The World Effect - Around the world travel blog

Rockin' pink! Lake Nakura National Park, Kenya

When I was growing up my mother had a thing for Flamingos.  We had several flamingo paintings and two feather covered plastic flamingos in the entry way.  I think they started out as a joke but she was very attached to them even after they started molting.  Come on, it was the 80's.  Crazy things were cool back then.  So when Beau and I found out we were going to see thousands of flamingos at Lake Nakuru it put a huge smile on my face.

The flamingos were beautiful.  They were totally rockin' their pink with confidence.  I have to say they didn't smell great but what do you expect when there are thousands of them.

We saw several other great animals on our drive and we finally got to see the white rhino.  We couldn't believe how big they were and one did have a crazy looking long horn.  I probably shouldn't point that out.  I don't want to make them insecure or anything but it was HUGE!  Don't make that one mad. 



  

A place of smiles, East African Mission Orphanage: Nakuru, Kenya

I am not sure what I had in my mind when we visited the East African Mission (EAMO).  I guess in my mind I kept thinking of the reports on TV of orphanages around the world and the bad condition of the care.  I was so nervous to come to EAMO but eager to see children and help as much a I could.  I kept telling Beau jokingly (but not really joking) that we might have to take home a kid if it was really bad.  Then we arrived and we met Ralph and May, also known as Mum and Dad.  They were very modest and reserved but you could immediately feel the warmth of their kindness.  They took the time to give us a tour of the property, tell us about the program and list the basics on how everything runs. Then we met the kids.  Wow!  The kids were all smiles and the sweetest things on earth.  After hearing many of their stories, it is amazing and so touching to see how happy the children are now.  Ralph and May have done an amazing job creating a home for 150 kids.  It is overwhelming to see how much good they have done for these kids. 

After talking with Ralph and May you really understand that this a family and that everyone participates.  The older kids help with the younger kids.  All the kids have chores but they also have free time to play soccer or games.  Every morning at 6:30 am the kids start their day with a run.  Then they are off to school.  Ralph and May are working hard to build new living facilities and to add workshops so the older kids can learn skills for the real world. When we left EAMO, I cried.  I cried because I missed the kids already.  I cried because it was sad and so hard to believe people had done such horrible things to these beautiful kids.  I also left smiling knowing the kids have a better life and have loving parents now.  Thank you Ralph and May for having us in your home and letting us meet your family!With all the hard work Ralph and May do already and the donations they receive, they still could use more.  Kids run through shoes and clothes when they are growing, school supplies get used, and food always runs out fast when you have 150 kids.  I am not trying to sound like an advertisement but this organization couldn't exist without help.  It is also good to know that the donations go direct to the family and not lost in some gray area that you don't see how it helps.  If you would like to help please visit their website www.eastafricanmission.org .  They have a sponsor a child program which is very helpful for them.  If you don't feel comfortable sending money, the kids need shoes, clothes, books and more.  Email Ralph and May to see how you can help.   

Moving through Masai Mara, Kenya

Did you count the wildebeest?  1,000... no.... 2,000?  Ha ha.  No, we didn't count them.  It would have taken ages.  As Beau mentioned before, each game reserve park has it's own personality.  Masai Mara is known for it's massive herds of zebras and wildebeest moving through the park from July to October for the Great Migration.  It is estimated that the wildebeest number in the millions during the migration. Through the annual migration route, the herbivores are followed by predators.  We always love seeing the lions and cheetahs.  Who doesn't?  The lions that we stumbled upon had taken down a zebra and were taking a break to catch their breath.  They each took a turn watching their kill while the group rested in the shade.  If the lion watching guard walked away for shade the vultures were on the kill in no time.  Number one rule in the wild...Never turn your back! You might be dinner or your dinner might be gone.