Kenya. 25th June.

Before we even realised, our last day at Wagwer had arrived. We had reached our target and although it cost a few extra days, nobody minded. We had all come for one reason and it was almost complete. But first a bit of spiritual guidance, Kenyan style. That's right, we headed to mass. We were told to expect anything up to two hours, but none of us were prepared for the three hours of singing, arm waving, preaching and praying. Many of us, including myself, were there on a more observer than participant basis. And there was, oh so much to observe! As guests of honour, and typically late, the mass had waited for us. So it commenced, an entire band of singers with drums and small children as dancers circled the church several times before dancing up the main aisle. The opening song alone took about ten minutes. All very interesting indeed, except for the three long sermons all in Swahili. I got at least a half hour nap during the first one. But thankfully, well after too long, we were on our way back to Wagwer for the last time ever.

Our last day at Wagwer was an emotional one. All the kids and their parents

had come in on a Sunday to give us a right farewell. The whole thing was a surprise to me, I didn't expect such a gesture. Firstly, we were served a special dinner, made by all the local women. This included some surprisingly tasty fish heads and some not appetising chicken heads. The rest of the chicken was nice though! Then we all gathered as the kids put on a special show for us and of course, in return we called on old trusty Gavin to give us a dance. I'm not sure the Kenyans really knew what to make of this strange Irish dancing. When all the singing and dancing was done, we heard speeches from all the appropriate people before a gift giving ceremony commenced. Everyone who took part in the building was presented with a gift, both Irish and Kenyan. Most of us students got a hand woven colourful hat and a sweeping brush, made of straw. All the gifts had been hand crafted by the local people. Truly magical. After all of this effort from the locals,I couldn't help but to become quite sentimental about my time in Kenya. Suddenly, when faced with saying goodbye to all the children, the trip just seemed too short. In a typically Kenyan fashion, we finished our time in Wagwer with a football game, Irish vs. Kenyans. But of course, they won! The bus arrived and just like that it was all over and time to return to Ulamba for the last time.

Our last night in Ulamba orphanage was also quite an event. We had a massive bonfire and for the last time we all took part in Kenyan songs, dances and games. It was the last time for many things that night, but also for the first for many things. That night it rained for the first time since we arrived in Kenya. But in Kenya it doesn't just rain, it RAINS!! We all awoke that morning to leaking tents, wet clothes and dampened hearts. It was unfortunate that our last morning in Ulamba couldn't just been about that. But we packed up our wet bags and flooded tents, said goodbye to everyone and everything and headed off on the next part of our adventure.