RENEE MSU

The feeling of breathing again..........

Dear Friends,Family and to Einar:

I arrived in Nairobi on the 28^th of May 2010, a Thursday. I am happy to say that the people’s culture is similar to that of my home in Trinidad. With the little top shops on the corner and the cyber cafe to get internet access it is just like being at home. I slept very well and the next day I headed off to the town, Nairobi Centre. There I met Dr. Johnson’s wife Mrs. Kay who lent me a phone to use while I am here in Kenya. She took me to book a trip to the Maasai Mara. After our very lovely day together I went back to spend another night at the Nairobi Youth Hostel before my departure the following day. To which I took a taxi to the pick up site for the Maasai trip and I spent 3 days with six other people who eventually became really good friends. I spent some time in the park reserve looking at two families of lions that came really close to the van. They were not even bothered by all of the tourists. I saw elephants, zebras,  wildebeast, giraffes, buffaloes, gazelles and a variety of birds among other animals. My most favorite time was spent with the Maasai people where I witnessed a sundown dance where the boys jump to win over a girl to be their wife. Whoever jumps the highest wins. We made a short stop in Narok where I bought a machete to carry around with me and some ornaments for my mom.

After my journey I headed back to the hostel in Nairobi where the next day I headed off to another Maasai village that I had been studying about before I had left Montana. They have a variety of developmental projects that they have completed on their own. They built two schools (a primary and a secondary school), a water well & a clinic all of which are supplied by solar power panels. I have already spent one day and a night in the village. I visited the secondary school & I gave a lesson on compression only CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). I also gave a speech on how to remain motivated despite some disadvantages they may face along the way. I told them about my road to becoming a doctor and all of the subjects I am presently studying. The children were very interested and happy to hear that even though I work, I am still motivated to go to school to make something of myself and to make my family proud of me. The teachers were very impressed and thanked me for such a motivational speech as it would encourage them to continue their education. Kakuta Ole Maimai Hamisi(founder of the Maasai association) who is also a member of this Maasai clan, went to school abroad and when he made enough money he decided to give back to the community that took care of him as a little boy. He made possible all the developmental projects that are taking place in the village. I visited his mom together with his younger brother Letitik for some tea and she give me a gift to thank me for the visit. She lives in a mud hut but it is by choice, she says that it is much warmer than her concrete house. These Maasai people of the Merrueshi clan are quite developed despite what some people may think. I have been learning more and more every day.

For now thank you for reading and I will write soon.

Author: Renee Orie.