Student update

Below is a quick update on each student written by the expedition leaders just before the group headed out on safari last weekend. The group will be out of internet range on the Serengeti and Maasai lands until July 12th when they return to Maji ya Chai.

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Kate cried when leaving the orphanage, because she wanted to adopt a child, then she herself was later adopted by a family in Maji ya chai.

Carrie-Ellen has made great strides in her technical photography skills and has chosen to focus her photography project on architectural features.

Amber made fast friends with some local children by showing them pictures of snakes from our snake park visit.

Mikayla has earned the nickname "fundi" because of her strength and power at the work site.

Paula (a.k.a. "Impala") continues to grow stronger every day and has found ingenious ways of moving massive amounts of dirt.

Christian, our resident "techie" is also a fantastic hiker.

Todd has been entertaining everyone with his "jump shake your bootie" song and dance.

Sophia is quick to volunteer when there are chores to be done and is always upbeat.

Alex has become good friends with our night watchman Wilson, and he often practices his Swahili with him over a morning mug of chai.

Heidi is perhaps the only ice dancer for 100's of miles in this country, and her patience makes her a wonderful person to travel with.

Matt B. has photographed several local families as part of his On-Assignment project and returned with great photos.

Sheldon keeps the group's spirits high with her incredible singing.

Dante is a great short-order breakfast cook and has the best middle name.

Caroline is the comic relief in the group, as well as a creative narrator for "mafia".

Natasha keeps us proper and adds insightful commentary based on her experiences in Kenya.

Sarah T. is well read about wildlife and conservation issues in Tanzania and contributes nicely to our discussions.

Caitlin has kindly read our tarot cards and predicted many of our futures.

Matt C. is the late-breaking wit of the group, quiet in the airport, but now keeping the group laughing even while digging though solid rock.

Charlotte is displaying a knack for taking great portraits.

Sarah held a snake yesterday, even though she really, REALLY did not want to.

Ann is a favorite of the village kids. We think its her southern accent when she speaks Swahili.

Margo has adapted to the balmy climate of East Africa with no trouble, even though daily temps are as many as 50 degrees warmer than in her home state of Alaska.