We are no strangers to the blogging community of Mom’s and their passion to make a difference in the world. They have been so generous to tell our story and get the word to their subscribers about our products that are changing lives. Even, during the most difficult economic times that have been very tough for families in America, they have been our crusaders in sharing with Moms across their communities, the Zulugrass story.

It was in May that we were asked if we wanted to participate in a round-table discussion with the ONE Mom Bloggers who were traveling to Kenya in July. The goal of the trip is to lead these women on a listening and learning tour of Kenya to showcase how their counterparts in the developing world live with an acute focus on the personal stories behind the people in Africa.

Most rural areas have little or no industry, little economic opportunity, and little chance to access hands on education that will give them the tools they need to develop self-sustaining and ecologically sound sources of income.    Such communities are more likely to suffer strife, malnutrition, and general poor health, receive little or no education, and many of these people are less able to sustain their families against food shortages, and drought induced financial losses to livestock.

Work opportunities contribute to the rise in the general overall economy of the area, strife disappears, more children enter government operated schools, more children go on to higher education, more small businesses are created, general health improves, and the communities as a whole begin to flourish.

We have learned much in ten years, and we hope to share our vision, one that is focused on the future of Rural African Development and Enterprise with dedication to the development and proliferation of sustainable, ecological, entrepreneurial industries in rural Africa.

We encourage you to follow their journey and participate. Use your voice to share the message about their journey.
~Katy

You don’t have to jump through hoops to wear Zulugrass… we prefer you use them to create a new look.  Here is a video to get you started.

Do you have any style tips? Let us know and we will feature you in one of our posts and on Facebook.

Philip and I have been awakened many mornings around 4 A.M. by families chattering as they walk two days to drink a Dixie cup of water distilled from the Carissa plant.   They are all traveling to the same place – Loliondo.

In Loliondo there’s a faith healer named Babu Ambilikile Mwasapile. Babu has said God revealed a tree to him that has a medicine inside. By boiling the roots of the tree (called “mgariaga”) a drug is made that is said to cure cancer, AIDS, diabetes, Epilepsy, and asthma.

Hundreds of Maasai have crossed our camp to see him. New bus routes have opened up for travelers. Some Maasai are even earning up to $10,000.00 USN a week transporting people to Loliondo in the back of pickups!

Here is a video on the phenomenon:

What do you think about this? Would you go to Loliondo even if you didn’t believe in it?

Are you thinking about next years swimsuit looks? Swim Journal is and accessories are part of that beautiful sleek look for the beach.  That is why we are so excited that we were included in the July edition.  We love the vibrant reds they used to create the beautiful headband. A perfect match and one of the many ways you can wear Zulugrass!

Check us out in this months edition of Swim Journal and be sure and check our our style segments on Facebook.

Each year the American Embassy hosts a 4th of July party which Philip and I attended this year.  I didn’t feel it appropriate etiquette to take my camera since it was held at the Ambassador’s residence so I’m afraid that I have no photos to share but it was a lovely event.  Hamburgers, grilled chicken, and a beautiful cake with frosting depicting the American flag brought home the holiday to the Americans among us on this warm, sunny Kenyan day.  We welcomed Ambassador Scott Gration and his wife Judy who arrived at their new post in May.  They are a welcome addition to Kenya and certainly were the consummate hosts at the festive occasion.  We wish all of you a happy and safe 4th of July, 2011!

Every July 4th, Americans celebrate Independence Day with day-long picnics eating favorite foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans and all the fixings. The afternoon activities would not be complete without lively music, a friendly baseball game, three-legged races and a pie-eating or watermelon-eating contest. Some cities even have parades with participants dressed as the original founding fathers, marching to the patriotic music of high school bands. At dusk, people in towns and cities gather to watch fireworks displays, complete with ooohs and aaahs. Wherever Americans are around the globe, they will get together for a traditional 4th of July celebration, paying tribute to all those who have fought for America’s freedom, for a land that they love!

The French author, journalist, and key philosopher,  Albert Camus, said “Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.”

When The Leakey Collection first evolved, it was literally out of the need to save lives. As we soon found out, it took on a life of its own. By providing work opportunities to the Maasai women, little did we know the impact it would have providing them  the freedom to take charge of their future.  Not only have the women been able to use their income for food, education fees, medical expenses, purchases of land and their own herds of goats, entire communities have become more stable financially and politically. Through Fair Trade labor practices, many artisan communities around the world are now able to enjoy financial independence.

From all of us at The Leakey Collection, have a wonderful holiday and be proud that you are part of making the world better.