Mara 3

Conclusion:
I wrote an article for the Link (school newspaper) on the trip. I think its a good summary of how I felt about the trip and what it did for me and the Mara community:

It would be insuffient to say that this years IC trip to the Mara was amazing. From the extremely enthusiastic Me to We team, the beautiful, fresh, open Kenyan countryside views, to even the bag showers, this trip created an aura of such conformability and serenity, it allowed us to open up our minds and hearts to comprehend new situations and cultures, as well as examine and evaluate issues that are not just happening in our own backyard, but in our global community and how as young people, who obtain the power to change our international future, what can we do to achieve ultimate success and appreciate to all? From a student’s perspective, this trip was especially special for many reasons. On a person level, the facilitators challenged us to become ambassadors for the Free the Children message (children helping children) and pass on ideas and actions executed in the camp to our campus and community. In addition to this, they made us question our character, engaging in many activities that made us stop and think: What would I do in this complex situation? Is this who I really am? As the trip went on, I often found myself sitting quietly, thinking about what we talked about as a group, and how it applies to me in my life and what can I do to impact and catalyzing growth like these facilitators. On an external level, the facilitators opened our eyes to the depravity of world issues that plagued our global neighbors. "Only saying "I had fun" on this trip would not be enough to answer your question so I’ll say this. The whole experience gave us a close up look at the lifestyle of the Maasai people and the initiatives that organizations like Me to We are taking to help those in need. I found it not only inspiring but also a very informative trip on a culture that prior to the trip I knew close to nothing about" Mico Rudasingwa commented. We were aware of the existence of these issues, but once we were exposed to scary statistics, I think everyone was appalled. It was intriguing hearing everyone’s worldviews, it was clearly evident that we all come from contrasting backgrounds, which effective our perspective, but the most remarkable was seeing as find connections within each other in mist of what seemed to be such incompatible thoughts. Aside from the facilitators, we also found great support, strength and mentorship from our Massai neighbors.  We watched them in awe, their strength and ability the overcome to provide for the family and then themselves, in that order, was the most inspiring.  Walking 3 hours for water, 4 hours to reach the market in the blazing Mara sun was life, that’s what had to be done to, survive. And somewhere within all that hardship, the mamas and the families found joy in life. The children found pride and joy in education, the mamas finding solace in by each passing day, Me to We was making life easier for them. One distinct memory I know I will remember forever, the image of us watching the sunrise, freezing, faces cocooned with only half open eyes exposed singing songs, laughing weakly, watching not only the beginning of a new day, but the start of a whole new adventure.