Wendy & Mark - the leaders of our "Fab 10". Without you two this project would never have happened, nor been as successful as it was. Thank you for showing us the way, your leadership, but most importantly your humbleness, modesty, and sincerity throughout the whole trip. You were an inspiration to everyone and will have many followers in your future projects. Mark, I will definitely miss your breakfast comedy routine ;)
Stephanie - the glue that kept everyone together. Your love for life, passion for talking, and your sense of humor are second to none. There was NEVER a dull moment when you were around and always had everyone engaged and laughing. You made sure there was never a quiet moment, and if there was, God help us for what crazy thing would come out of your mouth :)
Mia - our wonderful friend from Denmark. Soft spoken and like a mom to all. You kept us all in line and made sure everyone was looked after and taken care of. Thank you for everything you did. And your mis-match of names for Jean-Christophe was hilarious!!
Jean-Christophe - Mark said it best: "JC doesn't say much, but when he does the one-liners are hysterical!!" And he was right, you were quiet most of the time, but when you piped up you had everyone laughing. Thanks for your amazing work, your insight on France and wineries, and most of all for the amazing Crémant de Bordeaux from your winery on your last night!!! It was the absolute BEST!!!
Len - neighbor from the south and room mate at the "Lodge". The Maasai people were in shock and AWE as you hammered them in the push-up contest. I don't think they even knew what a push up was before that, but they do now!! Mark loved using you as an example to show the Maasai people what sun burnt skin was. I had to laugh every time he pulled you out to demonstrate.....they had noooo idea :)
Delphine - one of the sweetest sounding voices we had ever heard. You blew us away when out of the blue you started singing that song from France. It was fantastic!! Keep up the amazing work and the amazing singing.....your patients at home will love it.
Debra - aka "Deborah". Godfry had it down pat and although said your name wrong every single time, it was precious. At least you got a life long memory with your bracelet :) You will never forget your birthday spent in a Massai Village - they definitely know how to do a celebration. And who can forget your love for the song "You Raise Me Up"....I don't think anyone of us will ever forget that!! Thanks for the great memories - especially for yours and Steph's story about the aftermath at Via Via and Samosas.....that will go down as the highlight of Tanzania and one of the best stories ever!!!
Graham - Mr. Obama!! James loved the shirt you left him......now he's really "The Man" and guaranteed he will wear it under his Swag Jump Suits and his next election. Room mate at the Zebra Lodge (and everywhere else we went), Hiking Amigo in the 2 tallest mountains in the NCA and Africa, and Zanzibar Beach Bums. We accomplished sooo sooo much........thank you for all the amazing memories!!!! P.S. You never did see that 3rd Maasai sighting...... ;)
Father Matteo & Father Gasper: you never saw them but they were always there. Father Gasper was a machine and never slept - EVER. He was up all hours of the night (and day), and made sure everything was in perfect running order. Father Matteo is the reason we are all here. Because of you, you were able to bring Mark & Wendy in, and in turn the rest of us. Your dedication, persistence and most of all love made this whole project happen. Thank You!!
P.S. thank you for letting us be the first to stay at the lodge and allowing us to name it.....you'll never forget :)
Godfry & Isaya: our 2 main Maasai men. Godfry, you were absolutely fantastic through this whole trip. You were the official village translator and interpreter. Your knowledge of the whole NCA, your love of talking in many different languages, but most of all learning about others was amazing. Your laugh was infectious. We all thank you. And your brother Isaya, probably the hardest working man we had ever met. You were with us every single day and loved it. Thank you for all your dedication.
James - "The Ward Councillor" you were a mover & shaker and made sure everything happened according to schedule, and even if it wasn't part of the schedule you still made sure it happened!! You blew us away with the rides you took us on. We never would have had the experience we did if it wasn't for you. Thank you for everything.
There were many others that contributed to the team and made our journey unforgettable. We thank you all.
Someone told me a quote said by Father Matteo that left me in awe and truly expressed who he is as a person. They asked Father why as a priest he doesn't wear a white collar and his response was this: "I don't want Plastic respect. I want people to meet me, understand me, and then decide if they are going to respect me. I don't want respect because it has to be given. I want to earn it." He demonstrated this day in and day out.
Soooo many stories and soooo many wonderful times spent together. What an AMAZING team!! Thank You to Everyone - you will all be missed.
Our experiences in Edulen Village will last a lifetime........
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