Nothing really happened today. No, just kidding. The
As
it turns out, we’re not the only ones without power. The entire town is blacked out. Rumor has it that a transformer blew. The general consensus is that there’s a
problem somewhere on the line, and only God know when it will get fixed.
The
ride to Huma was a quick one. We left
later than originally expected because all of the right people weren’t at the
school yet to be part of the ground breaking.
I have to admit, I was quite nervous about setting the first shovel in
the ground. This is certainly the first
groundbreaking ceremony I’ve ever been asked to, let alone participate in. I kept thinking, “What if I can’t get the
shovel into the dirt, after all, it’s been pretty dry.” My fears would soon be put to the side. As we entered the gate, terror took over.
The
first thing we saw was a large canopied area to the north of the offices. “What’s going on?” I asked Job. His only response was, “Uh oh.” It was an understatement.
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| Merab and I ... no idea what I'm doing with my hands |
We got out of the car and greeted Merab and Linette (the principal and deputy). They were to lead us over to the site. As we turned the corner, I realized that I underestimated Merab.
There were
close to 500 students standing in their uniforms – it was pretty
impressive. Seated next to them was
close to 30 VIPs. They were high-ranking
members of the local Anglican church as well as the bishop from the Israel
church of Afrca (John Oguso) and our friend, Dan Otieno. Local government officials,
engineers, the school staff and the area chief were also present. It was a very imposing group, but they put me
at ease with their hospitality and appreciation.
I
spoke with the Anglicans while the girls were singing. There’s something about Kenyans singing that
is just wonderful. It’s like bagpipes…
I’ve never heard a bagpipe I didn’t like.
You couple the sound of 500 voices with birdsong, the occasional cow,
goats and chickens… the wind whipping through the trees… it’s just wonderful. When they stopped, it was time for prayer that
consisted of some free verse, then a reading from Peter. The commentary that followed was
appropriately about setting the cornerstone and ensuring a good
foundation. They were thanking 
me
profusely and unknowingly making me uncomfortable. They are a very appreciative bunch. It finally came time to break ground. I didn’t need a reason to sweat (it has been
ridiculously hot here) but this certainly wasn’t helping. Much to my surprise (and pleasure) one of the
Anglican priests picked up the hoe and began digging. “Oh no, I’m next,” I thought. He made quick work making a large cross in
the ground where the dormitory would be.
He was very adept with a hoe, as most Kenyans in this area are. There was a shovel next to it, so I assumed
that would be my weapon of choice. When
he finished he said a few more words of prayer and thanks then called me
over. “Here goes,” I said under my
breath with a sigh. 500 people are going
to watch this white man fall on his face.
No such luck! He was just coming
over to shake my hand and say “Thank you.”
Woohoo! I’m off the hook.
Not
so fast. After we sat down, he stood to
speak again, then asked me to speak.
John had asked me to introduce him before I spoke. It made me a bit uncomfortable because this
wasn’t my party and I wasn’t the entertainment director. I stood up, thanked the members for having me
here and asked John to come up and say a few words. If nothing else it would give me more time to
prepare.
John
told everyone that he was the one that started this school! Another mind blower. I had no idea! He went on to explain in detail explaining
how he was the one that picked out the color of their brown uniforms and chose
the headmaster. Each story garnered nods
from the older people in the crowd. He
then turned to me and paid me some very nice compliments. Then came my cue.
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| This was the reaction when I told them my last name was Okinyi |
I
rose, walked out to the middle of the courtyard and started, “My name is Adam
Okinyi.” Okinyi was the Luo name I was
given about 5 years ago. The girls all
began to laugh, and the “dignitaries” smiled at one another. I silenced the crown by speaking to them in
Doluo and they responded in kind. I told
them a little bit about me, about may family and our organization. As I was looking at them, I thought about
what John Oguso had told me the day before, “The light of tomorrow is lit with
the candles of today,” came to mind. It
wasn’t exactly what John said, but it worked for me. I then informed them that they were the
candles. I talked about the burden that
they have and how God won’t give them more than they can handle. I then told them what I’ve been telling
everyone else. “Your praise and thanks
are overwhelming and I am humbled by this ceremony and the kinds words that
have been spoken. The thanks belongs to
God. I am just His vehicle.” Kenyans (at least these Kenyans) are a very
spiritual bunch. I don’t think there was
a non-christian in the bunch. I’m not
terribly comfortable talking about such things regardless as to how true they
are in my heart. The words came out
easily, though. In closing, I said,
“When I return in June with my family I hope to bring them here to meet you,
but we will not be standing here when we do.”
I moved over to a tall tree next to another dormitory. “We will be standing here, looking at your
new dormitory.” Everyone clapped as I returned
to my seat. I know this because I saw them clapping, not because I heard the
noise. I didn’t hear anything but the
words rattling around in my head.
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| Linette talking to the girls |
The
president of the student body then spoke briefly and led a traditional “thank
you” that is pretty neat to watch and hear.
They choose a number then clap that number of times; they then subtract
one and clap that number of times. It’s
done rapidly but completely in unison until they reach one. After the last single clap, the all take
there hands and wave them through the air towards me while making a sound like
air brakes on a tractor trailer. The
clapping is their gratitude and the “CHshhhhhh” is their sending it to me. Cool.
Next came the deputy teacher Linette.
She grabbed part of my speech and ran with it. “You are the candles that will light
tomorrow, say it!” They did.
“I am the candle that lights tomorrow, say it.” They did. Look to your neighbor and tell them, ‘You are
the candle,’ say it.” It almost brought
me to tears. “We are the candles that
will light tomorrow! Say it.” And they
did, and they are, and they will.
After
one more song, the ceremony ended and we moved over to the tent we originally
saw for some lunch that consisted of muffins, ground nuts (peanuts), samosas
(lentils and stuff in fried dough), orange juice, water, and of course, piping
hot tea. One thing I forgot to mention
is that they don’t usually make their tea with water. Instead they use hot milk… REALLY hot milk. Kenyans also LOVE sugar. If they ask you if you’d like some, keep an
eye on them because they’ll keep scooping until you say stop; and they’ll
ignore you until after the 5th teaspoon. The conversation was lively and bounced
between English, Kiswahili and Doluo. I
picked up on most of it. Yes, especially
the English parts. 
We finished up, said
our goodbyes and were on our way to Mbaka Oromo. I needed to drop of the lollipops at the
clinic, speak with Tom at the Secondary School regarding the pad project, and
see the Susan, Emmah and Danton one more time.
As it turns out, although we got to see some students, all three tasks were unsuccessful.
1. I forgot to give the lollipops to the doctors.
2. The sewing machines were covered with a layer of
dust from lack of use and their explanation as to why they’ve been dormant was
insufficient.
3. The girls and Danton were in class.
Now
here’s the good news.
1. Job is going to take the lollipops to the clinic
on Monday when the doctors return after the weekend.
2. Our friend Noelle in Kakamega has already spoken
to us about how she would utilize the sewing machines for the pad project and
guarantee sustainability while still providing pads to Mbaka Oromo. She’s writing up a proposal as I type
this. She’s worked on the project with
us since its inception and is working on her Masters Degree in Community
Development. It’s a perfect fit.
3. The girls and Danton were coming with their mom to the Peacock
tonight at 5.
We returned to the car and headed back to Kisumu
to try and fix my inability to send texts (although I can receive them) and
find out why my modem’s not working.
Both
of them ended in failure – this time there was no happy ending. Hakuna matata (yes, it really means “No
worries”). While in Kisumu we stopped at
a bookstore and bought the necessary textbooks for Manasse. He’s the boy we sponsor at Mbaka Oromo
Secondary School – did I mention that he’s at the top of his class?
 |
| Jedidah, Debra, baby Fidel, Milecent, Ruth, Job, Judy, baby Andrea |
We
were finally on our way home. The
traffic was moving slowly and took us twice as long to get back to Maseno. It felt like the earth had been moving closer
to the sun all day. En route, Job remembered that we needed to stop by so his sisters. We drove right past the Peacock. Job's got many sisters, and he helps care for them and their daughters. This is what Kenyans do if the parents pass away. They live in a humble setting as you'd expect, and were incredibly hospitable, which you'd also expect. We came and sat as Judy brought out sliced mangos and ndizi (bananas). These were the first bananas I've had since I got here - somewhat shocking considering we walked passed hundreds of them every day. Andrea's beautiful! She's following her namesake. Job said, "Oh, she doesn't like me," and I said, "Let me see that baby!" Judy said, "If ah mahn en-tahs my home, she screams. She's nawt afraid of you. Aye!" (again, that sounds like a quick, high pitched "I"). I sat and bounced her on my knee, sat her in my lap, played hide and seek... all the same things I do with Andrea at home. Kidding. She didn't make a sound. Instead, she grabbed my finger tightly and watched everyone in the room with curiosity. Before we got up to leave, Job made her cry. I snapped a picture of all of them before we left. NOW, we're heading to the Peacock.
We had a meeting with the owner regarding
this visit and future visits. It went
very well. He was very agreeable and
eager to please, and he appreciated our feedback. I know the girls are going to like it here. Susan, Emmah and Danton (along with their
mom) arrived as we finished with the owner so Job and I retreated to the back
of the hotel where we found them sitting around a table.
I
gave them the last few gifts that I failed to give them earlier as well as some
sweets and soda money for the walk back.
With a brilliant white smile, Susan informed me that she had moved on to
5th grade. She was beaming
with pride. I gave her a hug and told
her how wonderful that was. Then I
taught them about selfies and we took one together. It will probably be the last one I take
before I return I return home. I wish
the Andrea, Katie, Kevin and Karen were here.
They just love these girls and I know the feeling is mutual.
We placed an order for chicken before then we
sat down with the girls. The discussion
with the owner must have struck a chord because the food was ready in less than 40
minutes ( he assured us that when we returned it would never take more than 30) and it was wonderful. Job and I
recapped the day as we ate, then sat and talked some more while we finished our
sodas. I sent Job on his way before it
started to get dark and I returned to my room.
The generator was on so I was able to get a good charge on my computer
and charge my phone. That’s why I’m able
to type today’s blog. I probably won’t
be able to add pictures until I’m outside tomorrow, but at least the really
long part’s over. I’ve been typing for
several hours… it’s 11:30pm. Andrea
called somewhere in the middle and that gave me the energy to get this
finished. Now it’s time for bed. My journey back home begins 
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