Karibo Kenya! This Swahili word, 'Karibo' greeted us all along our journey along with warm smiles and hearty handshakes.
Kenya was kicked off by crossing borders on foot and spending the night at the police station - FOR FREE! We pitched our tents and enjoyed one of many meals to follow of 'ugali' (mieliepap). The following day we embarked on our journey across country via the Mojale Star. As sophisticated as this sounds, it turned out to be a bus loaded with dust and broken seats. This journey was an all-nighter and early the next morning we arrived in the capital, Nairobi. There we enjoyed the familiarity of good wifi and large supermarkets. However comforting it was, our hearts were turned toward Maasailand.
Maasailand was all it promised to be. Although it took us 4 hours to travel over a stretch of 140 km, cramped in the backseat of taxis with all our luggage the wildebeest, gazelle and zebras made it all worth the while.
It didn't take long for us to settle into the rhythm of Maasailand. Our hosts, Corneli, André and the Maasai welcomed us as family. Camp Olkoroi is a special place with an authentic taste of Africa. It's a partnership that works together beautifully and adds so much more to the experience we had.
Because of the four hour drive we arrived deep into the night, exhausted and hungry. We were welcomed with a hearty meal, an inviting fire and friendly faces. That night we slept like rocks and woke up to the breathtaking beauty of the Maasai.
Easing into the rhythm of Camp Olkoroi we started preparations for our mid-year debrief. Safari tents were washed and prepped, a cement floor had to be laid and a linen room painted. Excitement filled the air as we waited in anticipation for the parents and visitors from Jbay to come. The general feeling in our team was that of Christmas coming. We talked of Christmas Eve when we would receive our packages and gifts from home. The extended family would be together. It would be Christmas in Maasailand.
Our nights were spent around the camp fire where we talked deep into the night. At sunrise one would start hearing tents zip open, welcoming the new day. Not one day was the same. A few members attended the local church where we sang songs and danced. On another day we went to the Maasai Market and purchased shukas (the Maasai blanket). Some of us even got the chance to experience the mountains and plains from the roof of the Land Rover.
Eventually the day broke when the parents and friends arrived. Warm greetings filled the atmosphere and all of us were filled with joy. Debrief soon started and late night treats from South Africa were consumed. We ate like we haven't in a long time - meat in abundance! Every meal was something to be excited for.
After a successful debrief it was time to say goodbye. With hugs (and some tears, to add to the awkwardness of the guys) we greeted familiarity and were on our way once more.
The next ministry point was Malaba - it took us a whole day of travelling and a sleepover at a bus stop in Nairobi to get there. With heavy treat-loaded bags we got off. Martin, our host greeted us shortly after that. We were to stay over at his place.
In a few days time we moved on to a village in Naitiri where his sister stayed. Dorcas is one of the most humble and pure at heart people we have met on our journey thus far. Mother of orphans and teacher of a local school she started up we had much to learn from her. They had received us like long lost family. Embracing us and constantly welcoming us with the words, "feel free!" And, "you are so welcome!"
In Naitiri we went on daily house visits, prayed for the sick and played with the children.
With our hearts deeply impacted we left Naitiri. After a few days in Malaba it was time to pack up and greet Kenya.
Malaba being a border town made it easy for us to cross over on foot. We loaded our (still heavy) luggage on a cart and walked over to Uganda in true EA style.
Kwaheri Kenya! It's been real.
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