Back from Mashuru

Hello family and friends! We have had a busy and exciting few days! On Sunday after church we went to Tumaini which is a home for orphan children who have HIV. There were eleven kids that we got to see. All were girls except for one boy. We were able to spend a little bit of time interacting with them. We brought some toys and candy for them and enjoyed playing with them. Even in their situation they are so full of life and joy. It was such a blessing to be able to spend time with them. It was a mix of emotions for all of us knowing their situation, yet being happy that they have a safe place to grow up with loving people who are taking care of them each day.
We left for Mashuru on Monday to visit a Masai tribe in the bush. This gave us more of a taste of the Africa we had all imagined. We even saw a few giraffe on the side of the road! When we arrived we were greeted by Masai women in authentic tribal clothing with the colorful beaded necklaces and large holes in their ears. These people were so hospitable, just as we have found all the Kenyans we have met so far, to be. One of the days we were there we helped to make bricks and move them. It was good to be able to do some manual labor and bond with the people that way. At night time we would sit around the fire and the people from the church in Nairobi that accompanied us out there would sing songs and dance. They are a very fun and energetic people. We also visited two primary schools and one all girls high school in Mashuru. This was an awesome experience. They all did songs and dances for us. The students seem shy until they start singing. We tried to do some of the dancing which made all the kids start laughing hysterically. We're white...what can we say?!At the girls high school, one of the girls fell in love with Danielle and asked for her address. Another exciting event that took place in Mashuru was the sheep roast. Adrian was actually the one who slaughtered the sheep while a Masai warrior and some others did the skinning and dismembering of the sheep. The last thing we did was to go on a hike up a hill. It was pretty tiring, but good to get some exercise before our long and bumpy bus ride back to Nairobi. While we were all out of breath, a couple of the Kenyans were running of the mountain.
This evening we had the wonderful and much needed opportunity of going to a couple who are Sterling alumni for dinner. Andy and Lisa Brown had us over for a spaghetti dinner. After all the strange food, this was much appreciated and we all scarfed down at least two plate fulls plus chocolate cake. :) It was a blessing to spend time with some Americans and eat familiar food.
Tomorrow we will be leaving for Masai Mara for the safari. We are not sure if they will have internet there or not so it could be another couple of days before we update. Also, on the way home our flights are so close together that we may not be able to make the one in London and Washington, D.C., so do not worry if you don't hear from us. We will call the families as you as soon as we make it back to the states. Love you all and miss you! We can't wait to share the pictures and videos we've taken with you!