BIKIDZAYA – REPORT 3

Habari za Jioni Rafikies (good evening in Swahili),

Today was such a joy in Bikidzaya, we arrived early in preparation for the school handoff ceremony. The children were eagerly awaiting us near the entrance of the school grounds as our van crested the hill. The melodic harmony of the children voices spread smiles through our travel team like wildfire;  we suddenly were alive with energetic excitement. We were once again met with small hands and big hearts.  The instant connection we share with the children here is not something you find easily back home in the states. Bikidzaya has stolen our hearts.  The children, the village elders, and the school administration have made us all feel as if we are part of their village.

After exiting the van, we were guided down a very steep path to the local water hole. In Bikidzaya the history of the local watering hole is many years ago during a time of serious drought the village had their priest/shaman come to the riverbed to sing, dance, and pray in hopes that they could somehow receive the lifesaving water the village needed. After many hours of praying, dancing, and singing water began to bubble up from the hole the village had dug. This first bit of this life restoring moisture was gathered in a clay jar that the village still has to this day. Today, the village re-enacted the ceremony for us, it was such a sacred thing to be a part of.

After the water-gathering ceremony we hiked back up the hill to attend the welcoming ceremony. This is the ceremony where the village preforms traditional song and dance; then welcomes us into the village completely. Each of us our given Swahili names, and traditional clothing. I have no idea how the villagers were able to choose such color coordinated outfits for us before was ever arrived, somehow, they did just that. It was as if we picked them out ourselves. There is something very special in the Bikidzaya village, our entire travel team can feel it and have been swept away by it.

Once the welcoming ceremony was over, we had a light lunch with the school children, and then broke into our teaching assignments. Judah and I have been teaching the 5^th year (ten years old).  Some students (or they call them “learners”) are older due to not having passed into the 6^th year yet.  Unlike in the States, here you must prove you know the knowledge before proceeding. Our class was so respectful, welcoming, and bright. We brought photo sensitive beads and stretchy string so the students could make bracelets or necklaces and taught about the light spectrum. We brought a book that will be used by the class to learn more than we had time to teach. We also showed how light bends through a prism to reveal the visible spectrum of light, which was also a gift to the class. Seeing their curious faces seeing images and hearing concepts they are not familiar was such a joy for us.

After teaching, and due to the time of day we had to leave the village to head back to Mamma Kamoti’s home (otherwise known as home to us while we are here). The generosity of the Kamoti family can never be understated. They not only open their home to us they care for us as family. They are always listening, and looking for ways to help us however they can. We and the family all feel the loss of William Kamoti, his larger-than-life spirit is still with us and guiding our steps. We pray that we walk in the light of his spirits guidance to create the most long-lasting impact we can while in his country.

Here are some of the impressions from the team today:

Chelsey – Today was incredible.  After a long ceremony we were able to hand over the classrooms and I got to cut the ribbon for one of the toilet blocks (bathrooms).  Let me tell you, I felt so honored.  We did some lessons with the students as well and well…they are a lot smarter than you think.  We were able to attempt to carry water on our head and of course I did it!!  They may have dumped out a little bit so that I could carry it, but the effort was there.  My big memory from today was that they love to touch our hair.

Cory/Lauren – Today was filled with so many amazing memories.  Most of the day was filled with the dedication ceremony at Bikidzaya.  Laruen was in her element as she taught a classroom full of children. It was the best class we’ve ever taught on the trip.  The school was dedicated, and Lauren added a signature to the mural.  Our day ended with an evening walk to a local watering hole.   Lauren let her hair out of her braids for the women to touch.  They were so fascinated.  We are looking forward to our soccer match with the Black Lions tomorrow.

Michaela – The welcome into the village was filled with singing and dancing.  Mercy, a young girl from the village, was waiting on the side of the road till she saw me in the crowd.  We locked eyes, grabbed hands, and continued singing and dancing into the school yard.  I had met Mercy the first day we met the incredible village of Bikidzaya.  She asked me to never forget her.  She will forever have a place in my heart.  A few of the students recited a poem they wrote about how grateful they were to finally have toilets.  TOILETS!!  It brought me to tears how blessed I am for the simplest of things.  We walked to their watering hole and as the singing and dancing continued, dragonflies circled around us.  The story goes that dragonflies have 2 sets of wings---one for them and one for the angels they carry.   We were blessed today by angels and by Bikidzaya. 

Rhet/Ellerie – We had the most amazing day in the village.  Today was the hand over and ribbon cutting ceremony.  The kids and parents were so happy and welcoming.  It was amazing to walk down to the watering hole that the mural was based on.  Teaching the class was a highlight.  The teachers and the kids were so much fun and it warmed our hearts.  Out of all the classes I’ve taught here in Kenya, this class was the best experience. Thank you for all taking care of things back home so we can make these memories.  Peace!! Love!!

Steve/Nancy – What a beautiful day in Bikidzaya!!  The children sang and danced, the teachers spoke of their appreciation, and everyone felt so much love.  The classroom dedication was touching.  Steve and I were surprised and emotional with a classroom branding that was done with our name on it.  The joy we feel is indescribable here.  Thank you!!

Jeff – Today was a big day.  Big and exciting events were filled with even bigger emotions.   As other have mentioned, returning to Bikidzaya to finally hand over the schools and toilet blocks was so rewarding.  I’ve never felt such gratitude from a village as we felt here.  The teachers and the learners (students) spoke of how embarrassed they were of their facilities (classrooms and toilets) prior to our project.  They would avoid telling others what village they were from.  One of the teachers, Masha, spoke of joining the school a year ago only to realize how desperate things were.  He was very passionate as he talked about the bright future ahead of them, now that they can study and take care of the needs of the learners.  Bikidzaya was the perfect place to honor our partnership with KOINS for Kenya and specifically Nancy & Steve Littlefield.  They have been doing these projects here in Kenya for much longer than we have, and it would not be possible for Grant Victor Cares to do this work without them.  It seemed appropriate to dedicate one of the classrooms in their honor, and brand the school with their personal names. They are great people.  Tonight our fearless leader, Burt, headed back to the states.  He has also been coming here for 10 years and this is the first trip where his scheduled wouldn’t allow him to stay the entire time.  We will hope to keep up the positive energy and creative fun that “Big Burt” is famous for over here.  Safe travels, Burt!!

Asante Sana, Friends and Family!

Authored by Christopher Rawson