Aren’t friends the best? What fun it is to spend an evening with other women, enjoying their companionship and conversation! That’s one activity that I do miss living in Kenya but was thrilled to have the opportunity my last week in California!

By happy circumstance, an event at The Leakey Collection warehouse coincided with our fabulous warehouse manager’s birthday! We surprised Kathy (above middle) with a birthday celebration, complete with balloons, cake and presents. She takes such good care of you, our partners, by fulfilling your orders and keeping our Zulugrass in stock, that it was wonderful to be able to take care of her for a change. I also felt privileged to meet and talk with some women who attended our event, supporting the Maasai women through their purchase of Zulugrass jewelry.

At a delicious dinner that evening, some of TLC’s California employees had the chance to talk about – well, everything! Just like the conversations you have with your friends, we chatted about children and family, joy and heartaches, work and play. And I shared some stories of the differences between the lifestyles of American and Maasai women.

The Maasai are a warm, friendly, traditional people. The Maasai women spend much time together during the day, cooking, caring for babies, mending the home, gathering wood and cleaning, but never at night, as the TLC ladies and I experienced.  They do love to celebrate, though, and throw more parties than any culture on earth. There is much talking, laughing, gift giving, and good food.

Now that I think of it, I guess there aren’t as many differences between Maasai and American women after all!  Friendships are the same, the world over. And I cherish each friend I have!

We at The Leakey Collection know that you also cherish your friendships and, to help you celebrate them, offer our special Friendship Bracelets. For the young and the young at heart.