Intricate designs, happy tails and insightful eyes

Tsavo East

Right away, greeted by a hornbill upon our entrance to the park. Then the tallest tour guide, a giraffe welcomes us in.

I’m fascinated by zebra. Their markers—odd angles. Dissected in parts, they’re truly sculpted animals. Swishing tails, standing end-to-end to watch for predators. Bucking males, nipping and playing in their own red-earthen paradise.

More swishing tails—it’s the Thompson’s gazelle and oryx—moving in a never-ending pendulum of a fly swatter within the savannah.

Elephants graze around a gentle river that runs across a lush valley of green and rolling vegetation. Flocks of white water birds lift into the air, zipping up and around the big pachyderm feet highlighting the striking contrast of ivory on emerald.

Lunch at the Voi Safari Lodge is amazing, (ugali, lentil, passion juice, yum,) but it’s the view out our window that is astounding. Down below, many family groups of elies dunk, dip, and rough-house in the water holes below. At times, they totally submerge, except for the lone sticking out of the water like a snorkel. A small family that includes a mama, aunty, teen, and month-old baby arrive, and it’s joy to watch them drink and play. That baby never quite leaves the protection of his mama’s legs, but he slips in and out of the water in pure happiness. His mini-trunk barely reaches the water for a drink…slurp…reach…slurp! Even from miles away, we observe the many elephants heading toward us. A lone male slurps water from a drainage hole in the group. Sucks it up, sprays in the air, and then repeats—all afternoon!

Baboons rule the grounds. We watch one hop into a hotel room, steal a hat and candy, then another zip in and out of a restaurant window, swiping a piece of bread in just a second. We attempt to catch a agama lizard, and are joined by baboons, totally acclimated to us humans.

Back on safari, we’re overjoyed to see so many animals. Hartebeest, long-crested & tawny eagle, plus the rainbow-feathered superb starling. No crocodiles or hippos at Crocodile Point/Langu Springs, but the beautiful, water-worm red rocks and pools are a treasure. We hike over the gorgeous stones, watching the water rush over curved and twirled formations formed over years and years.

We spot four lions on a buffalo kill. The two males are overstuffed—huge, blood covered bellies, their bodies so still and languid we think they might be dead! Food coma! The two lionesses eat, using their massive jaws to tear and rip the buffalo meat and submerge their heads inside the body cavity. Cruelty, yet the obvious cycle of life.

The giraffe, with their gorgeous marbled design and insightful eyes and gentle gallop. Warthogs with happy tails rising toward the sun cross the road in front of us. Intricate designs, happy tails and insightful eyes. Oh, how I’ve missed Kenyan wildlife!

An appreciation for all that is

Kileva is small. Pre-school through Class 4. An intimate community of parents and staff members set up a celebration inside a classroom. We're delighted by a song and dance by class 4. Parents in the audience yell and scream with support as each boy and girl come together in unison. Then it's the grown-up's turn to dance! Men and women move and groove with reckless abandon. With every sway, every twirl, there is no hardship, no worry, nothing but joy and goodness and utter appreciation for life. It is such an honor to be there firsthand, absorbing their positive energy--a feeling that leaves you remembering how beautiful and meaningful life is--and how fortunate we are to be breathing.

We pass out pencils to each class. These students are calm and reserved, and they cradle their pencils like treasure. It is such a gift. The potential of their small hands. Inside, I'm giddy thinking about the possibilities of education and connection. I want to hold each hand and bask in the glory of what they can do. What we can do together.

Outside, Julius, our wonderful driver (and Swahili tutor,) sets up a game of catch. I orgnaize more relay races. Ndovu, ndovu, simba. Frisbee and jumprope. Boys vs. girls (which seems to be the norm here.) Of course, girls seem to have a slight advantage... but I'm not partial. Nope, not me.

I ask one of the older girl's for a pair of scissors so I can cut a plastic tie on a jumprope. She bends down to her tiny, pre-school-age-brother, and he pulls a razor blade out of his pocket. I'm shocked. In amazement, I hand it to Julius, our wonderful driver, and he cuts the tie for me. I'm reminded again that Kenya is a different place. Kids here learn to survive at a very early age. Whether it's push-starting our car, carrying a razor-blade in a pocket, or using a machete to help cut down grass around the school to keep out snakes (as Nicola saw earlier,) these young, young kids figure it out.

They learn how beautiful, yet absolutely trying life can be. The result? I'd have to say appreciation. A thankfulness for all that is. Family. Food. Friends. Balls. Frisbees. Pencils. Laughter.

And I'm right there with them.

Nothing but the whisk of the jumprope

We're welcomed by 250 kids--all clad in the bright orange uniform. From our previous visit a few days before, we remember how outgoing and excited these students can be. We have a small ceremony, beautiful voices singing, bodies dancing, and powerful words about education. The kids can't wait to play. Nicola sets up the jump rope games, and I organize more relay races. Instantly, we're in the groove, laughing, running, jumping and sweating (still about 100 degrees outside!) I teach a big group how to throw a frisbee and we play "monkey in the middle." Somehow, I end up in the center every time (like the mushpot in "ndovu, ndovu, simba!" A few girls approach me and ask me to play. For the rest of the afternoon, we are attached at the hip. We jumprope (until I'm ready to drop.) I can jump in, but have a hard time getting out, which makes the girls crack up. They teach me their chants "January, February, March..." and I'm overwhelmed by the joy I feel here. It's an energy like no other. One of purity, eagerness, all without borders, without barriers of any one thing that might separate us. Nothing matters but the rhythm of the jumprope tickling the red earth. The laughter and bright eyes of the girls I play with. The teachers are so excited to continue working with us. Their appreciation felt deeply in their warm handshakes.

I see a little flicker in eyes of the students as we say goodbye. I wonder if they believe we'll be back.

I hope they do.

Cause we will.













Thank you Nicola, for your gorgeous photos (last 5 here.)