We spent a sunny afternoon and warm evening at the girls' home, about a three hour drive from our home base in Naivasha. Friends Vision sponsors many of the girls there, and it was so fun to get to know some of the kids who have had long-standing relationships with Jannah and Peris. Many girls were a bit older than the kids at the safe house, and they got a kick out of hamming it up for the cameras - singing songs together, dancing, showing off, and just generally being goofy. The girls' home is on the edge of a gorgeous, lush valley, and we got there just at the start of the golden hour when the light is absolutely perfect.Since these girls are a bit older, they had much more experience with English, and it was SO FUN to talk with them and get to know them. We talked about favorite foods, favorite colors, and life in the States. My absolute favorite part was asking what they wanted to be when they grew up, and these lovely young ladies have some serious plans for the future. Doctor. Lawyer. Accountant. Pilot. Singer. And no part of me doubts that they can do it.
Many girls needed updated photos for Friends Vision's sponsorship program - instead of your standard basic snapshots, we giggled with these girls through portrait mini-sessions in the late-afternoon sunshine. As with the kids at the safe house, many of the girls were quite perplexed by my light blonde hair, wanting to braid it and stroke it. One girl looked at me questioningly, and said, "Um, your hair is very...bright!" A perfect description :)
On the drive to the girls' home.
Check out this glorious light!
Serious model face.
Africa's Next Top Model: Kenya edition :)
All this modeling is hard work sometimes.
A little behind the scenes action:
We were able to leave another donated camera and laptop, complete with office software and educational programs. Here, the girls are trying out Rosetta Stone:
If you're interested in sponsoring one of these amazing kiddos (and please do!) you can connect with Friends Vision here.
