Waso Windy

Samburu Tuesday

Yesterday we had grand plans to start working on a shade structure for Unity village but as Brett says, we got “Archer’d” – we ran around looking for keys to unlock supplies from where they were kept overnight, couldn’t find certain essential materials for building and had paint brushed torn from our hands by small children who painted their classrooms while we just watched.                

We were reprieved Monday afternoon when we took a mzungu (any person who is not African) day and visited the pool in a lodge in the Samburu National Reserve. We never thought we’d be so happy to see concrete and spent a blissful afternoon splashing in the pool, drinking fruit drinks and throwing rocks at cheeky monkeys that tried to steal our food. We even sat in the hot tub because we got a little chilly. We also got to see elephants frolicking in the river and ENORMOUS crocodiles that crawled up onto the beach below a viewing deck to stare ominously at our group. I think they wanted some snacks.

                Last night two young boys from Umoja village who have been hanging out with our group finally got to come spend a night at our camp in Kalama. Bob and Teku seemed to be amazed by the campfire songs that Mark and Bo played and wondered why we all got in a circle for a massive group hug. They have found a special place in our hearts through their enormous smiles that literally light up the night. We even saw a lightening bug last night!

                This morning held more promise for helping the villages. We learned how to dig holes in soil that consisted of rocks and a little bit of sand with pangas (machetes) and cups. Seriously. They were way better than the shovels in this arid land. We ended up digging all 12 holes and tomorrow we’ll fill them with cement and posts for the frame of the shade structure. We also saw camels and baboons today which was pretty exciting.  Some of us also painted another classroom at Lorubae Primary School and others helped on the first day of the nursery school reading Dr. Seuss to small children. We’re really excited to be able to help the villages in some small ways and each day we grow closer with the women and children of the villages.

                Yesterday and today was the beginning of the goodbyes as Isaya, Francis and Andrew, our loving and kind Samburu friends headed back to report for the first day of Secondary School. It’s incredible that in 8 short days we had formed such strong relationships with these young men.

                This afternoon we’ll do our laundry by hand using two small basins and all-purpose soap. Never again will we take washing machines for granted after washing all our clothes in the flippin’ HOT sun and hanging them on spiky acacia trees to dry. We will head down to Umoja village to do some beading in the shade  and laugh with the women. We can hardly believe we only have 3 days left in Kenya and only 2 in Samburu. We’re excited to see our friends and families again but know that these people and this place will be in our hearts forever. Lots of love to you all! Thanks for reading!

 

RIVERAS AND LANGOWSKIS!!! I hope you all are doing fabulous and I miss you tons. I wish I could shrink you all down and put you in my pocket so you all could share this unbelievably amazing experience with me. I can tell you right now I am coming back to Africa! Haha! Anyways I love you so much and I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week and I am so EXCITED to see you again. P.S. We’re probably going to go get some steak after you pick me up, just giving you a heads up.                 Love, Cori xoxo

Hi Spencer, Mom and Da! Thanks for your comments. I miss you all so much and wish you could be here to share this place. Spencer, thanks for writing, I’m so happy you’re loving Jackson (hi Joshie and Matt!), can’t wait to hear about the board, the snow and everything else. Lots of love, see you soon! Love, Karina

Hi Tanya! I love you and miss you like crazy! I hope all is well with the girls and your studying, and that time is going fast. I cannot wait to see you and could really go for some of your homemade pie right now. Hi Mom, Dad and family! I hope fishing was great and you are all staying warm. I know I am! Cant wait to talk to you all. Love you and miss everyone! -Kyle