Jambo Friends

When you get away for the weekend here in Kenya you might end up at a lodge that has a water hole. That exactly happened when I went for a short break on a weekends. Here are some of the snap shots I took of the elephants. Some of them came even close to the veranda of my room. I could have touched them, but of course that is a "no no" ! After all they are real wild elephants. After a day I could distinguish them by their peculiar habits and funny moves. Enjoy!

Taking bath is my favorite activity

Nothing refreshes like water

Whatever you do, just relax

A relaxing position is the key

At times you have to push hard

I value my figure and stay in shape with regular exercise

What do you mean"you never saw an elephant scratch?

Just coming by for a snack

My earns are beautiful, no they are not too large!

There is always another side to the story

Mom's milk is the best

Just having some fun

No, I don't have a hang over

I keep an eye on you.

Now that is a pair of tusker! My hygienist will be amazed.

Can you do this?

All the talk about wrinkles is getting on my nerve. Mine are just beautiful!

Jambo Friends
 Today the first rains came and everybody is happy about it. After months without any precipitation it was a welcome sight. Right away thousand of little insects left the soil and  populated the air and ground.

I celebrated  with a typical Kenyan dish. "Mchicha", greens that taste like spinach, its my first time I cooked it. Some fresh Tuna steak was a perfect match for a fine dinner.

Cooked with onions and garlic

Finished product

That's how it grows in the garden "Mchicha"

Mvinddeni High Schol

Jambo Friends

Yesterday we visited the Mvindeni Secondary School to meet with girls. We got to know them and  distribute underwear and hygiene products. Over 80 girls showed up and we all had a great time.  Partnering with South Coast Community Church ensures not only an ongoing ministry to the girls but also opens doors to closer relationships and mentoring opportunities. Edith, the leader of the team does a fantastic job connecting with the girls and engage them in discussing relevant topics for their lives. The administration of the school welcomed us warmly and is encouraged by our love and concern for the girls. Here some highlights of our visit.

Edith welcoming the girls

The girls listened carefully

We asked for input what topics they would like to discuss with us

Distributing the items was a lot of fun

Joy and gratefulness at the end

On Safari

 Jambo Friends

Main Gate of the Park

This week we went on safari to the nearby Shimba Hills. The children hardly could contain their excitement as we left early in the morning. It was the first time the children saw wild life close up and we all had great fun.

Three Mini Vans carried us through the Park

With eyes wide open children watched carefully not to miss an animal in the bush

Right at the entrance we saw leopard tracks

 Archie, a friend from church was our guide and showed us all sorts of interesting things. Elephant dung for example is used for making papers and many other useful things.

The smell though wasn't a winner! :)

Here some of the animal we saw!

Sable Antelopes are found only here in this Park

Didn't want to miss a thing!

Peanut Butter and  Jelly Sandwiches for lunch was a highlight.

The forest area in Shimba Hills

One happy Mama! :)

Conversation Kenyan Style

Jambo Friends!

This is a small example of a typical conversation I have  with some of the local people. Ali, the fisherman delivers fresh fish to my place, our conversation goes like this.

Friday afternoon, phone call

Maria:   Hi Ali, how are you?
Ali:        Fine Mama Maria, how are you?
Maria:    Doing well, thank you. Do you have some fish today?
Ali:        No, Mama Maria, too much wind, another day. (Tell that a customer at Giant Eagle)





Monday afternoon, phone call

Maria:    Hi Ali, how are you?
Ali:        Doing well.
Maria:   Ali, will Mama Maria eat some fish today?
Ali:        Yes, Mama Maria will eat fish today. How many kilo can I bring, 3,5,10 kg
Maria:    Good, Ali, I am happy you got some fish. Can you bring me 3 kg (about 6 pounds) please!

Ali delivers the fish and our conversation goes like this:

Maria:  How is your family Ali?
Ali:       Well thank you. The girls are all in school and my boy is getting stronger.
Maria:   How is your wife doing?
Ali:       She is well, she gets fatter, like you!
Maria:   Ali, I told you before, don't call Musungu women (white    women) fat. It's  not a compliment in  our culture, tell them they look healthy.
Ali:       Sorry, Mama Maria, I will remember the next time.
Maria:   Thank you Ali, that's good and you will  keep your friends.

(We both laugh and Ali continues with filleting the fish) I paid about 1200 Kenyan Shilling for the fish (about $ 12 for the 3 kg, another stunner for Giant Eagle customer) and had a delicious white snapper meal.  How can you not love  Kenya!