Hello everyone!

It's wonderful to be able to update you on what's been going on. We're sitting in an internet cafe in Karen while Becca is shopping for the rest of the food that we are going to take to Shompole. We've already had a full day of breakfast, packing the vans, and preparing for the next part of our trip, but I wanted to share what we got to experience last night.

When we returned from food shopping it was already pretty late (for those of us who go to bed at 9:30 back home...), but we were welcomed with wine by our hosts dressed in Maasai clothing. They led us through the dark down a candlelit path where we were given Maasai goat milk, braclets, and traditional wraps. Then, they danced and sang for us and led us to a fireside dinner in the bush under the stars. Already, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of this country and the kindness of our hosts, but this was almost to much to believe. We were treated to an all-out feast and ate until we felt like we couldn't move.

Then, the excitement took an unexpected turn. Becca and I were asked to join our hosts up front, where we were informed that we were chosen as wives for our host, who was a new elder. I apologize in advance to my dear husband, but what could I do? I didn't want to be rude... Paul and Jon were also brought up and offered to be married into the family--two daughters each, on the condition that they shipped a total of 44 cows over from Texas as dowry. I don't think that any of us have laughed that hard in a long time. It was all great fun. There was more singing, dancing, and fried flambed pancakes covered in ice cream (whoo hoo!). Regina had a dance party with several Maasai men and a lovely time was had by all.

We're preparing to head off to the service portion of our trip in Shompole, but everyone is having a great time and feeling so lucky to be here.

--Dina