To the Mara...

Have you ever imagined a land that stretches beyond the eye can see, dirt roads that require cars with suspension built for a giant, and people that welcome visitors with open arms? This is the maasai mara. Arriving in Nairobi was a breeze and the next 24 hrs took us from a true Kenyan city to the rural countryside that one would imagine Africa to look like. Along the road stretched many fields and people tending to cows and goats, occasionally passing small towns that include Naroc, and beautiful sights like the great riff valley. Between sleep and small conversation on the “lolly” a few too many bathroom breaks our arrival at the centre was final. Here greeted by the great Kenyan staff of Free the Children we were treated to juice and cookies. Jambo,habari ganna. Dinner was provided and sleep was in order, jet leg was setting in.

The next few days took us on many great adventures that included visiting local schools that FTC is involved in, old school versus new school, getting into some soccer games with some local kids, and visiting great accomplishments like the medical clinic in the community.

Old school

New School

Among these highlights were attending the opening of FTC’s first secondary school. An all girls school called Kisaruni. As we pulled up to the school opening we were greeted by over 800 people welcoming us. All of FTC’s staff proceeded down the centre of a tunnel of community members shaking our hands. I can’t begin to explain the overwhelming feeling of welcome that I can guarantee everybody felt. The ceremony began, with dancing and speeches that would humble anyone in attendance. Meeting the girls who got accepted was especially powerful; they were full of smiles as their parents looked upon them with proud faces.