The Safari /  by Jessica Peterson

While in Tanzania our wonderful friend Juma took us on a Safari through the Ngorongoro crater.  It was so beautiful to see the wildlife. 
This is a view from the top looking down into the crater

 Here are all my friends from the trip... I love each and everyone of them!
Near the end, this felt like I was on the set of Jurassic Park, the giant trees and giant creatures roaming the land.

Maasai 1 /  by Jessica Peterson

Hello!

I know I promised I would post more, sorry it has taken forever, I have been crazy busy trying to catch up on life and moving homes.  I have a bunch more images from Africa I still want to share. 

While we were on our way to the safari we stopped by a Maasai village.  It was amazing to see the working of the village, the homes, the shoes, the clothing, the jumping etc... 





Maasai 2 /  by Jessica Peterson







Shoes made from tires because they walk so much


Below are images from inside the Masai homes which are made from animal poop... We went inside one of the homes.  You can also see how the homes are made (with the hands...hmmm).

Day 5: Pete's Orphanage /  by Jessica Peterson

We spent some time with Pete's kids. 
It was fun to see the games the girls who were volunteering there had taught them.


Is it okay to have a favorite kid?  Cause I fell in love with the boy below, for some reason he was fascinated with Stanley's soft head... hehe.








"Who Let The Dogs Out" was played over and over for the kids to dance and sing along with.

Holy Giraffe! /  by Jessica Peterson



Today we were driving and spotted elephants and giraffes on the side of the road, we stopped and got out to see them up close, I walked up to a few of the giraffes then I realized they were all around me, there were 7 of them...  I couldn't help but pray to Heavenly Father for thanks, I could not believe I was standing where I was standing surrounded by such beautiful, magnificent creatures.

Thank you Enrico for taking this picture.

Day 4: Good Hope /  by Jessica Peterson

Sorry for the lack of post, we haven't has internet for the past few days but I will catch up.
A few days back we visited Good Hope orphanage, once again we were greeted with the warmest of souls.  After visiting the children we discussed how happy the children were, I believe many of us have lost the art of simple pleasures and much is to be learned by these children.    




The living room was small but I admired how warm and friendly they have made it.
Below: the kitchen, so different from what we have back home.  
Later we went with the kids to the school grounds to see the school.
We had a blast playing with the kids on the merry-go-round.







i









Just hanging out inside the classroom









Once again simple pleasures. 







Good-byes. 


Later that evening I found this and drank it!

The group on our way to the Masai market





Day 3: Playground /  by Jessica Peterson

I want nothing more to blog about today but it is so late and I need to get some sleep... I fear I might be coming down with something (please say prayers that if I get sick it won't be until I get home).




My favorite from today. 

More From Cradle of Love /  by Jessica Peterson

I still can't over yesterday's experience of visiting Cradle.  Here are some more images from these precious children.  These were taken after dinner and the clean up before bedtime. 


Sonja feeding a child and being a comfort to another.
I love this little girls expression...







Day 2: Babies /  by Jessica Peterson

Day two has been a long and beautiful one. 
Every inch of wall, fence brick is covered in beautiful painting.  The one below is just outside of our house.

Breakfast... Because I had been very curious about the food we would be eating, so far it has been amazing and very flavorful. (this shot reminds me of a Martin Parr shot, thank you very much).
No need to miss Max, there is a horse that walks around the same way a dog would.  I forgot his name but I am sure I will be taking more images of him.

After breakfast we walked to a nearby orphanage, these are some children we saw on the way, they were so sweet and excited to meet us.
The children.
So amazingly warm and friendly.

The girl in the middle is named Jessica, we have a special bond.


Later that evening we visited another orphanage, Cradle of Love, it houses babies from days old to three.  Once again nothing but the most beautiful sweet children.







Feeding time was insane, there are about 7 children to one staff member.


What an eye opening day.
I will provide more information soon if anyone is interested to help or donate.

Okay, I am beat and need to sleep.

Jessica