On May 10 I return to California to continue fundraising for the next trip to Africa. Many more schools need rain collection and storage systems. I plan to travel with Water For Children Africa on their next big adventure. My host in Nairobi, Florence Makau, and her building partner, are the ones continuing rainwater collection work in Kenya. I can raise funds in Europe and America and send to them and they can get the systems set up immediately at the remaining schools that still need water. We don't have to wait another day. In Africa my work is to catch rain, in America it is to light fires, to inspire people to help secure reliable sources of clean drinking water, especially for the children who are more at risk to waterborne diseases.

I have never met a more happier or alive people. The ones who appear to have little have something we lack, a sparkle, a smile, an openness, an ease, a faith, a way, all connected to some deeper well. To be there, to live there, in friendship, is a blessing. I went to Africa thinking I had something they needed. I am returning with the knowledge that it is us who need Africa. My new pastime, therefore, is simply to encourage everyone I know and love, and the new friends I meet, to somehow get to Africa. Return to the garden, where we are not the gardner, but the flower. I will do what I can to help people have a safe and fulfilling journey to Africa, Africa will do the rest. Consider this the first installment of your invitation to Africa.