Now that I am out of the hospital!!!! I can post more pictures now. I had a bacteria in my blood and was very dehydrated The Nairobi Hospital was wonderful but being admitted in a foreign country knowing your so far from home is the worst. A BIG thanks to my mom who stayed up with me even when it was 3 am for her and to my Kenya Maji Mazuri family who visited me and made sure everything was okay, especially Wambui (my Kenyan mother) who wouldn't leave my side. On a brighter note here are some more pictures of the beautiful Kenya in Massi Mara.

with a little piece of my heart,

Julia

Good Morning Kenya!

The Mara River where the great migration takes place

This photo was actually taken on foot while walking with a ranger!

Lazy boy

Hide-and-seek I found you!

The border between Kenya and Tanzania 

Typical Massi dressed man and me!

Back!

What a few couple of days I had. Almost can't even describe it in words! The beauty of Kenya is breathtaking! Ready to get back to work. Looking forward to buying the children what they need like a wheelchair for William!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is all possible because of your donations. I am one happy girl!

with a little piece of my heart,

Julia

more photos to come!

A Saturday in Kenya

What a fun day! I went to the elephant orphanage to see rescued baby elephants. The orphanage is only open one hour a day because they do not want the elephants getting used to people, as their goal is to release them back into the wild. But OMG were they cute! After that I went to Mathare where the teen group was having a meeting (teen group rages from around 6 to 15 once they turn 16 they join the youth group). They did races, and made masks. The winners of the races got 5 slices of bread and a glass of milk, which they were VERY happy about :) Tomorrow for the first time since I have been here, I am taking some time off (2 days ) to explore the beauty of Kenya. I am taking a 5 and half hour car ride through Kenya to get to Maasai Mara, one of Kenya's greatest game reserves. I am excited to see the wild animals, but will miss my kids while away! I also have to say that I am so taken back by the response to my plea for funds to buy supplies. People have been so wonderful and giving, and I am so humbled that you are all helping me, help the children. It is ALL our efforts that make the world a better place, and we can never give up on trying to make a difference. Anything is possible when people work together, and for that I thank you! Asante Sana! (Thank you!)

with a little piece of my heart,

Julia

Well worth watching. Amazing people, doing amazing things.

How can you Help?

If you can afford it, and want to help the students of Kenya, please write a check to me and send it to 4256 Vicasa Drive Calabasas, CA 91302. I promise you %100 of the donation will go towards the kids.  If you would like to donate to the greater cause of Maji Mazuri, which helps sustain ALL the programs, please visit majimazuri.org. Know that $1 is equivalent to 100 Kenya shillings. Your money goes a LONG way! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!


(Please note that checks are only tax deductible if the donation is given through the Maji Mazuri website.)


with a little piece of my heart,


Julia

falling in love with the Mathare Valley Slum

inside Mathare, photo not taken by me

Maji Mazuri's Head Start in Mathare

Class 4 in Mathare :)

Hope

Today, was emotionally, the hardest day I've had in Kenya. For the first time, I saw footage of the post-election violence in 2007. These pictures and videos were captured by  some of my friends here and I can't describe in words how disturbing the images were. At one point I became very dizzy and felt like I was going to pass out. I wanted to see the pictures, I wanted to know what they went through and why it is so important for them to spread the message of peace. I needed to see those pictures, but as my hand covered my mouth and I fought back tears, I couldn't believe the friends I've made  here witnessed it in person. As I looked at the pictures, I realized that I walk those same streets that were covered in blood. This was 4 years ago. The most shocking thing is next year is an election year. When I asked if this will happen again I was told the politicians don't do anything to prevent it and behind closed doors it is them who are telling the people to kill each other. But, in a community who has witnessed the most inhumane treatment of human beings, it is the people from within who are choosing to do something about it. They are choosing to spread the message of peace. I am in awe of the people I have met thus far in my journey, and feel more than blessed that my path has crossed theirs. I promise you they are some of the most unselfish people I have ever met and they dedicate their lives to making other lives better. HOPE lies within Kenya, and I see it everyday.

with a little piece of my heart,

Julia