Mindful Generations Back in Kenya

 

About a year ago while doing work in Kenya, we were asked to visit a very remote part of Africa to introduce our classes to the Maasai. We at Mindful Generations teach sustainable farm practices to grass root Farmers (mostly in developing countries) The Maasai are one of the only tribes to escape colonialism and keep their vibrant culture alive. We began to plan an introduction class for the Maasai with the organization Walking with the Maasai, who are the folks that invited us. Long story short, They are an amazing organization. One of their directors has lived with the Maasai since 2001, and we are very honored to be asked to share what we know with this tribe. A tribe that has been traditionally grazers, since the beginning. We held an introduction class and the Maasai said they wanted us to come back and teach! LUCKY US!  I Always So enjoy the farmers we meet, wherever we teach and this is a very unique situation. I am So Grateful for the opportunity to work with a Historically Incredible tribe that live on miles and miles of Virgin soil. Thank you Angels!

What I can tell you about the Land. It is fertile! The FIRST MAASAI FARMER started to turn the VIRGIN SOIL only 10 years ago!! They can grow all year, because their eco system is still in place. It is a Beautiful area, about 6000 ft and about 3 hours off the GPS. They have elephants, lions, cheetahs, water buffalo, zebras, bushbucks, elands, and so many more animals. A poor Maasai has 50 or less grazing animals (cow, sheep, goats) a rich Maasai has from 100-1000!! The streams are clean and beautiful. The one we visited had a Hot Spring feeding it. Maasai are a communal people and decisions are made by elders with input from the community. Food is communal Everyone is greeted when walking past each other. There a Very few vehicles. The Maasai walk everywhere, for miles and miles. Their are aprox. 7000 of them and only approx 30 have ever been to a town. There are no cell phones (no reception yet.) These are the most pleasant people we have met. We spent 3 days in the beautiful camp, Walking with the Maasai, with wild animals all around us. We didn't see too many of them, but we heard them at night. A highlight was when we were leaving the Maasai, an African wild dog crossed the road just in front of us! This is one of the most endangered species in all of Africa and VERY few people have seen them. He/she was injured and stopped to look at us and I got a quick photo. This trip was very humbling and so eye-opening. I can not find words to justify the experience. I hope a few photos will help.  Cathy