Kenya-Maasai Great post! I agree, the real Africa is totally different than the tourist Africa. I actually went on tour with this company - http://www.bigfive.com/navigator-series/1/kenya.html and got to meet the Maasai people, i will never forget them.
together as one christele iam impressed with ypuor interest in our people.i grew up around kawangware i remember trekking there for soccer matches we would walk bare footed and play with footballs made with papers stuffed together.funny but it was my happiest moments,besides being beat up by bigger boys!i live in indianapolis usa now.i also remember inspte of the poverty,some people i grew up with were very smart.its tough out there for a fool!lolhope we can blogg more.asante
Haven't Been to Turkey So I am Living Vicariously Enjoying following your trip. I haven't been to Turkey as of yet and look forward to the opportunity. For now I must travel vicariously through your blog. Enjoyable travels.
Thanks Hi bro
just wanted to let you know Jennifer got home and is full of stories. Thanks for taking her with you. She can't wait to go back! Am in the process of looking at her pics and can't wait to see yours.
Stay safe
Val
oh yeah, Bleach doesn't remove the red dust out of socks and runners. I guess thats a small price to pay huh?
Need Shopping Ideas Your article was interesting and entertaining to one who has just returned from a visit to Kenya. I am trying to locate on line a source from which to purchase a blackboard, chalk and erasers to be shipped to a school in Amboseli National Park.
Can you help by identifying a source of school supplies in Nairobi or Mombassa that might have internet access? Any help would be much appreciated.
Wow! That's such a beautiful story! But all of them are. I wish the kids I teach could see some of this, could understand just how much the world needs their help, and just how lucky they really are. Enjoy your safari. Sheila
Popcorn and beer I wonder whose idea it was to make popcorn....Heather??? I'd love to try one of those ice cold Tuskers!
Excellent scribing Todd. I feel like I've been in Kenya with you.
Heather's gift of art I'm glad Heather is able to share her creative gifts with children. There is such honesty in how children express their joy in their art. Hope your journey finds such joy every day.
Thanks Todd! Todd, these are great descriptions of your days there. Thanks a lot for being our "eyes and ears" and giving such a vibrant picture of Bumala, the school, and your VERY hectic days. I know from similar days I've had out there that when you are working with Charles, making things happen, and basically being treated like a celebrity by all the kids - its exhausting! But hang in there, and keep those posts coming!
Wow gone again Todd I envy you and your work. I hope that in the next few mnths i will be able to do some volunteering with One Cjild Village. I am no longer working with Tamani and crave the feeling i get from helping. Look forward to future posts.
Bumalas for Bumala I'm very curious about the origin of the name of this village for obvious reasons. I did have a great uncle who was in Africa during WWII. Hmmm...I'd like to know more about this project, since I think the Bumalas should do something to help out the village of Bumala!
Thanks Thanks for coming all the way from the UK to help our people. I come from Bumala myself and I identify with all that you report. I have also been to the UK many times and I am aware that to spare a few pounds for such a cause as support to the poor of Bumala is a sacrifice.
not sure anymore I just read your comments. I know I am one year old - but I have few comments
First I am from bumals
2. Thank you so much for your interest in this area
3. I went to school in this area in the 70s and now am a doctor in the USA with several masters degrees so this place has potential
4. Be careful though and talk to the local community/admin leaders because primary/grade school is FREE in Kenya. Kids/families pay no tuition to attend school. If you see people parading kids for tuition - it is likely that you are being conned. I know because my family is currently helping quiet a few kids through high school.
Finally, please keep up the good work
Turquie Locky You!
Say hello! To Istanbul, to Ste Sophie (the Bleue Mosquée), etc. for me. What a beautyfull city! I am eager to hear about Konya. It's so different from the rest of Turkey. Did you have the chance to see the Derviches Turner?
Good luck! and keep up the good woork! Y enjoy to read your jouney on the blog. Hélène
Incredible!! These stories are a real eye-opener. I can't wait until the next one appears. You are so right about the difference we can all make in these peoples lives. I agree with you on how lucky you must feel with a local contact like Charles. You describe him as a wonderful soul and an incredibly compassionate human being. It makes one wonder what is really important in this life. Stay safe and happy, and know that you have the total support of the people who love you over on this side of the pond.
Retour Bon retour à vous deux en terre canadienne. Votre vie reprendra certainement avec un petit changement dans les priorités.
Souhaitons que les douanes kényanes ont été compréhensives.... pour le retour car.......... eux aussi aiment bien profiter de la générosité du (riche) touriste. Bonne continuation de voyage à Tod.
Au plaisir!D'avoir le gros rapport. Hélène
Bumala Thank you so much for keeping us up to date. I was so eager to ear from you both.
Quel thrill pour moi ici de lire vos péripities avec tant d'émotions, j'imagine facilement comment ce doit être pour vous sur place de vivre des moments semblables. Ce doit être enivrant par moment. Je vous envie, et chapeau! pour tout le travail que vous faites et avez réussi à faire sur le terrain. Il est fascinant de voir comment on peut faire avec si peu, c'est motivant pour nous de supporter davantage votre projet.
Je m'inquiète un peu pour Charles une fois seul après votre départ. Certaines personnes ne partageront pas tous la même générosité et sincérite que lui, on va envier ses contatcs avec vous pensant qu'il en retire certains bénifices. Vous avez tant besoin de lui! Nous avons hâte de voir et entendre davantage sur votre excitante expédition.
Longue vie à votre louable projet. Love Hélène
Thanks for the inspiration! Hi to both of you, Cristelle and Todd! Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy days to keep us all in the Africa loop. It is truly inspiring to hear your day-to-day experiences, along with the powerful insights and emotions that arise from them. Take good care, I'm with you in thought and spirit!
Cheers,
Gloria
Welcome to The One Child's Village travel Blog! Please follow the blogs below to read about our adventures to Kenya and all stops along the way.
The blogs are ordered below starting with the most recent entry, and going backward in time. There are several trips so please be sure to check the dates. Earlier posts are from the 2007 journey to Kenya made by Cristelle and Todd. More recent posts are from Todd on his 2008 trip to Kenya.... full info
Kenya Traveler
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Kenya-Maasai
Great post! I agree, the real Africa is totally different than the tourist Africa. I actually went on tour with this company - http://www.bigfive.com/navigator-series/1/kenya.html and got to meet the Maasai people, i will never forget them.