“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” - Dr. Seuss
Life in Kenya is full of surprises. While many days unfold as expected, it is the norm to expect the unexpected. It is the "unexpected" that can make life here a lot of fun or very frustrating!
On Wed., Oct. 13, I expected to make the normal bumpy, yet beautiful drive down the mountain to the valley below for a day with Doreen. After not seeing Doreen for a couple of weeks, I was looking forward to our time together. I thought we would sit in her tent and discuss life over piping hot chai and her famous beans. Little did I know this was a day to expect the unexpected...if only I had remembered that, I would have brought my camera!
Instead of going to her tent, Doreen wanted me to join her at a meeting she was attending. I arrived to find many local villagers, including the lead elder and other officials, who all seemed happier than normal.
Doreen led me on a tour of the property, describing the various agricultural projects located there. A community group, formed by the Ministry of Agricultural, was working together to cultivate the land and raise livestock using non-traditional methods. A large greenhouse housing an abundance of growing cabbages and tomatoes, stood imposingly in the midst of the garden. The shamba (garden) was fully irrigated and included everything from broccoli to sweet potatoes to onions. There were also non-grazing cattle and a rabbit project, of which Doreen is the chairman.
As we toured the grounds Doreen and I caught up on life. A couple of times Doreen mentioned that people from all over Africa were coming to see these projects. Wow, that's pretty cool, I thought to myself.
Joining a few others seated on a covered porch and listening to excited Kikuyu conversation, I began to wonder what was really going on today. Doreen finally explained that women from all over Africa were coming to visit today. These women, she said, were first ladies, dignitaries, government officials and represented the countries from the African Union.
At this, the lady sitting next to me exclaimed, "Oh, you're not one of them? I was sure you were one of the President's wives! I thought you just came early to spend more time with us."
There was no more time for questions. The honored guests would be arriving soon with police escort and Kenyan officials in their full regalia leading the way. Everyone - the white girl and about 50 Kenyans - headed out to the dirt road where the processional would arrive.
It was time to practice our welcoming songs. Kenyans can sing and they can certainly dance! Me...not so much. Trying to find shade, I kept inching to the back. My new friends would have none of that, however, as I was brought to the front over and over. Giving up on the idea of shade, I joined in the dancing and singing. I thought I was dancing pretty good, but for some reason it elicited a lot of laughter from my new friends. Mouthing "watermelon" was a good trick to make it look like I was singing along!
We were not performance-ready, but the guests were arriving nonetheless. So, I joined in the welcoming songs and dances as the ladies arrived. There were definitely some confused looks on their faces. Not sure I was the reason for that...but who really knows.
These women - dignitaries, government officials, first ladies - represented numerous African countries. Ghana, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, Gabon, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Tanzania to name a few!
They were stunning as they walked through the fields in their colorful African clothing, beautiful head wraps, and high heels.
As the tour began my plan was to stay in the background, watching it all unfold and doing my best detective work to figure out who these ladies were and why were they in rural Kenya. But, as they were being led to the greenhouse, someone with a camera reached out to me and said, "Well, come on. The tour is starting!" Wonder who she thought I was...
Off I went, touring these rural agricultural projects with government officials and first ladies from other African countries. I kept thinking, "If only I had my camera; I wish I had dressed nicer; stand up straight - good posture is important!"
These women were in Nairobi for the African Women's Decade Conference. Wednesday was "rural" day where the ladies were introduced to projects in rural Kenya that empower women. At the end of the tour everyone gathered together to share a few words. I was so proud of my friend Doreen who spoke for the group to these powerful women. I was so proud to hear the High Commissioner of Zambia encourage my friends to continue in their work. She told them they are laying the groundwork for their daughters to grow up in a country where they will be considered equal to men in their value. It was truly beautiful listening to the exchanges between these very learned women who represented so many different countries and the women who have never been out of rural Kenya and likely never graduated from high school.
I was overcome with emotion until I felt that little tickle in my throat that means a coughing fit is about to commence. There under a large acacia tree, in the midst of this dialoguing between these 2 groups of women, surrounded by local Kenyan govt. officials, it happened - a ridiculous, ill timed coughing episode. In all fairness I've been sick for over 2 weeks, but really? More confused looks (some more irritated than confused) directed at me again.
After much hugging, laughter and smiles we waved good-bye to the honored guests. Ready to just run and hide, I tried to make my get-away. Instead, I found myself back on the covered porch sitting with all Kikuyu men. Kenya is further along than most African countries in their treatment of women, but it is still a male dominated society. The talk of the day had been centered around empowering women and it was clear these men needed to download. And, so I sat having a conversation with approx. 10 men about Biblical manhood and womanhood. Summing up the conversation: tense, awkward silence, uneasy laughter, true listening and sharing of thoughts, ending with genuine smiles. Whew...could have really used some back-up during that discussion! Thank you, Holy Spirit, for filling my mouth with the right words.
5 hours after arriving I was sure it would be acceptable for me to leave. Silly me, we had not eaten anything yet. Doreen brought me 2 chapatis, a bowl full of goat meat, and a Coke. How desperately I needed Bob then to help with all that food. Bite by bite I ate and smiled...until I got the bite of pure goat fat! After chewing that piece for at least 10 minutes and devising a plan, I strategically put another bite in my mouth while quickly spitting the other piece of fat out. Doreen, bless her, saved me by eating the last few bites of meat.
With a more than full stomach and a very full heart, Doreen, myself, and the lady who was sure I was the "first lady of somewhere" said our good-byes, loaded in my car and pulled away from the day's big event.
To think, I thought it was going to be just another day...if only I had my camera!
Obviously, not my picture since I didn't have my camera and since we were in rural Kenya! But, wanted to give you a glimpse of the beautiful, strong African women I spent the day with.
