Heather: a wonderful day

Yesterday was just such a wonderful day – I can’t describe it well enough – the three of us visitors were high as kites by the end of the day.

First we went to see the Emuhaya Group of Disabled people. The changes that they have made since I was there last are amazing. They are knitting jumpers and making things to sell – that was kick started by the money that Lani won for them two years ago – and then they have a shamba (farm) where they are growing crops to sell and also using innovative farming methods to share with the local community.

We met Obed Anguche, a really lovely agriculturalist, who is working with the group at the moment to develop this side of the group and to encourage local people to grow and eat some different varieties that are more sustainable and/or nutritious.

We planted some seeds and some trees and then I got a ride on the back of Obed’s motorcycle via a youth project, which was a tree nursery nearby.

Then it was back to the office for some formalities before we were welcomed in true Kenyan style with singing and dancing, garlands and speeches. I was really happy to be there and to see everyone again. One man had prepared a poem:

Sadly as we had an appointment at the school for our goodbyes, we had to leave well before we would have liked to but I hope I will go back there soon.

Next we rushed off to Kitagwa Primary School, as we were very late for our send off (although I’m reliably informed that it is impossible to be late in Africa! – still I hold on to my English obsession with punctuality and I was a little stressed to be so late).

There we were welcomed into the Church where we had a couple of hours of singing, dancing, speeches and gifts. Imlah nearly passed out as we had gone from early breakfast – tea and peanuts until 5.30 with not so much as a cup of tea passing our lips! We had had to leave Emuhaya before refreshments were handed out.

However the wait was worth it as we were again treated to a feast. All of the whole school of children were outside singing, dancing, playing drums and waiting for us to go before they would – I have never felt so well loved and I was very sad to leave.

Aman and I were shown how to dance a traditional dance. The music that I have sent is a celebration song and was sung both at Emuhaya and at Kitagwa that day.

Everyone was asking us not to go and to come back soon and my hair was a great source of interest once one child plucked up the courage to touch it, then they all wanted to! They also told me that my skin was softer than theirs but I told them that was due to age not colour – they disagreed.

To cap it all off, we finally walked home at 7pm in amongst most of the children singing and dancing and some of the parents too, and Naomy invited them into the garden to say goodbye.

What a day! I’ll remember it forever.