More Views from Safari

As everyone completes their trips home, here are a few more views from our time on safari:

Leopard stretching and getting ready to climb down.

Cheetah watching his fans.

Buffalo: meaner than they look.

Giraffes, conveniently spaced.

Topi (not Photoshopped).

The Savannah classic acacia tree with Secretary Bird.

Zebras: hard to see by the eyes that count.

Two lion cubs feed after the others have their fill.

Hippos heading out for their night feeding.

View to start the ride back before sunrise.

Rift Valley on our return.

-- Christopher Bell

One Last Safari Ride

Time to go.

Our second ride on Friday was unique in that the riders in each of our three vans got to have a different experience although we also crossed paths in some important ways.

Our guides: Paul, Simon, Steven, and Evans.

On our ride, through a mix of patience and jammed traffic, we managed to get some great views of an elusive male leopard when he decided to leave his well-camouflaged perch and drop down to start the early evening's hunt.

(Almost) the entire safari group.

Others had a unique ride tracking three lions and the third group had a chance to explore the Sand River crossing on foot. All of us caught up at the Tanzania border and had a chance to get some photos at the entrance to the Serengeti National Park.

Black with white stripes or white with black stripes?

The air in the park is so fresh when on ride that even just being out exploring in the vehicles or outside of the rooms at the Lodge is a great experience. Everyone embraced the experience and took full advantage of all of the rides, but this trip has also reached it's end. While we'll see some wildlife on our ride out, we won't have another chance to go deeper and explore on this trip.

Our simple sunset.

-- Christopher Bell

Early Start

Lions having breakfast.

We had an early morning safari today and were out on the road by 6:30 am. I know there were some of us who thought it was very early to be awake while on vacation, but it was worth it immediately. About 300 feet from the entrance to our hotel we saw two male lions eating a wildebeest. These were lions with full manes and it was definitely an interesting first sight of animals.

Sunrise over the hills.

The groups continued on and saw hyenas (new today), some ostriches, warthogs (also new), and some more lions. We'd spotted a single lioness and turned around to travel back to where she was. This was definitely a highlight because out came another lioness and two cubs!  We watched the four of them eating and playing with each other.

Hyena on the run.

-- Gabriela Gualano

Happy Birthday Chris!

Cheetah yawning while resting after being pierced by a horn.

We had a very, very busy day today. It started early with breakfast and then a 7 hour safari. Our first major sighting was of a dead wildebeest being eaten by vultures and other scavenger birds. The eye seems to have been a particular treat.

The scavengers follow after the predators are done.

There were no baby elephants today, and only one lion sighting, but there were plenty of other animals to be seen.  Giraffes were out in full force today and we all managed to see a group of 20 on a hill. Later in the day we saw another 9 or so.  Since we were out for longer we made it to the river where crocodiles and hippos call home.  The crocodiles weren't doing much, but it was still cool to see them down in the river. Further along were the absolutely massive hippos. We were amazed to see how large they were!

A hippo (rarely) on the move.

In the middle of this several of us just looked at each other and had to marvel we were spending our summer in Kenya looking for wild animals. It was a rather unreal moment.

This is how to throw a party in the rain on safari.

At dinner, Chris received the restaurant birthday surprise of his life I think. The entire restaurant went dark, the staff left their stations, and they all started singing as they went towards Chris with a full cake. After their Jambo song, they went into Happy Birthday. At this point we thought it was finished, when the Maasai men walked in with full traditional dress and did a ritual chant for him.

The cake after the first cut.

-- Gabriela Gualano

Lions and Zebras and ‘Beests…Oh My!

Our day started out rather long, with half of us driving to the airport and taking a short flight to safari and the other half driving halfway across Kenya to reach our lovely hotel. I was on the driving portion and it was definitely an experience to drive and see the whole of Kenya laid out before us. There were a few stopping points along the way where we could take panoramas of the Rift Valley below.

The Great Rift Valley.

Even before we entered Masai Mara there were some animals to be seen. Our first zebras were rather exciting, but they soon became almost like squirrels back home. There were also so many wildebeests you couldn't even count them. Seeing them here makes me understand how Mufasa was trampled to death in Lion King.

Wildebeest--a face only a mother could love.

After we met up with the flying group, all of us headed out on a true safari. Justin declared we were going to see 21 lions on this trip. Our driver Simon did not agree and thought it would be less. If today is any indication, though, we will definitely see 21 lions. It is absolutely extraordinary to look outside the car and see a fully grown lion standing less than 10 feet away.

Male lion keeping watch.

From all accounts we had a rather successful first safari day. My group saw 11 lions, 9 elephants (including the most adorable baby one ever), 3 ostriches, 4 giraffes, and numerous herds of zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, topi, elan, and water buffalo.

Mara giraffe on the move with a few bird hop-ons.

I know we all can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Angele, Kaley, Jennifer, and Justin get the shot.

-- Gabriela Gualano

An Introduction to Wildlife

After all the wonderful and exciting, yet deep experiences this week, today was spent enjoying Kenya's wildlife.  The first stop was Giraffe Centre, a giraffe sanctuary where we were able to feed giraffes.  We all learned they have very long black tongues that are fairly scratchy and leave behind a sticky saliva.  A few brave souls fed the giraffes by mouth. 

Gabriela feeding a giraffe

Then it was off to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an orphanage for elephants whose mothers have been killed usually by poaching.  They have about 20 elephants ranging in age from a couple months to three years.  Once they are three, the elephants are moved to another area where they are rehabilitated to return to the wild.  The program is enormously successful and has saved many, many elephants who would have otherwise died as babies.  

Baby elephants at Sheldrick.

Finally we went to Kazuri, a bead and pottery making factory that employs over 400 women.  Most of these women are single mothers and this is a way for them to support their families.  It was amazing to see the craftsmanship and artwork these women are doing.  The beads are entirely handmade, yet they look like a machine made them. 

Woman making pottery at Kazuri

-- Gabriela Gualano

Mutual gifts

2014 St Monica Pilgrims to Holy Cross Dandora
with our hosts on the future altar
at the Phase 1 church construction site.

One of the great surprises for those that travel here to visit our sister parish is how much more we each receive than we give. Simultaneously, our sisters and brothers of Holy Cross give thanks to God for how much our presence is a gift to them. All of the hard work and effort from all of us that enables these days to be such a rich exchange is multiplied many times by God.

-- Christopher Bell

Goodbyes to New Friends

Today we made our last visit to Holy Cross.  We began by visiting the Br. Andre dispensary, a medical clinic on the Holy Cross grounds.  We had a tour of the dispensary, but there were patients waiting for the nurses and physician assistants to see them.

Then we had the ribbon cutting and groundbreaking for the new maternity ward.  Jill has been instrumental in getting this project going and I'm sure it was extra special to be the ribbon cutter with her son Justin also present.  Instead of a symbolic shovel for the groundbreaking, Jill went into the front loader and scooped up the dirt.  We were all a tad wary of Jill being behind a powerful machine, but it all went fine. 

Monsignor, Jill, and Justin ready to break ground.

Next we celebrated our 5th and last mass with the people of Holy Cross.  Although school was closed, some members of the children's choir still made it and graced us with their singing and dancing.  They are truly a sight to be seen.  One little girl in particular just stole our hearts.  She's one of the shortest, but has an amazing personality that shines through her dancing and singing.

Leading the singers.

Lunch was at Holy Cross while we heard from Jackie, a woman who told us more about the political climate in Dandora and what outside actions are being done to help the area.  Several of us broke up into small focus groups to further pinpoint what help is needed in particular areas.  Along with Sally and Michelle, I spoke with other teachers and was given a lot of information about St. James, its mission, and what they would like for the future.

Irene, Sr Miriam, Natalie.

Now came the sad part.  We all had to say goodbye to some of the most amazing people we've ever met.  I don't think any of us newcomers had any idea how quickly we would become friends and how deeply our love and affection for these people would be.  Except for the few who have been to Dandora before, none of us had met any Holy Cross individuals, yet we felt like old friends.  Many emails were exchanged and I know some life-long friendships have been made.  The children's choir remained and they loved taking our phones and taking pictures of us.  It was truly delightful to spend a few extra minutes with them.  While I am excited for the safari in a couple days, I am truly saddened not to spent more time with the people of Holy Cross.

-- Gabriela Gualano

Celebrating the Lord's Day

We celebrated two masses today, and I mean celebrated!  Jill, Kaley, and I joined the English choir at our first mass in the small church in Phase 1.  The other women in the choir did a good job of guiding us to keep in time and motion with everyone else.  A small pull on my dress or poke on the side got the message across on what direction to go.  I was out of my comfort zone, but it was a great experience in the end!

Our second mass was at the big church in Phase 3 where we've spent a lot of time.  This mass was in Swahili, but it was impossible not to become involved with all the singing and clapping.  At the end of mass we were all presented with either a dress or shirt and mug with our names and an image of the new church drawing on it.

After mass we ate lunch with the Parish Leaders and their spouses as well as some other key individuals we've met and become friends with.  The mass dancers also performed another dance for us.  Jill had the lovely idea of singing a song for our friends and we'd practiced a Swahili song the last couple days.  Although I imagine our Swahili has much to be desired, we were a hit for our friends who all graciously said we did wonderfully!  

Girls dancing traditional Kenyan dances.

When lunch ended many of us went shopping again and purchased some last items from the vendors at the church.  The beadwork these people do is absolutely phenomenal.  On the school field there was a football game going on, dancing performances, and a happy time.  My home visit family was at mass and I was able to get one last picture of them all.  It's amazing how much affection I feel for people I've known less than a week.  I think it really speaks to the true kindness and generosity of the people here and the willingness to be open.

Beaded necklaces and bracelets.

-- Gabriela Gualano

St James Feast

Holy Cross takes care to celebrate the feast day of the school's namesake St James, the apostle and martyr, on a day when we are present. The celebration includes Mass followed by songs, poems, dancing, food, and a fashion show for kids from throughout the school.

Dancers ready to begin.

Fr Andrew offering a greeting.

Delivering the Word.

Presentation of the Word by
Deacon Agapetus.

Choir singers.

Baby class singers.

Traditional dancers.

Fashion show.

-- Christopher Bell

Humble and Loving Hearts

Every night I go to bed with sore cheeks and an aching heart. The muscles in my face are gaining more strength than ever due to the amount of smiles I shed in both joy and as a mutual sign of love for those around me. I never knew the power of a simple action, bringing two worlds together simultaneously at no cost.

I’m honored to be here and have found gratitude in levels I never thought possible. The simplest of actions are what mean the most and that new-found enlightenment I will carry with me forever.

Colleen and Julia with women at Veronika's Place.

Sending love and Kenyan-like speed to my mom in her race today!

With love and gratitude,

Colleen Heidinger xx

A Meeting with Saints

The Sisters of Charity are a marvelous group of women.  Early in the morning we had mass together with the Sisters and then headed to breakfast.  We returned around lunchtime to meet with the mentally and physically disabled women the Sisters care for.  These women are often abandoned by their parents at birth or shortly after because of their conditions.  As children they are cared for at orphanages or group homes, but as adults are given to the Sisters of Charity who lovingly provide care until their deaths.  I did not count how many women were present, but there were at least 30 who were unable to care for themselves.  Many could not walk and were either in wheelchairs or beds.  Most could not feed themselves and relied on the Sisters for everything.  It was a truly humbling, and difficult, experience for me.  The Sisters of Charity are awe-inspiring for their selfless and loving work.

Gate to the Missionaries of Charity Home.

In the afternoon we walked through Kibera, the worst slum in all of Africa.  An estimated 800,000 people live there, but this is a rough estimate.  I was rather apprehensive to walk through, as we have taken our bus everywhere.  However, there were no problems the entire way.  Some children greeted us with "How are you?," but there was not the eager touching St. James students gave us.  What struck me most was the single gate that separated Kibera from a very middle-class, ordinary suburban looking area one might find in Southern California (minus 8 foot fences).  Today was a struggle, but an ultimate learning experience.

Small portion of Kibera slum.

-- Gabriela Gualano

A Day of Celebrations!

Happy 4^th of July!

We had a very busy and fun-filled day today! St. James Parish School was celebrating their Feast Day and had many celebrations planned. Mass was an extravaganza! There were dancers, instruments, singing, clapping, and everything you could imagine. Three different groups of children had choreographed dancing up and down the aisles during specified times. I have no idea how long it took them to learn the dances plus the timing of everything. Even the little nursery school students did some dancing, with the help of their teachers of course. Many of the songs were in Swahili or a combination of Swahili and English. Even without knowing the words it is a joyful experience.

Patti and St. James boys practicing drums.

After mass we were treated to a show by the students. Different grades had prepared an assortment of entertainment pieces for us. Some students played drums, others sang or recited poems, and many danced. Several times the children came into our area and guided us to the middle where we danced with them. I’m sure trying to dance their traditional Kenyan dances amused the older children.

Monsignor and Gabriela sharing dolls
from Dollies Making a Difference.

Once lunch was over, Chris, Monsignor, and I handed out fabric dolls to the Baby Class. Wow, are they precious! These little three- and four-year olds basically mobbed Monsignor and me as they clambered over and grabbed at their new toys. I wish I could have stayed longer and played dollies with them, but there were more festivities to attend.

Monsignor with the children.

Finally, we had a fashion show. Teachers chose students in their classes to dress up today for a fashion show. The youngest ones were simply adorable, while the older children became rather animated. There were definitely some models in the making. Hips were swaying, eyes were rolling, heads were bouncing, kisses were blowing, and hands were gesturing, a definite entertainment piece! Interacting with the wonderful students and people of St. James has truly been a highlight of my life.

Gabriela, Sr. Mariam, and Angela after dinner

-- Gabriela Gualano