Jan 8 update

(written by Dailyn) –

To summarize the past few days is a mountainous task. Picking and choosing what to say has been hard because you can’t express the amount of love and laughter there is here in just one post.

First of all, we’re safe and very happy. We love you all very much and now that we have found new brothers and sisters, their love is also sent to you all the way from Archer’s Post.

But to catch up on the latest events…

January 3^rd was the Samburu Youth Education Fund high school graduation. To get to secondary school, let alone graduate, is a massive accomplishment. Let me tell you what, it is nearly impossible not to get emotional as you see these bright and hardworking students collect their certificates. The students put on a beautiful performance in traditional beaded clothing, necklaces and headdresses.

After the ceremony we had the reception at Manmanet Restaurant and Choma Zone. The student’s mothers had prepared a feast of goat, rice, and vegetables that we all ate with such ferocity. Food was followed by cake, gifts, and thanks, mixed with chatter, laughter, and happiness. During reflections we all took the much needed moment to appreciate the education we have and the opportunity to be in a university.

The SYEF students (along with the rest of us) have the responsibility to make this world a better place and that can be accomplished through the power of education.

January 4…

Today was probably the hottest day so far. A few of us got the chance to go on a game drive through Samburu National Reserve. We saw gazelles, orecks, warthogs, elephants, and even an ostrich! We also saw crocodiles off in the distance, but no big cats today. Meanwhile, the rest of us stayed at Unity and continued to bond with the women and children. We’re supposed to continue working on the large Muzungu hut, building the roof, but we ran out of materials, so Brett and Spencer were off to shop!

By midday we all rested up, melting under the heat of the African sun.

January 5…

What do rock climbing, cliff jumping, and canopy walks have in common? Rift Valley Adventures, and it makes for an amazing day. As a graduation gift to the SYEF students, and surprise for us, we got the chance to celebrate their achievements and do some team building in a jaw dropping beautiful part of Kenya.

Rock climbing was a great way to build trust and support amongst each other despite the language barrier.  We cheered each other on and everyone made it to the top. Then we had a refreshing lunch of fruit and peanut butter sandwiches before strolling down to a picturesque waterfall. The water was frigid but jumping off cliffs made it worth every moment of the cold water. After the adrenaline rush, Rift Valley Adventures took us on a canopy walk through the trees where we saw all kinds of birds, cows, and an elephant skull. We finished the adventures with tea and biscuits at RVA basecamp where we could use actual toilets to everyone’s surprise.

The ride back home was full of smiles. The CSU and SYEF students fell asleep on each other and exchanged contact information. It was a beautiful day to see two groups become one.

Needless to say, our reflections were full of love and laughter.

Lala salama!!