I have just made it to Arusha and this is the first internet connection I have had that actually is somewhat fast!

I have just finished the safari through Maasai Mara and Ambroseli with my family. What an experience! The Maasai Mara was gorgeous and we saw so many animals there. We actually were so close to a lion that we could hear him chewing on his dinner. We also had a cheetah walk out right in front of our jeep for a picture perfect moment! We staying in tents (very high class tents though) which was so cool. The people in Africa are very welcoming and happy to have you there which makes for a very nice, easy transition. We definitely had some laughs as mom tried to communicate in Swahili a few times! We also traveled to a Maasai tribe village and saw how these amazing people lived! They only eat blood and milk and live so simply. (I will post pictures of the village soon as this internet cafe doesn't allow that) I have officially decided though I would rather be a man in this village as they only herd and the women cook, clean, milk the cows, haul the water, build the house and take care of the children!! Way too much for me.

We then traveled in a van to Ambroseli National Park. I have learned on that journey never to complain about Chicago potholes again! Lets just saw it was a rough ride. We then had a day to safari and saw lots of elephants, which is what the park is most known for. This park at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro should it would a beautiful sight. We saw some little monkeys and baboons- I have decided I would love to bring one home. I think they are so cute!

This brings me to my current setting. I was picked up on the 14th to head to my host family house. They are sweet, sweet people. We have mama (we call her), two sisters, two brothers, and like 6 volunteers in this house! It is definitely a housefull. I am glad for all the company as their way of like is definitely different and challenging for me. I do have running hot water (that runs out fast) and electricity though! We have to bathe with a bucket and the toilet doesn't have a seat- but I hear we are lucky so I am happy.

I have a roommate from Hong Kong which is very cool but she leave in 2 weeks and I have alot more to go- so I will be hopefully getting another one after she leaves. We had orientation today and I learned I will start off teaching. I will be taking the bus to the school tomorrow to learn the ropes and meet the students.

Well all is well for me right now! Thank you again for all your support! I will hopefully post some pictures for you all to see soon.

Miss you all- hope all is well!

Karibu (Goodbye for now)