School and the Masai

So...Jacob and Joseph did not go back to their home (their mom doesn't have enough money to take care of them). BUT they started school today!!! Since Antony has been MIA, I took them into town this morning, bought them uniforms, shoes, etc. and took them to school. They looked so cute!!! I'm getting them bookbags and lunchboxes later today. I got a disapproving look from a teacher at the school, because I let them pick out cookies and soda for their lunch. Oh well...it's their first day, and they rarely get treats!!! Someone in the school's office said we needed to donate a desk for them to be in school. Who knows. I need to talk to Antony about it. It's always something here....:) The main point is the boys are FINALLY in school! They have to walk almost an hour to get there, but it's better than nothing. I'm so excited!!!



Yesterday, Rachel and I went into Masailand in the Rift Valley. The Masai are one of the biggest (actually, I think they are the biggest) tribe in Kenya. We went there with someone (James) Rachel met while with our host mom several weeks ago. We took motorbikes down to the valley. Rachel and I shared one with our driver. Not exactly safe, but we made it and it's a good story.



We then went to a church service where we didn't understand a word. It was in Masai language and translated into Swahili. The men at the church we went to no longer wear traditional attire, but several of the women still do. They look amazing - bright colors, beautiful beads, etc. James told us that in the interior, about 20-25k (12-15 mi) away, both men and women still live in the traditional huts and wear traditional attire.



After church, we went on a walk in the Rift Valley. The land is VERY dry. James told us that when times get really bad, the Masai men take the animals away to look for green fields and water. The women and children are left behind - and often suffer. As much as I'm dreading the rainy season personally, I know how badly people here need the rain to come. While walking, James asked a man who passed us on a bike how close we were to giraffes. As it turns out, there were a bunch of giraffes just past a plateau we could see in the distance. Unfortunately, we needed to go back, so were unable to walk to see them. All in all, a great day.

Miss you all!