The Whole Purpose

 In April of 2017, my daughter, two other girls, and I journeyed to Kenya to complete a rabbit project at Southern Cross Academy at the SIDP camp in Maai Mahiu. After returning home from the trip, we jumped right into researching a new project to work on in 2018.

By the fall, our sister organization in Kenya, Marafiki Community, started telling us about a new idea they had. To build a community center near one of the Maasai villages. The thought was to have a center where the local women could create their crafts as well as take classes. Adjacent to this, would be a shop where they could sell the items they have made. In addition, a third area would offer gourmet tea and coffee along with snacks for tourists traveling through on their way to safari in the Masa Mara Game Park.

It sounds like a wonderful idea. But also a lot of work.

There is so much involved with this project, so the purpose of our most recent trip was to find out as much as we could about this village and the area. I wish I could spend a few months with these amazing people; there is so much to learn. As it was we spent a few hours one afternoon and most of the next day in their village and the surrounding land to learn as much as we could.

First, you can’t help but be in awe of the beautiful place where the Maasai live. For all it’s beauty, yes, it can be a harsh environment. You can see the town of Ololaimutiek in the distance. The village of Nkoirero, the one we will be working with, is just below that and to the right, pretty much hidden by that brush. 

This is one of their homes, from when I was there in October 2015.                                                     

Every nine years or so, they have to move the entire village, because termites erode the wood frame of their homes. Also they feel the land needs to “rest”. So the women build all new homes a few hundred yards away, and it takes a group of them about a month to make each home from sticks, mud and dung.

 This is inside a home. I love the way they built the shelves right into the walls.

But I wanted to show you the people. I interviewed the women with their children, explaining the project we want to undertake and asking them what they thought. They applauded me when I was done, so I guess they thought it was a good idea. 

Some of them told me they go to bed hungry many nights, so I think they are ready to do what they need to so this can succeed.

This is Mary, who is one of the few women who knows English, so she interpreted for me. She is with her three-month-old named Brilliant.

My son Nick met with the men at the same time, to learn their perspective.

In their spare time (which I can’t believe they even have), the women make beautiful, intricate beaded jewelry and other crafts. We have brought some home in the past and have sold it to raise money. When this community center is up and running, the women can sell these crafts to tourists and benefit directly.  

The three different sections of the community center will cost $5,000 each to complete. A big undertaking. If you would like to help out, you can mail your tax-deductible donation to Tumaini Volunteers, PO Box 537, Wausau, WI  54402. Or click on this link to donate via PayPal. Any size donation will be appreciated.

Watch for more pictures next time!