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