JAMBO, My Name Is...

A really lovely thing about the Maasai people is the way they welcome visitors, even if it's just a routine visit. The singing, the dancing, and the big smiles everywhere we went during our time in Kenya were so heartwarming. Whether we were visiting the village school that Martin's agency had sponsored, dropping by the women's empowerment center to learn about beading techniques or touring the fields and pastures of local farms, the people always introduced themselves and in turn, we shared our names and hometowns. It really didn't matter to them if it was a small group or many gathered together, they would sit patiently, waving and saying "Jambo!" to each and every guest until all had been introduced.  

Over and over, we were graciously welcomed and told 'thank you' for being there. The villagers were so grateful for the attention and support they receive.  At one village, the elders even instructed us to thank our families and friends back home who had allowed us to make the long journey to Africa. We often felt that we hadn't really done all that much to help, and in fact, we should be the ones thanking them for allowing us to experience their culture and way of life!