The Faces of Africa through the Eyes of Three Sisters and a “Bebe”! (Part 3)

Monday morning Marlene and Nancy (the two sisters), along with Mom(the Bebe-Swahili for Grandma), busy themselves unpacking three suitcases full of toys, games, craft supplies brought along to give to the preschool children on the CMF compound. Lack of necessary teaching tools ,so readily available in the states, is an ongoing problem in Africa. It was thrilling to share what others had given the sisters to bring to supply the classroom for use by the teacher in educating the adorable children. Eyes sparkle, and laughter bubbles throughout the classroom as Marlene and Nancy play with the pre-schoolers. Dancing and singing erupt as a talented little girl picks up a drum and the children demonstrate their practiced skills even reciting the entire 23rd Psalm & John 3:16 in Swahili. Smiles abound and warm handshakes are offered as the sisters leave the school and prepare to embark on their next adventure-an African safari!
Bags are packed, guide arrives, Ron is bid farewell, and the three sisters and “a bebe” travel north to the Ngorongoro crater/conservation area via an evening stop-over at a lovely hideaway offering a cool dip in a pool and delicious food served on linen graced tables. The morning dawns early with chirping birds and excitement as everyone climbs aboard the safari jeep. First on the “docket” is an amazing glimpse into the world of the Maasai tribe, with their village nestled on the floor of the crater grazing their cows among the water buffalo. Words can’t adequately capture the experience of bright colors, swaying bodies and rythmic sounds that surround us as the tribe performs their welcome song and dance. Two English speaking tribal members guide us into a “boma”( hut), and share details of life as a Maasai, including the reality of warm blood/milk “beverages” and cows as bed partners. Cameras click, hand-made jewelry is purchased, and finally the sisters and mother climb into the jeep moving into a spectacular day of viewing a menagerie of animals, including the African 5- elephants, water buffalo, rhino, hippo, and lion-thrilling! In addition warthogs, zebra, wildebeest, baboons, hyena, and gazelles, not to mention flamingos, eagles, pelicans, and a huge variety of cranes lift their heads seemingly quite uninterested in the jeep of gawking passengers. Sun sets as we return to the CMF compound chattering about the day’s events.