Friday Night...

We awoke early on Thursday for the long journey (6 1/2 hours) to Ambroseli National Park.   We stopped along the way to meet Faith, a AYP teacher, and her family.  We actually crossed into Tanzania on Masai land where there is no borders.  Jacob, another AYP and a Masai led us.  Faith's family was lovely and graciously welcomed us into their home.  We had the opportunity to buy beautifully beaded jewelry that Faith makes.  Beading and selling the beads to visitors is a huge economic boom for these families.

After meeting with Faith we re boarded the safari vans for Serena Lodge.  What an amazing place.  Big shutout to Angie Wilkens and her amazing planning!  After a late lunch we headed out for a game drive.  Elephants and lions and Giraffes oh my!  Paige Elenson, the founder of AYP led us through a gorgeous Yoga practice.  It was early to bed as we had a sunrise game drive this morning.  After a delicious breakfast we headed out to another Masai village.   This was a much bigger village.

We were greeted by men and women from the village singing and dancing to welcome us.  We had the opportunity to meet the village " medicine man" and learn how they treat illness and disease with local roots and trees.   They showed us how they start fires with two sticks and dried elephant dung.  Afterwards, we went to the school to meet the children.  They welcomed us with song.  Jodi, Katy and Nicole led a beautiful kids yoga practice.  We sang and danced.  Afterwards we had the opportunity to buy more beaded jewelry.  The Masai people are unbelievably trusting and generous.  I wish I could have spent more time with them.  I feel like I want to come back and spend more time with them!  I am so grateful to Jacob for teaching us about his people and customs.

After a quick lunch it was back in the vans for the trek home.  We had a great team meeting and Ron gave me a chiropractic adjustment.  The team is a very interesting mix of people.  There are 22 of us.  I'm finding myself challenged by a couple.  I'm focusing on my purpose for being here and refuse to get caught up in their stories.

Tomorrow is another full day.  We have a community yoga practice from 10am-12pm at the AYP Shine Center followed by lunch.  R&R the rest of the day as Next Generation Yoga teacher training starts Sunday morning.

What an amazing adventure this continues to be!  Check out pictures on Facebook!