For these students, this is their one chance at education.  And boy are they on their way!

All 32 of the Form 4 students graduated.  This is a first for Ngetau and we were so proud to see them.

We have been out of internet for several days but today, it is finally back.  Today some of us visited Bishop Akyoo and the Tamiha orphanage at Usa River.  

At the orphanage we continued our tradition of handing out hot wheels to the kids.  It was double the fun this year as we had enough cars to give them two each!

Hello Safi Friends
One day we went to the Mamas stall at the Maasae Market in Arusha.

Unbelievable but the mamas remembered me from past trips.  I took them beads from Shipwreck beads in Lacey in hopes I could explain and ask them to make me bracelets in the pac 12 school colors
When I returned a few days later, they had done a pretty good job of doing so. I joined them on their mats for the picture.  Relationships formed here are forever.  
At Adilis wedding we met our friend, pastor Laroya''s brother Joseph Laroya.  He invited us to meet him in Monduli when we visited that area .  We attended the Lutheran Maasae Girls secondary school and then went to the market in Mondulli.  At the entrance to the market stood Joseph.  Well, he invited us to his home, which he said was a very short distance away.. Ahmmm.. it was at least 1/2 mile of walking and visiting with all the people he knows.  Such fun.  We met his wife on our walk also.  We wondered how much we would appreciate our husbands inviting a large group of  strangers that he had just met to our homes when we haven't had time to clean first..
What a visit.  One room was filled with used clothing that they save for students at the primary school where Joseph teaches.  Joseph's wife has a stall at the market and we walked back to talk to her.  It was a great surprise to find that she is the mama most of us have bought kangas from over the years.  
So many places to  go, so many people to see again and so many new friends to make. life is Safi (everything is fine)
Marilyn Ahlf

Fredy's Family

Jackline, Anna, Neem! Fabian, Elisante, Pascal, Emmanuel, Elieshi , Esta. -these are a few of the students who have a new life ahead of them because of sponsors and supporters from half way across the world.  I've been moved to tears to see Jackline, who will soon be an advocate in a very prestigious law firm in Arusha and Anna who is a pilot for the Tz. Wildlife foundation.  And Elieshe, who is now a Montessri teacher. And the others who have gotten Div. 1 or Div. 2 in their Form 6 exams, allowing them to go on to the University. And our Form 4 students who will take their national exams in Nov. and all think they are going to do very well.That's why we are here.
Baraka Mosha, Mr. mosha's son, is a computer genius and has swapped and switched parts out of 10 "dead" computers.  So, there will be 5 more working ones!
We spend today at school and then go to Saif and Farida's for dinner. Tomorrow is school , Meru Diocese and Tamiha Orphan project for some, and guests pat the lodge a 4 and guests for dinner at 6.  We have a very busy social life -  -:)We stayed at Ilboru Safari Lodge last night and it is very lovely. Flowers are amazing, jacaranda trees are in full, purple bloom, roads are DUSTY, road to Freedom Lodge has been graded and is better, school is going well  and we are all well. 
Salama, Mary

The wedding was a double wedding and an energetic one. The bride arrived with a brass band playing in the back of a pickup truck.  The ceremony was all in Swahili but the attendees laughed many times so it was a lighthearted affair.  After the ceremony and lots of greetings outside we went to the reception at the LaRoya's home. Many people were there, many flowers and colorful outfits.  It was impressive.  We left after the gifts were presented.  We had already been at the events for 5 hours and the main food was yet to be presented.  It was an impressive wedding.  FYI friends and community host the festivities, quite different than in the US but it makes the whole affair so special.

We are on safari and so many friends (animals) came out to see us.

The flights were long but went well.  The 10 of us are settled into Freedom lodge and we have loaded all the school bags and sorted the gifts, baby hats, hotweels and shoes for gifting.  Thanks to all who helped make and supply these gifts.  Now we have to hurry and change as we are going to a wedding.  So expect pictures soon.  
Kristina