A Kiefer in Kenya: "Or you can herd a lion..."

This weekend has been nothing short of life-changing.

Not in the sense that I now know what I want to do with my life, or that saw my life flash before my eyes and everything became clear.

No, it was life-changing because everything I did was something new. Everywhere I went, was authentic. Everything I saw was beautiful and different and interesting and genuine.

It was happiness. Even though I spent the majority of my time among people living in extreme poverty. Their essence was intoxicating. You can’t help but smile with every part of your being.

Anyway. Today the entire AU abroad group crowded into the bus that we traveled in during orientation (driven by Evans) and traveled down to a Maasai Village. There, we were greeted by the village chief, Chief Joseph. He came to us by pikipiki (motorcycle) it was quite the entrance. We trekked through the bush for a little bit. There, we learned how to make a toothbrush out of a twig (who needs dentists…[kidding daddy]). We also saw where the warriors camp out when they are out hunting or while they are fulfilling their ritual of becoming a man (you can herd a lion or do something else that I can’t remember).

We also visited Chief Joseph’s church, talk about Christian love.

Then....

Yes! Giraffes (more photos at the end). Chief Joseph took us "herding for giraffes." Steven, Margaret and Joseph surrounded the little herd and ran towards them -- the giraffes then came towards us! It was amazing. Honestly, a dream come true. All of these tall blondes just hanging out, roaming the same terrain. It was amazing.

After we travelled to Joseph's home where we drank some tea and browsed (and purchased) some Maasai jewelry.