News From Kenya
I arrived in Kenya three days ago for the first time in almost one year
which is the longest time in 30 years that I have not been here...whew!
If I had not read the newspapers or seen the television news during the
riots after the "elections" in December I would never have known there
was anything amiss in Kenya. Our part of the country is largely
dominated by one tribe called the Kikuyu, which is in fact the majority
tribe and that of the current president, as well as the first president,
Jomo Kenyatta. Even during the violence that ocurred in the western
provence and in the slums of Nairobi, here in Nanyuki things were calm.
Considering that most of the army and airforce, both of which have
bases near here, are of a majority of another tribe, their
determination to repress any lawlessness was enough to deter any
antagonists. So fingers crossed the rest of the country will return to
a peacfull co-exsistance. The ranch and the education center look very
dry and impatiently await the long rains which are due in a few weeks,
if all goes acording to plan. My dogs and horses are healthy which is
of primary importance and it is good to be home.
I will report more before I leave and should have some tales to tell.
SP
Dear Stefanie,
Thank so much for this update of what’s going on. I’ve been worried about how Kenya might be these days and so it’s good to know that things are mainly calm, that the foundation is working and that your pets are well. Enjoy your stay, especially after such a long time of absence, and get back with new strength and energy.
Happy Eastern!
Yours,
Kati
Reply to this
Dear Stefanie...
I hope and pray that all things in Kenya will return to a peacfull co-exsistance again. Thank God that the animals and the people in Nanyuki are safe - and so are you.
Neverless, please, take care!!!
And keep us up-to-date...
Best wishes
Kerstin St.
Reply to this
I'm glad to hear your part of the country was calm. I've been watching the news reports and it's quite a mess there. I hope all returns to normal soon.
Reply to this
Hello!
It is pleasant to hear that all very well at your ranch in Kenya.
Have a good time there.
HK
Reply to this
Welcome back to your second home,I am glad all is peaceful there and I pray that it always continues.Funny I had been revisiting Elsa the lions story and all things Africa. My sister had returned from spending time there as a missionary and being stranded for three extra weeks after missing her flight (8 hrs on dirt roads to nearest airport). You know the drill. On her return she had incredible stories to tell and some great coffee! She old me about driving through the city and in the middle of the road was a little puppy. She had the driver stop the car and grabbed the little dog. Everyone thought she was just a crazy tourist but when she got to house she was staying a woman brought her milk and a blanket for the pup. That was unheard of as dogs are just animals for work not pets. The blanket and milk were because it affected my sister, they cared for my sister who cared for the dog. So sweet, sadly the little dog was dying but his last hours were touched with love food for the first time and safety. Take care!
Deborah Peever aka angel Ehm
Reply to this
Hi Stefanie--
I am so glad to here you make is safely to Kenya and I will hope and pray that things become peaceful there soon.
I am sure you will be glad to see the rains come in a few weeks to soothe the land and its inhabitants. I can just see everything coming to life again in that wonderful country.
I know your dogs and horses were excited to see you and you them. Our animal friends mean a lot to us and it is always great to see them whether you are gone a few hours or months.
Well, I look forward to hearing your "tales" as you put it, when you return to the states. Please keep us posted on beautiful Kenya. Talk to you later.
Steph
Reply to this
My husband and in-laws have traveled to that area before and say how beautiful it is. I'd love to travel there someday myself. I hope it stays peaceful and safe. Have a fabulous trip!
Reply to this
It is good to hear that things are fine at the ranch. These questions may be answered elsewhere, but I was wondering how intimately the ranch/foundation has to work with the government (both local and fed) and if they are generally supportive of conservation/educational efforts. Just curious about how being a non-profit working in another country works.
Thanks
As to the previous post, about who wants to read what, I hope you'll talk about whatever you want, but I am most interested in the foundation, how it works and how it is maintained, but maybe that is something I should look to the foundations website for?
Reply to this
Dear Stefanie,
Loved your new site !It´s a treat for us fans!!!I´m from Brazil and I follow you since Hart to Hart aired here in 1980!!!I was 10 at the time but got hook in the series!!!I´m interested in everything you do!!!Love to hear anything you want to blog about!!But I´d like to hear specially you write about your love for dancing and singing..what kind of music do you listen to , what dance styles you practiced, the hart to hart years also!!!!
Love you!!!
Marcio
Reply to this
Thank you for the message. May peace come to Kenya and the rest of the world. Enjoy your time and look forward to hearing your tales.
Reply to this
Thanks for the update! I had been wondering if the recent riots in Kenya had in any way affected or posed a threat to the ranch and education center. It’s good to have a first-hand account now, and to know that things were calm in your area. I wish you a wonderful time in Kenya and look forward to more of your reports.
Sabine
Germany
Reply to this
So glad to hear things have calmed down in Kenya. Hopefully your visit will be productive and enjoyable. Happy Easter.
Betty
Reply to this
Dear SP,
As a kid I always wanted to travel to Africa because of all the animals. It seems more celebrities are following your lead out there. Do you feel like a pioneer?
I loved the movie "Family Secrets" that you produced/starred in with Melissa Gilbert. I have it recorded and watch it over and over again. I also love your perfume. I bought it a few times through QVC and than it dissappeared. I donated $40 (even though I would pay more) about a week ago, so I could receive it and have not as of yet. I'm sure it takes a few weeks. I'm saving up to purchase your book too. You are an inspiration and will absorb every word of it.
Thank you for the memories with your shows/movies, sharing your story (Intimate Portrait), sucess secrets (book), and charitable work you do.
Sincerely,
Denise
Reply to this
Dear Stefanie,
Good to hear all is well. It must have been very difficult for you the last few months to be so far away from your home in Kenya with all that was happening. Enjoy your stay in Kenya.
Kind regards,
Catharina
Reply to this
Hi Stefanie!!
I am so happy in send this mensage for you.
I hope that you have good days in Kenia!!
Olivia
Reply to this
Hi Stefanie,
My name is Mayte and I am from Spain.
I watched your serie 'Hart to Hart' on TV when I was young.
I am very surprised because you know a lot of languages. I study English, this is my first year, so, I am sorry if I make some mistakes.
Have you ever visit Spain?
Besos
Reply to this
It always stroked me how easy people find a way to fight but so hard a way to help…hopefully peace will prevail and remain.
It must be an awesome experience…to be so close with nature and the animals. How is a “typical” day at the ranch?
What other places made an impression on you? Or what other places would you like to see, know more about?
Btw …this blog …great idea …
All the best
Silvia
Bucharest, Romania
Reply to this
hi stefanie!!
thanks so much for the update about kenya.it sounds like a fascinating place!love to hear more soon,
elaine
Reply to this
Hello Stefanie, my name is Stéphanie and I am living in Switzerland. English isn't my mother tongue so please apologize for the mistakes!
I just found out about your official web-site and I am really happy about it because I am a big fan of yours. I wish to compliment you for you web-site and talents and the happiness you gave me by watching them all! My boyfriend and I are sharing with you the respect to land and the planet and above all all the love for animals! And I am pleased to read that your dogs and horses are well. What about the other animals?
Reply to this
I just finished reading your interview in Daeida Magazine - and I do have one question...At the end you asked him a question and I'd like to answer it for you - using (almost) your own words - 'what facet of your life wouldn't anybody find interesting?' You should write you own autobiography!!!!
Reply to this
Hi Ms Powers,
First time visitor to your site, but long term fan. Belated thanks for your philanthropic contribution throughout the years, and appreciation for your movie and TV work - and for assuring that your joint legacy with William Holden lives on.
Best wishes
John
Reply to this
Your work is fascinating. Thank you for taking the time to let the public know about your important work. Some of us just don't have the means to help but just knowing someone cares enough to blog about it is great.
Jo
Reply to this
Hello Stefanie,
I am so happy that I have found this blog. You have been someone to whom have been looking up to for many years. What you do for wildlife and the environment is so important. I think we often forget how much we need to nurture animals and the environment in order for this world to survive. With all the evil and badness in the world and with such a focus on terrorism, it is so nice to see you continue with your mission.
I have been following your career since I was a teenager and Hart to Hart was my absolute favourite show. I remember hearing then of The William Holden Wildlife Foundation and all the good that you wanted to do with it. And I have read about how you are educating Kenyans about the importance of the wildlife to the sustainability of their world.
Thank you for being such an inspiration. I hope you know how much what you do means to so many of us. Now that I have found this site, I can't wait to hear stories from Kenya. And please do take care.
Reply to this
I just found your web site and look forward to your blogs! It's very interesting, not just that but important what you are doing. I think your a terrific Lady, not that I've met you, we'll I almost did in gtmo last year, but was too interesting in visiting with my husband on a visit there. You look terrific and it was sweet of you to be in the parade. Looking forward to your next blog!
Thanks,
Trish
Reply to this