From sunrise to sunset, amazing sights

Today was the final early start of our trip with a departure for a game ride before the sunrise at about 6:40AM this morning. Conditions were perfect and we raced to get access to a view point in time for sunrise.

Sunrise over the Eastern hills in the Mara

Throughout the morning ride, we encountered many surprises and returned to the lodge in time for a late, but welcome breakfast. Many traveled to a nearby Masaai village to learn a bit about how the Masaai live.

Cheetah on the move

In the afternoon, we left again for more viewing and this time we had great success including seeing many herds of zebra and wildebeest, traveling elephant and giraffe, a cheetah beginning a hunt, and two lions that had just completed a hunt and were enjoying their meal of a wildebeest just brought down.

Elephant and giraffe

The sights have been beautiful, but soon we too will return home.

Masasi Mara is a special place and we are fortunate to have such great guides in Paul, Evans, and Mambo.

                                                               - Christopher Bell

Memories of Moses

Back from an all-day safari today and we were greeted by the little monkeys that hang out around the lodge. The zebras will be coming onto the grounds as soon as it gets dark to graze in the yard. This trip has filled my cup with so many wonderful things. And, I am thinking of Moses tonight, the 3 1/2 year old HIV-positive boy I was honored to hold and love on from Nyumbani. His mother hasn't seen him in 7 months--I just cannot imagine. I only know I fell in love with him and I am in love with Kenya, and I thank God for this opportunity.

                                                                               - Paula Andersen

Nyumbani: Watoto wa Mungu (Home: Children of God)

On the savannah

Yesterday and today our pilgrimage moved from Nairobi/Dandora to the Masai Mara. The vastness of the savannah is a welcome respite from the congestion of the two cities we spent 8 days visiting. I miss the children we have visited, but am awestruck by the beauty and peace of the safari. We have been so close to so many different species and its wonderful watching the migration of wildebeest, zebra, elephants, giraffes, and so many gazelles, topis, and birds. This trip has been a blessing for Cameron and me and we have received more than we could ever possibly give to these wonderful people.

                                                                               - Patricia Summers

Lilac Breasted Roller

Exploring more of Kenya: safari on Masai Mara

We began our longest trek outside of Nairobi yesterday with a drive through the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara National Reserve. The reserve is the Kenya portion of the Serengeti ecosystem that stretches south far into Tanzania.

Zebras on the Mara

With a route that includes a stretch of road that our guides refer to as an African massage, we drove deeper and deeper into the reserve and began to see the lead animals in the great migration. Growing numbers of wildebeest and zebra along with giraffe, elephants, topi, impala, numerous birds, and even several lion were spotted on our first drive.

Lion taking in the view

The matter-of-fact sight of so many different and varied animals all in the same area is amazing to see.

                                                               - Christopher Bell