Lugging the donations across Kenya

On June 22nd, during the 7 hour journey from Nairobi to Dago village, Edwin (aka "Morning"), my arranged escort, and I took two matatus and so did my luggage.

That is, we had to fit two suitcases into one matatu heading toward Kisii ahead of our own matatu and pick it up later when we arrived.

In Kisii, we transferred to another matatu but didn't have the option to separate my 3 cases since we were going to a more rural area.

So... they tied the largest suitcase to the roof and stuck the other two in the back. My backpack with only my personal items in it stayed with me on my lap, where I was crammed in the middle of the front with the gearshift jamming into my leg.

From Kisii, we rode into the Dago village center. Edwin found one of his friends with a motorbike and talked him into riding my suitcases home for us. Following the motorbike, Edwin and I walked the rest of the way home. I don't know the distance and don't remember how long it took to walk... It could've been anywhere between 20-40 minutes... Everyone who handled my suitcases, together weighing almost 200 lbs, lifted them as if carrying the grocery home. Men carried on their shoulders; women carried on their heads. Incredible strength and balance! (They weren't impressed with the wheels and handle method, which proved sensible since the roads are so bumpy).