Africa part 1- the people

Just got back from Kenya- our first trip this year and I am still having a time trying to put words to it- it was a phenomenal trip. I'll start with the people and leave the animals for next time.

We arrived in Nairobi and met Charles a friend of my cousins who drove us around/ took care of us for the week. We drove to the Amisi's house (another aquaintance of cousin Steve and Ana's) and were immediately made to feel at home. They had just hosted a wedding the day before- I'm sure they were tired etc but found us a room and carried on like we were meant to be there- it was great. Of course seeing our kids pile out of the van and start playing with all the kids and goats was pretty cool too. I am always happy to see them just jump into new situations and carry on like its no big deal.

Keisha and Elan- our "hosts"

After two nights in Ngong (outskirts of Nairobi) we headed out to a Masai school. There had been a primary and secondary school in place but nothing for the pre-kindergarten kids. When we arrived we got to see "Castle Rock" preschool- so named because of the help Steve and Ana gave in getting it built.
It was a very humbling and powerful day- we had planned on bringing a few supplies with us to share- the few supplies became many as our friends in Qatar heard about what we were doing. Our neighbor Hannah told her 2nd grade class, Lisa told her director Tammy, and before we knew it had 3 giant duffel bags of classrom supplies and Qatar Academy sweatshirts to take- almost 150 pounds!

Watching these shy children smile as Wilder gave them a tshirt or Luca handed them a toy was just incredible. I'll be curious as to what Wilder and Luca remember from this in a few years time. Whatever it is- I was so proud of how they shared and accepted these little kids.

kids, we have some guests today

we had these silly smileyface buttons- they were stoked! I wonder what they thought they meant?

I love that smile

Wilder handing out pencils.

These were the class school supplies- the whole class! May my kids never complain about not having enough!

This is Cheif Joseph- very very kind man. (and he kind of looks like Steve B. and myself)

The kid in the middle was just staring at me the whole time- then right before we left he came up and felt my arm, then smiled- I believe he had never before seen a hairy white man arm before!

We had so much stuff that Cheif Joseph had us go to the other school house as well- they were all very grateful- didn't even mind that the maps we had were out of date!

These boys loved Luca- touching his skin, his hair- guess not too many Luca's pass through here.

8th graders

So be grateful for what you have- your family and your friends- all the rest is just stuff and it doesn't really matter- to all of our friend out there: we love you- sure do think of y'all often. and thanks Steve Baroch for making this connection for us- I can't say enough