The Masai men

The Masai men served as our guides on early morning hikes into the surrounding hills, fields, and woods pointing out lone warthog other wondering animals. They truly live off the land using plants for hygiene and medicinal purposes. They even taught us the right way to throw a spear (and we only had one injury in the process)!

The Masai women

The Masai (Maasai) are the indigenous people of southern Kenya who live off the land and have traditionally been nomads. Today, many are settling into villages but continue to live near game parks to farm and hunt the land. Their vibrant dress and accessories impressed us all.

Accommodations during our Safari

We stayed in a very remote Eko Camp to fully experience the Masai culture and feel at one with our surroundings. The huts were made out of sticks and sun-dried cow dung. Primitive arrangements, but the darkest and most star-filled skies we've ever seen!

Yes, Ostrich too

At every turn, we seemed to encounter yet another species. These giant birds really did seem prehistoric. They roamed alone very confidently in wide open fields.

Can't get enough of Zebras

The zebras were my favorites, such elegant standouts! We found out that the young ones actually had brown and white stripes (very dark brown). Here they are standing together to confuse their prey.

Hyena alert!

These lone hunters are the other carnivores that we spotted rummaging around. They looked kind of paranoid in the way they moved.

Lions frolicking

The benefits of an early-morning Safari trek is that you see all the animals in their most animated state. Here we see two playful lionesses showing off their speed and agility.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is the source of the Nile River. It is Africa's largest lake by area and the largest tropic lake in the world. The lush green plants in this picture are water hyacinths that have started taking over the lake in the past two decades. They grow right on top of the surface of the lake. We could barely see the edge of the lake, but it was still beautiful.

Zebra still life

We saw some amazing animals up close during our safari in the Masai Mara. Here's one of my favorite pictures!

First animal sightings

Wildebeest herd near our travel route to the Masai Mara Serengeti area. We then saw zebra, giraffe, elephants, and many other animals! More pictures to come.

Exploring Migori one last time

Exploring the paths and hills around Migori before we depart for the Masai Mara safari  adventures. So lush and green.

Soccer field

Playing 30 v 30 soccer game in front of school!!!

The playground engineers

The playground structure is amazing!!! And it got a work

Love tree dedication

Colorful Love tree painted on the office wall. Dedicated to a great man, Degol,  who helped bring the vision of "education for all" to this corner of Kenya.

Wall of wishes

Find your picture!

Meditation labyrinth

Showing kids how to peacefully walk the labyrinth in front of the school. Breathe in,  breathe out!

Beautiful faces

Everywhere you look! Beautiful faces.

Fruit trees planted around the school

We planted several fruit trees around the school, banana, avocado, mango, papaya... The rain fall will help them grow.

Painting the way to Kids for Peace school

Our newly painted sign at the end of the road to the school!

Strolling through Mikei

There's are an endless number of sweet friendly faces as we stroll through the paths surrounding the new school in Mikei. Each one of these kids will now be able to attend a vibrant, shining school in September!

Reading time in the preschool room

We opened the school today to much fanfare, ribbon cutting, and celebrations! Every single Mikei resident was there. We initiated the classrooms by reading and doing puzzles, etc. Here is Albert, a twelve year old, reading to the preschoolers!

Kids playing marbles

For little marbles can entertain kids every day!

Visit to a local family in Mikei

Today we visited Maggie's house in Mikei after a long, productive work day at the school. Beatrice and Fred (Maggie's parents) welcomed us to their home and we met the kids and neighbors. Such a peaceful and friendly place! 

The supplies will be much appreciated!!

We are organizing all the supplies, and stocking each classroom with age appropriate activities. All those Legos are ready to be played with. The kids are creating some sample structures for each class!

One more day of work, then it's the ribbon cutting ceremony! 

Full day of work

Although today was dedicated to working fully on all the projects at the school, there was still a little time to connect with the kids. The projects that we worked on included: putting up 160 framed pictures on the "wall of wishes" in the school office, painting huge calendars on the chalkboards in each classroom, putting up ABC letters across each classroom, murals, playground work, etc. etc. etc.

Hard work, good purpose, cheerful onlookers, made for a very productive and fulfilling day! We are thankful that a hot meal awaits us at the end of a long work day.

We can't wait to go back to work tomorrow.

The school is taking shape

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Today we spent the day building, painting, drilling, assembling, sorting, digging, and creating all sorts of things inside the school. It looks amazing already and we've only just begun.

The primary school has 4 classrooms, a general purpose room and library, an office, supply room, and an out-house --- everything a kid could want!!

When the kids are around it's hard to work because we want to give them the attention they demand.

Shawdi of course loves meeting all the kids and their wonderful energy. She knows all their names now.

Big smiles everywhere

The kids all speak English and are very curious and very friendly. A day of looking into their bright eyes and wide smiles will strengthen any heart.

In front the Kids for Peace school

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

This is the most amazing structure in the village -- a brand new, well made, large building!

The kids for Peace school will serve kids starting at the age of 3-4! Teach them while they're young, teach them well, and set them on their way.

Inside the classrooms

Desks and shelves were hand made to furnish the classrooms. Here two Amercan kids show the Kenyan kids the amazing world of iPhones and snap chat!

Shawdi has found her calling

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

We spent our first day in the village of Mikei totally amazed and smothered by emotions and love! We were warmly greeted by practically every single person in the village through a lively song and dance routine and huge smiles in front of the beautiful new school.

The rest of the day was spent connecting with the kids, chatting and learning from each other, and finally starting work on sorting out the school supplies.

By the end of the day we were exhausted but full of every emotion you can think of! Amazing feeling.

Nairobi from the roof top

Here's is a view of Nairobi from the hotel rooftop. Last bit of "luxury" before heading into the smaller cities and more remote villages.

Today we headed to the airport to go to Kisumu. We checked in about 50 bags full of school supplies even though each person was limited to only one! With our kindness and smiles we were able to convince several travelers to take one of our check-in bags! By doing this, we saved $50 a pop.

Next stop Kisumu and Migori!

Trying out the fast food

Connecting through Dubai to get to Kenya. Had to see if the fries taste the same here. 😊

Yes they did.