Beading with the Maasai mamas, another previous installation and Kishon Health Center

Beading with the Maasai mamas, another previous installation and Kishon Health Center

This is Wilbur our ME to WE facilitator and main man on the trip.

 The first activity of the day was a fun team building activity called Hot Lava. We had to get the entire team across the hot lava pit with only one pair of magic protective shoes. We did finally get everyone across safely.

John carries Amy and Kyle over the hot lava!

Neil handles Evelyn and Emily.

Next, we met two Maasai women, Celina and Nashemelo who are masters at the beading craft. The Maasai women are famous for this all over the world . They gave us a lesson and help when we needed it. This was definitely one of my favorite experiences so far.

Amy and Kyle beading their hearts out.

Mama Nashelo shows us how it's done/

Myself with mama Nashelo and mama Celina. It was like being in the Garden of Beadin'!

After lunch we headed out for about an hour and a half drive to a community where a solar suitcase was installed about one year ago. The local community group uses the solar power to light a home and also to charge devices like cell phones and electric shavers. They charge 10 shillings per charge (about 10 cents), which is much cheaper than any other charging option and a lot closer to the community. Doing this, the community raised about 6000 shillings, with which they purchased three goats.

Settlements along the highway.

A dry river bed we crossed along the way. Southwestern Kenya has been going through a drought. 

The kids running along side our lorry and waving. This happens everywhere we go. At this stage I am ALMOST tired of waving to kids along the the roads everywhere we go.

Emily made a new friend!

They were an incredible warm and welcoming bunch. We had two solar power education sessions for them. One was for the kids of the community and one was for the adults. We wanted to make sure that everyone knew how to use the system, especially the kids so that in time they too would be able to manage it. It was very difficult to say goodbye to this group.

The installed solar suitcase. Note all the devices charging below.

These are two of the goats purchased using funds from the solar suitcase.

Amy teaching.

Kyle an Isaiah teaching 

Moises and Jackson, two of the guys who manage the suitcase in this community. 

On the way back to camp we stopped by Kishon Health Center which is sponsored by WE Charities. By the way, WE charities changed their name from Free The Children  in the last year, so if you’ve never heard of them, that might be the reason. 

This small hospital has served 29,000 people in the last five years. They provide minor surgical operations, have primary and preventative care services, a laboratory, a children’s health center, medication dispensary and dental services. With a small staff of nine, they have made a huge difference in the lives of the surrounding towns.

Gladys shows us the lab at Kishon Hospital

Dr. Alex in the vision clinic.

A beautiful sunset on our way back to camp

It was a long and busy day. Tomorrow we have weapons training with the Maasai warriors, Peter and Robert. We will make a visit to the largest local market in the area.