FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ADVENTURES!  

On Friday afternoon and Saturday, we were treated to some wonderful sites and people! After the additional teachers’ training on Friday morning, we headed out to the Yala River, just a short ride from where we are staying. The Yala River feeds Lake Victoria, which feeds the Nile River. Giant rocks formed some beautiful rapids and falls surrounded by lush green trees and plants. Jeff wanted to swim but we convinced him not to take the plunge since at least two members of our team would have probably had heart attacks if he did!

Next, we drove down a long, dirt road through the second largest rainforest in Africa to Rondo Retreat in Kakamega Forest. This is a former English estate built in the 1800’s. A large English-style house and several cottages are surrounded by giant trees, lush green vines, vivid flowers and serene grounds. We wandered through the estate, watched some monkeys playing high up in the trees and took tea (with chocolate cake!). It was a beautiful and calming place.

On Saturday, we had the honor of visiting with Jackie’s family in nearby Busweta. We shucked maize; met the hens, chicks, cows, rabbits and goats; had an amazing meal (mandazi and chapatti) and saw Jackie’s childhood home. Best of all, we got to meet Jackie’s mom, Esther, and some of her sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. They received us with such joy and generosity and we all left feeling so grateful to have been there.