I recently had the most wonderful return visit to see the Maasai Girls Rescue Center (MGRC) transformation. My first trip was in September 2022, when the girls were still in temporary quarters as the center was under construction. Rick Morro showed me the site, where a few buildings were rising amid a massive amount of unfinished work. The adjacent ecoLodge didn’t even exist yet.

Fast-forward to this October, and it felt like a magic wand had transformed everything. The rescue center transformation is now fully complete—a thriving, beautiful home for the girls—and the Maasai ecoLodge has become a stunning five-star resort. The girls, just as I remembered from my first visit, brim with boundless energy. They welcome visitors with radiant smiles and warm hugs. But they’ve changed too, flourishing in their new surroundings.

Education is key to the transformation

I brought a fairy tale book as a gift, planning to read it to them. To my delight, as I began, they chimed in and read the story back to me while I listened in awe and turned the pages. Not only do they speak Swahili fluently, but they’re also mastering English with impressive confidence.

We played a heartwarming game of Bingo that highlighted their progress. It didn’t end with the first “Bingo”—the girls kept going until every card was full, with older ones patiently helping the younger. This educational twist showed their quick recognition of basic English sight words and numbers.

Beyond academics, the girls are honing essential social skills. I was thrilled to join their monthly birthday celebration, where four little ones sat on stage before gorgeously decorated cakes. The room soon echoed with joyful singing and laughter. Everyone waited patiently as the youngest lined up to cross the stage and receive their slice of cake.

Hearts are being opened by sponsors and donors

One girl from my first visit stood out—she rarely smiled and seemed withdrawn, her pre-MGRC story heartbreaking. I’d thought of her often in the years since, so seeing her transformation filled me with relief and gratitude. Now, she beams with joy and eagerly joins group activities.

The girls adore their sponsors and asked about them daily: “Do you know Cammi? Or Nancy and Bob?” They entrusted me with drawings, notes, and handmade bracelets to deliver back home. Please, don’t underestimate the power of your sponsorship or donation…these girls bloom with your attention and love.

A thriving eco farm producing abundant, delicious food

Directly across the road lies MGRC’s three-acre ecofarm, supplying most of the center’s meals. I strolled through it multiple times, impressed by the daily harvest charts. It’s true farm-to-table: produce is picked, crossed the road, prepared, and served fresh. The well-designed kitchen and dining areas reflect this efficiency—I was surprised by the small refrigerator, but with daily fresh deliveries, it’s all that’s needed. Nothing is wasted; leftovers feed the animals on the farm.

I was lucky enough to sample the food—delicious! Fresh bananas straight from the plants, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes… the list goes on.

Singing and dancing at the heart of the Maasai community

From dawn to dusk, the girls’ days are packed. I’d hear their morning songs as they prepared for the short walk to school, and their lively chatter upon returning for play, chores, and homework. Singing erupts spontaneously and often. One visitor brought a portable speaker connected to his phone, and the girls went wild! They formed a conga line around the eco lodge’s swimming pool, then crowded into the dining room to dance with infectious enthusiasm!

The center features a well-maintained playing field, basketball court, and playground. The girls zip around on bicycles along the pathways between buildings singing all the while.

Until next time

Saying goodbye was the hardest part, with big hugs and more than a few tears shed.

To me, the evolution and transformation of the girls and their home is nothing short of miraculous. I’d followed the construction blogs for the rescue center and eco lodge but experiencing it firsthand was extraordinary. Pictures cannot capture the beauty of the environment or the loving kindness of these beautiful children.

What a profound blessing to witness it all. I encourage every sponsor to make the journey if possible—it’s transformative.