KITHENGWANI & BENGONI – REPORT 3

Published by Administrator on September 24, 2024

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Habari ya jioni, (Good evening)

The group journeyed to a local Dispensary (Clinic) to distribute the medical supplies and medicines that were so kindly donated by our friends, families and coworkers. It was a Monday and like businesses that are closed on the weekends, it was a BUSY morning. One side stood the mamas and their young babies awaiting a checkup and the other side were the sick, patiently waiting outside for their turn. We were given a tour of the facilities and it made us realize how lucky we are to have the level of healthcare possibilities that we do. Their stores were very low and they were beyond grateful for the added ointments, painkillers, thermometers, gauze and baby blankets/ baby bonnets that we brought for the patients. The maternity ward had 3 newborns that were just born this morning and the mothers were all resting in a room, trying to find some comfort- they have no more than 12 hours to find it before they must leave. We didn’t want to intrude on their privacy too much but we were able to let them pick their blanket and bonnet and gave them our heartfelt congratulations. And like any doctor visit- everyone there, both young and old, healthy or sick, all received a lollipop.

From there, we joined the people in the village of Bengoni for the grand Breaking Ground ceremony for their 2 new school class rooms. As we drove nearer, the sounds of shouts, cheer and music called to us as we began a sort of African conga line into the village center. The women of the village blessed us all with new kangas (skirt/wrap) as well as their own personal waist wraps as we their honored guests for the noteworthy day. We were danced to our chairs, hand in hand, and blessed with our own new African names! The people were so warm and welcoming and were there to IMPRESS! We received a full dramatization from the older kids acting one a very strong moral of the Kenyans- and that is NOT to force your daughter to marry before she chose to do so on her own, otherwise…straight to jail for mom and dad! Poems were read to us, tongue twisters were recited, dances were taught and then came the acrobats of the school! Kind words were exchanged between the travel team and the village representatives as we were all honored to be in each others presence. We sang them a song written by Grant Victor’s own, Dea Lukac, and choreographed some spirit fingers to go along with our voices and formed a human tunnel as our teams “lady fetchers” fetched several lucky ladies to run under our arms as we sang about our Hope, Faith, Peace and Love we wish upon them.

After our respective speeches giving thanks for our overwhelmingly generous welcome, we walked over to the school classroom site where each team member swung a pick axe into the compressed dirt. Becky started the strong energy with the first swing and it ended with Levi reenacting a scene straight from Thor when he slams the mighty hammer into the ground and lightening sprays from the sheer power released into the earth. We let the professional women take over and branched off for lunch- first we fed the children loaves of bread and milk and then we fed ourselves as we would be needing our energy to teach them a pre-planned lesson to each of the classes! We were so thankful to have our teachers translate for us as each group taught a different career related subject- From Animals, to airplanes, to the solar system and rocket building to structural engineering! Despite any language barriers that may have existed, the kids were the most respectful and disciplined young people one could ever come across. They gave us their full attention and enjoyed their reward of more sweets at the end of the lesson! After school was released, we began to explore the village more intimately… we found ourselves at the local watering hole- about a 5 minute walk away from the school. No bigger than a pond, we saw where the water for the locals came from and the children walked us to their homes. All homes were very humble but well kept with pride- walls were made of mud and sticks and roofs of thatch. We distributed our solar lights to the children and adults to install in their homes so that precious light could be utilized while indoors. This will change their quality of life so much, they were extremely thankful for the gift.

Our driver was quite concerned about the real worry of coming across elephants on the route home since they have been spotted in that very area the night before. We pile in and reflect upon our individual experiences that day. It is always awe inspiring to be taken into these villages as strangers and leave as a part of their family. Though the focus was to teach them a lesson, it is truly us, the group, and any other visitor that arrives in this country who truly learn a valuable lesson. To cherish what you have, regardless of amount or how expensive it was….to treat all humans with love and respect and truly do unto others as you would have done unto you. I do hope my guests don’t expect acrobatic tricks from me when they visit, however, they will always be made to feel safe and welcome in my home as I have been made to feel in the Kenyan village homes.

"I got to do one of my favorite things that I normally do - I got to meet and spend time with our construction crew. The Koins crew does an amazing job and we cant do what we do without them. They are hardworking and dedicated to doing a high quality job. I get to tell them how proud we are of them and I’m lucky to spend time with them."

Steve

"It was quite humbling stepping off the bus and seeing mothers of all ages holding their babies while in line at the clinic. I’ve learned that the people here are patient and calm. Even the sweet young students as we passed out bread and milk, they waited for each child to get some. It reminds me to slow down and remember to be grateful for each hardship that comes my way and be patient."

Samantha (aka Harusi)

"Before going to the village, we stopped by a dispensary. It was unbelievable to see how many people were waiting to see a dr or nurse. It was overflowing and the need for supplies was great. We were able to see 3 women who had delivered within the last 24 hours. What we brought was a drop in the bucket of what they needed. The workers were so kind and positive despite the daunting task that lie ahead of them."

Jen (aka Furaha)

"Today was a really fun day filled with amazing moments. Its hard to pick but I think my favorite highlights was showing the kids snapchat filters. It was really fun to watch all the different kids reactions. Some would make a face and hide and others would just crack up and make funny faces at the camera and really get into it."

Alyssa (aka Nuru meaning Light)

"Today was phenomenal! My favorite part was the dispensary. The living conditions were humbling for the people at the clinic. I also loved teaching in the school. The students were well behaved and appreciative."

Zach (aka Kazungu meaning very handsome)

"Today was a great day, I got to meet so many amazing people. Going to the dispensary and seeing the facility and all the people showed how helpful the supplies are. Teaching was also a major highlight, the kids were so sweet and smart!"

Kaylin

"Today was exhausting but very rewarding in many ways Going to the dispensary and seeing so many sick children sure pulls on your heart strings. They appreciated the several bottles of medical supplies and baby blankets. I think that teaching at the school was a highlight and very magical. Watching the kids experience something new was awesome. Overall an amazing day!"

Becky (aka Haluwa)