We are back!

Internet connections continue to be rare:) This has evolved into the trip of a lifetime on many fronts and we are totally exhausted at the end of each and every day.  We are now in Kima  and hiked across the mountains to Launda which took us across the equator twice - so I am sitting at the computer quite happy to be still even for a moment.  Let me tell you about yesterday - it was the grand opening for the new offices of Kipepeo  - the group of young men who volunteer their time on 15 community projects in the area. The opening ceremonies featured local dignitaries, youth, orphans and guardians.  So prevalent is the AIDS virus that we see very few individuals between he ages of 25-45.  The ceremony featured song and dance, a ribbon and cake cutting and speeches - and I humbled to one of their two guests of honour and was asked to give the keynote speech.  I have been dubbed "The Professor" and for those of you who know me you can imagine me in hiking clothes and 2 weeks without shaving; actually - when I think about it that is the way several professors dress:) The Kenyans said that when they look at us they see money - I replied that when we see them we see  community so together we should be able to make some special things happen. We gave them a cheque for $2500 to support their efforts and they were very grateful as they have never asked us for money - just knowledge and ideas. One of the other special moments was seeing "Dan" again - an HIV positive friend of mine who has lived successfully with the virus for 14 years now. Some of you may have heard the story of Dan wanting to kill himself and his family when he found out he was positive in 1997 - he knew his 5 children would starve without him providing. Fortunately retro virus drugs arrived and since then he has become a living legend for knowing your status - actually on Tuesday we are going out with him to vaccinate young children against polio.  He is truly amazing and has given me a dvd of his story which I will youtube and post upon return. He also surprised us with his roadside stand of plants as he has grown immensely. When we first met him in 2010 we suggested a few things to help improve his customer base and he has implemented them as has tripled his sales.  In all fairness he is a great salesman. Yesterday finished off with a visit to the street kids and a great 10 nation soccer game with the 15-19 year old street kids. They are fast and strong and my 1/2 century old legs are sure feeling the pain today. Laurissa, Monique, Nikki also joined in - after the game the 40 some odd kids were treated to a meal in the local church served by our group - we had a chance to chat a little and just give them attention.  A couple of former street kids are now working as support to reunite these kids with their families.  Tomorrow we are teaching business capacity building and micro finance techniques - can't wait. More pics are coming soon so please look back in the next day.  Concerns at the moment is that Holly may not want to go home and Laurissa may be trying to smuggle too many orphans through customs.