When my contract finished with a previous hotel, I announced to the staff at this hotel that the "Mother" Company was transferring me to another hotel in another country. I reminded them that this was a temporary assignment.         The employees were saddened by this news. A few days before I left, some of the Maasai employees pulled me off to the side and asked me to please stay in Tanzania. I asked them, "And do what?" They said that they have never met anyone who truly cared for people like I did. I was greatly honored. The Maasai people wanted me to help with the development of a hotel in the Maasai Village. I asked them how much land they would be willing to give me and they responded with the offer of five acres.         I kindly explained to them that five acres is not enough to build a hotel. They quickly answered that I could have as much land as I needed. I was overwhelmed with their response. Having never been asked so sincerely and desperately for help, I knew in my heart that I had to help them. Knowing that personally I did not have the funds to do this, I told them that I will see what I can do when I get home, but I could not promise them anything.         After I arrived home, I had some time off before I was to go to my next position in another part of the world. In my heart, I really wanted to go back to Tanzania and help the Maasai in their plead for prosperity. I told the this story to the President of the company I presently work for. Within a week I was on a plane, as Vice President of a new company, heading to work with the Maasai. I felt I had truly been blessed. You should have seen their faces when I arrived and gave them the news.         I hired Stanley Saruni (a Maasai) as our Tanzania director to assist us with this project. As Project manager, Stanley joined me on the journey to the bush of the Maasai. After meeting with the chairmen and our friends, they told us that they are about to show us what they feel is the best site for a hotel. If we did not like the place, they would show us around until we were satisfied.         Stanley and I walked over the small hill that is nestled against the Great Rift Escarpment and saw the beautiful view of the Lake Miwaleni. The seclusion and beauty are empowering. As we agreed that the place is absolutely beautiful, the Maasai explained how they have been approached by several hotel companies over the years. They rejected all before because they had never seen how the agreement was going to benefit them.         We asked them how much land we could use. They told us, "Show us what you want." We pointed from a distant tree, to a huge rock, to another distant tree, etc. Without delay they said, "It is yours." We felt so moved. We created a strong bond with them, formed by their trust in us with their faith and hope.         Soon after, we started talking about their needs. As promised, we gave them the schedule as when they would unfold. In a meeting with the District Commissioner at the time, Mr. Edward Lowasa (also a Maasai), I made a startling discovery. I was told that it is truly a shame for some of the Maasai to have to take on jobs that are not of their original culture. We explained these concerns to Mr. Edward Lowasa. He told us that the real shame is that some people can be selfish enough to not want others to develop as they desire. He basically told us the Maasai cultural heritage is for them to preserve and carry forth in their homes, schools and family events. With our aim of providing them with employment, a school, a medical dispensary, education, and other basic needs that everyone in the world expects, we are enhancing their livelihood.         I enjoy working closely with the Maasai and learning about their culture. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. Sincerely, Glenn Brock Vice President E Unoto Retreat