Nothing really happened today. No, just kidding. The temperate
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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 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