Up the Mountain July 14, 2023

The first thing Brandy asked, was if he could secure us some pikipiki rides (taxi motorcycles.) To which I knew mom would say absolutely no to. See, I asked mom many times leading up to our arrival if she would be willing to ride pikipiki up the to the village. I partially asked for the adventure, but also because it was the primary means of transportation in the village. I was shut down quickly and she reassured me that she would not be caught traveling up a mountain, in the middle of Africa, on the back of a motorcycle.

So, when Brandy asked, I was shocked to hear her say, “Absolutely!” As if this was part of the plan the whole time. Brandy simply suggestion carried more weight with mom than my months of suggesting and prodding. I see how the rest of this trip is going to go. ;)

We were greeted with open arms and tears to Mama's Farm. Everything looks the exact same as it had since the first time I visited 12 years ago. Sure, the childen have grown, and the farmland was thin, but so much felt the same. The smell of the clay soil mixed with clean, brisk mountain air was undeniably Migori. We spent the rest of the afternoon greeting family members and resting. I’m so excited about finally getting started. I’ve talked with Brandy and he has planned a full schedule for tomorrow. We are many days later than expected, so it is of the utmost importance that we move with efficiency and speed for the remainder of this trip. But tonight, we rest.