The Safaris began in earnest as early as 6 am. It is the best hour to go out as most of the animals hunt at this time before bedding down for the midday. The great migration of animals through this region is delayed this year due to heavy spring rains which kept the grass green later than usual. Most of the animals can be spotted, but not in the great herds associated with the annual migration.
*At suppertime, a troup of about 20 Masai men danced through the dining area, carrying spears and clubs. At intervals they stopped and each would jump straight up into the air. The highest jumper is the one to win the affection of the local ladies and the number of silver necklaces indicates the various degrees of success the jumper has had.
*Ominously, we can be escorted to our lodges by bodyguards. I’ve yet to discover from whom or what we are being protected, but I think it is the possibility of hungry animals in search of tender tourists. I’ve traveled back and forth unmolested by either man or beast.
*The day ended with brief Sunday evening prayers and a chance for all of the mission teams to debrief. These first two weeks have presented considerable physical, professional and emotional challenges, and there’s a lot to be considered. But all appear to have survived more or less in tact.
*I asked Canon Beard for his estimate of the goods and services that the mission has been able to contribute. At present, he calculates the contribution at over $1 million (Cdn.). A single tooth extraction is worth 3000 Kenyan shillings. One morning, a woman had four removed, and was then seen at the nearby eye clinic that afternoon.
*In terms of climate, I’d much rather be here than Toronto in July. There is a hot stretch from about 10 am until 2 pm, but the breeze is always – always – cool, and shade of any kind will quickly put a person back in good sorts. The evenings are cool and can be quite cold.