Welcome to the A-Z Guidebook Link Up. If you would like to join, read the A-Z Guidebook tab at the top of the blog and write a travel post relating to the letter of the month.

*For the first time during our journey through the Guidebook, I am using the alternate theme. I thought I may have a themed photo from my recent visits to Hong Kong or Mexico but nothing that could stand up against this happy memory.  This month:

X or eXcitement

In a shockingly fast decade ago, I visited East Africa with friends as part of an overland safari, taking in parts of Kenya and Tanzania. On our first night, we camped in Nakuru on the grounds of the East African Mission Orphanage (EAMO) run by an Australian couple. It was a wonderful introduction to the people of Kenya. Seeing the need to care for the many children who had been orphaned as a devastating result of HIV and AIDS, Ralph and May Spinks started an orphanage. Whilst it called an orphanage, the Spinks have legally adopted each of the children so there is no risk of the children being removed and sent elsewhere. EAMO runs on donations, sponsorship and volunteers. Our tour paid a small fee to camp on their land, providing a boost to their revenue and allowing visitors, children and staff from the orphanage to spend time together.

This is one of a series of photos that shows the kids racing down the path towards the camp site. It was at the end of their school day, and as they ran closer, the level of excitement grew. They were loud and boisterous and we were soon engulfed with dozen of arms hugging and tugging, surrounded by huge smiles and screams of delight. eXcitement indeed!

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