hearing about what they've lived through, and then seeing that they could still smile and laugh, has really has changed the way that I look at a lot of things. I am also amazed at what a difference organizations like AMPATH and the OVC program are making. They have saved so many lives and made everyone in the community more hopeful. So far, it has been a really great trip.
~Annie Garau

OVC and Neema House

To say that one experience can change one's thoughts on life sounds unrealisitic. However, I think it is safe to say that the time the group spent exploring the homes of Eldoret changed all of our perspectives. We partnered with the OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) program of AMPATH. It helps children who have lost one or more parents to HIV/AIDS. By providing children with medicine and food, the program gives these children a chance.

Sean: The most tragic story I experienced today was a HIV positive woman who had been on the AMPATH program since the beginning, 1993. She lost her husband to HIV/AIDS, but she was framed for his murder. She couldn't obtain his death certificate because she was wanted for his murder. In a down spiraling series of events, she and her 5 children are now being taken off of the food program and one of the children will not receive financial help for an education. She lives in a mud house with a tin roof. No bathroom, no electricity, and no way out.

Joanie: I thought I was mentally prepared for what I was going to see today. I have heard the stories, and we have discussed the awful situations in which families are forced to face. It didn't matter. Everything I witnessed today blew me away. One of the places that I visited was a home for abandoned children. In one of the many slums in Kenya, Catherine and I saw children who were living filthy, unsanitary and cramped conditions. Forty orphans were packed into a room the size of one's pantry. However, smiles were across every face. They greeted us with open arms and sang to make us feel welcome. We were shown around their living space which consisted of one bedroom to house seventy children (The other thirty were at school). Trash surrounded the place on all sides. Yes, I knew this. I had heard it from many different people. Seeing it first hand is completely different.

The Neema house is run by Jospeh and Miriam. They take in orphaned children through a government process. Approximately 75% of the orphans are AIDS orphans, which is why the IU house is in close contact with them. Neema means Grace in Swahili, but it is more than just the name of their home. It has become a way of life in that they all believe that it is God's grace that their mission becomes possible. Through generous donations, they have been able to create a house full of love that is like no other house in Kenya. There are currently 34 children living in the homa, and today we got the prilvilage of interacting with all of them. We all enjoyed playing the various games and simply spending time with them. Aron was a lucky one who sat a young girl on his lap. It was just a matter of time before pee reached his pants. Unfortunately, he was peed on. While he might not have found it quite so funny everyone else did. The most memorable moment, however, was when Joseph took us all aside and explained his personal journey in creating the haven. Tears filled his eyes, and we felt his emotion when he talked about the children.

It was the most challenging day thus far, but it was an experience that has given each one of us a new perspective on our lives.

We miss you all!!
Joanie & Sean

June 22, 2009-KAILA

Hey Everyone,

These past few days have been amazing. Yes, I know it has only been a few, but many things have seemed to have popped out to our group.

For me there are some things that really stand out going along the lines of hippos to little kids.

To start was the hippos, they irritated me to say the least. The first day we saw them was at a hippo reserve and I was extremely excited. But every time they came out the water they went right back down, before I could take their pictures. Then at the hotel we stayed at before we came to the IU house, they told us their would be more and I ended up missing those too. I mean who has time to be up at 2 in the morning to see hippos. But in the end I got my pictures.

Then at Lake Buringo we got to see a native village. That trip started out with two of the village men getting in the van I happened to be in. And to be very honest I had to be the happiest person in the van. The two of them seemed very happy as well to see me and Maya. Which was extremely funny to everyone.

Today, we got a chance to go to the Sally Test Pediatric Center. And all those kids were ADORABLE. The little one, I held was named Nikita. She was one of the sweetest kids, I have been around. As I held her in my arms the first time she fell asleep in my arms with a cute snore. The funniest thing was before she fell a sleep, my dad tried to touch her and she started to cry and when he went away she was fine. But as I left and she was awake was the hardest part because as I put her down she reached out her arms for me to pick her up and she started to cry.

So far those are my main things that I have to share.

June 22, 2009

Good evening to all of you back home! This is Aron Theising and we've had a really busy day. Our day started off really early today. Breakfast was at seven, followed by a tour of the Moi residential hospital, as well as the AMPATH building and its other facilities. I have to admit, I thought that the whole deal was really cool. AMPATH is more than just a hospital effort. When we were told that food was grown for the patients, I don't think that we processed on what level that meant. Quite literally, tons of food are grown and distributed to people at twenty different locations in Western Kenya. The World Food Program helps out with this by donating corn to Kenya. The major donors that we saw included Saudi Arabia, Canada, and the US. But on top of the food, there was also a major social effort made for AMPATH. The AMPATH program has started an initiative where lawyers are available for people to use whenever they find themselves in need. If you ask me, that's pretty impressive. All of this and free medication for some 30 thousand people is pretty much saving lives right and left.
After seeing a majority of the hospital and AMPATH, we went to the Sally Test Center. This is a place where abandoned children and infants are able to find a safe haven. I held a baby for the first time in my life and I was seriously moved.
Then lunch came. Simple, easy. Afterward, we went to the Imani house, where we painted the walls and did some small work on the house. This was great, because we were able to provide women who were displaced a home that was safe and warm.
Sorry for the brevity. It's almost ten here, and we have to be up really early tomorrow for our next activity, which I will most definitely let tomorrow's post fill you in on.

Wish us luck tomorrow and the days that follow. We miss you all.

Eldoret

When we arrived in Eldoret today I was happy ot finally get into a city and do the work that is the heart and soul of this trip. I loved the safaris, but I am glad to get to our purpose here.
After a longer drive than expected we arrived in Eldoret. After unpacking and a late lunch we walked into Eldoret. It is about a mile each way.

Walking in to the city was neat. Some people smiled and waved and asked questions (where were we from? etc) and others gave us the hate stare. We are easy to spot a group of 12 teenagers, primarly white, walking on the wrong side of the road.
Eldoret is a bustling city. There are all sorts of people-children, adults, and many others. There is a definte divde between the wealthy and the poor, and there are both in the city.
We walked into the equlivaent of a Walmart store and it was amazing to see the stunning varity of goods for sale. Basic needs to motorcycles.

On the way back we stopped to buy some pineapple from the side of the road (it is safe to eat). The pineapple here is so good. It is grown locally and is very fresh. Mary Owens says that we need to try some of the corn by the side of the road. There was a woman selling, but since everyone had bought pinapple we were full.

I think that everyone is excited to begin visiting and learning tomorrow. I am very glad, and very blessed, to be in such a beautiful place. Thank you for making this possible.
Lots of love-
Glennis Henderson

Sitting and Staying :)

Finally, after lots of traveling we have arrived at the IU House! It is beautiful, and we are definitely not roughing it or even deprived. Everyone who thought we'd lose 10 pounds while here had the wrong impression. Even though we are settled in now and some have finally managed to unpack, it was a long ride to get here.

This morning we all woke up at the Baringo Club bright and early to load onto boats. We had the privilege of taking to the peaceful waters of Lake Baringo (Baringo actually translates to Lake, so Lake Lake) at 7:30 AM. The water was like glass it was so smooth. Lake Baringo is known for their hippos, and even on our walk across the grass to the boats we saw several hippo footprints. It was shocking they would come that far onto the shore. Kaila was especially excited to see hippos. It was the only animal she really cared to see, and she had already purchased a hippo statue and named him George. We finally boarded, and just within a minute we saw hippos coming up for air in the reeds very close to the shore. Fun fact: adult hippos can hold their breath under water for 30 minutes (learned that on the hippo excursion of our game drive). We saw lots of birds of all sizes. They have some really neat colored ones. Also, we saw a handful of crocodiles, which was not exactly my favorite part, but it was very cool to see them in the wild.

After we came back from the water, we ate a great breakfast and loaded up our vans for our last long journey for five days. It was a three hour drive to Eldoret, and it was filled with bumpy roads, huge pot holes, skittish goats, and massively steep hills. One of the vans actually over-heated and we had to stop for awhile, but it was a pleasant break. The scenery here is incredible. I never thought Africa would be this green! Once we got here and settled into the IU House, Doctor Mamlin arranged a comfort food lunch of PB and J. It was delicious and nice to have a subtle reminder of home. After that, we headed to the city.

Mary Owens told us it was a mile into town and a mile back, which was fairly short, but it was enough time to make a few impacts. In our reflection tonight, I shared what really stood out to me. I remember the faces of people. The emptiness that did not return my smile. The complete 180 degree head turn while we walked by. Some of the people were very friendly; they greeted us with a warm smile and a loud "Jambo." Some even asked how we were. I appreciated those people a lot because I really feel the "minoritism." (Yes, I realize this isn't a word, but now it is.). I know this trip will be hard, but I am really looking forward to just experiencing as much as I can.

I hope everything is great at home! Don't worry too much about us here in Kenya; we are very well taken care of. Lots of love to my family and Andrew!

Ready for bed,
Lara Kish

Sunday June 21-- Brenda

Hello Family and Friends!

We have safely arrived in Eldoret, which is the 2nd real leg of our journey. We had a wonderful experience in both Sweetwaters and Lake Baringo! We feel fortunate in our first few days to have seen so much of such a beautiful country along with the sightings of zebras,elephants, warthogs, gazelles, giraffe, hippo and crocodile to name a few.

Yesterday in Lake Baringo we were fortunate enough to visit a true village of the Njep tribe of Kenya. They are the 2nd smallest of the 42 tribes in Kenya. It was truly an experience of a lifetime. They danced with us and made us feel very welcome. They were especially enamored by Joanie and Maya (dancer and cheerleader, go figure). The young children thought Connor was especially comical as he tried to emulate the dance. They spent a great deal of time with us dancing and explaining the tribe and it's customs etc. Definitely something we will never forget.

Today we drove through Rift Valley. It is the Kenyan version of the Grand Canyon but green. No picture will ever do it justice. As we wound our way through the mountains and back down, the sights were breathtaking. The country is amazing.

Although we have spent much of this time being nomads it is easy to forget that you are in a car for 5 or 7 hours just because there is so much to see and take in. The vegetation here is very tropical yet right now it is very dry. It is not uncommon to see cactus along side the most beautiful flowering tree.

In all, it seems very surreal. During our reflection last evening the students continue to amaze us adults. They are a great group and are really immersing themselves in the culture. They see things that we don't expect them to and they are looking and thinking of ways that someday they might be able to make a difference. The complexity of their thoughts was admirable. I hope they continue to grow as young people as we tackle this next part of our journey.

Thank you for being a part of uor blog and our journey. I feel like I could sit for hours because we have seen and done so much in such a short time yet there is so much more to come.

Until next time,
Brenda

We're Here!

Jambo! We arrived in Nairobi last night after tiring but uneventful flights. After getting through a LONG visa line, we were transported to the Savelberg Retreat Centre by the three drivers provided for us by our Kenyan travel agent. The retreat center is located in Nairobi proper, and it has gorgeous landscaped grounds and nice--if simple--rooms. After a simple breakfast this morning, we loaded our vans and headed out for our three-hour excursion to Sweetwaters Tented Camp, where we've spent the day and evening. Along the way there, we had the chance to experience some of Kenya's roads (more to come!), visit a curio/craft shop to be tempted by potential future purchases, and see some of the people and places of this part of Kenya.

Since we arrived at Sweetwaters, we've had a great lunch and dinner buffet, gone on a game drive where we saw impalas, water buffaloes, warthogs, zebra, chimpanzees, elephants, and--for most--the snout of a hippo (note: the hippos just didn't want to be photographed today!). It's been a great first day in Kenya, and we'll be settling in shortly to rest before tomorrow's excursion to Lake Baringo and another day of touring the countryside and seeing Kenya as we move closer toward Eldoret, Kenya and I.U.'s medical compound, where we'll be staying starting on Sunday afternoon. More to come as our journey continues...