Tony and I set off to meet Simon and Moses' uncle in Kajiado, at 9:00am this morning. Tony said it would take about an hour to get to Kajiado, and from there, we would head back to Nagolie, with Simon and Moses. I was suspect, because nothing takes an hour. Ever. I wanted to see the boys, get their bags and get them back to the home. I didn't care if it took all day.
On the way to Kajiado:
Kenya has a robust flower export business - particularly cut stems. Over 25% of Europe's cut flowers come from Kenya, some right in my back yard. The building off in the distance is one of many colossal greenhouses that fill up the landscape - over a 2km area.
Maasai in Kajiado
We arrived in Kajiado around 10:30, where we were to meet Simon and Moses' uncle, Paul. We found him right away, but without the boys. After introductions, I asked Paul where the boys were. "Come, let us go. They are in school. Last night, when I told them you are coming, they refused to sleep.
I thought "SCHOOL? They are in SCHOOL??"
No worries, he said, as he looked at my expression. Let us go. It's just over the hill. 36km later, through the bush and back roads, we came close to the school and found the boys walking toward us. There they were, in the distance, in their uniforms from Ereteti... Knowing what a fiasco all school systems are, I started peppering Paul with questions about pulling the boys from this school and whether or not this was going to be an 'issue'. As Paul was explaining to me how the system works, an elder Maasai came along and said "No problem, just take the boys".
These cows couldn't get out of the way fast enough, as far as I was concerned:
I couldn't help it, and cried with relief when I saw Simon and Moses. They are still young enough (13) not to care about public displays of affection. Simon thanked me for coming and said he didn't know if he would ever see me again. My response? "Impossible. I would have hunted you down until I found you". Both boys grinned from ear to ear. "Let us go", they said.
Off we went to their home, 5 km in the wrong direction, to gather their belongings.
The fence surrounding the compound is made of acacia tree branches, and takes at least 4 months to construct. This fence is completely impenetrable, and very solid. Inside of the compound are two separate areas for goats and cattle, and several homes for the family. I have seen many villages such as this, but with over 200 people in one family. Many Maasai men have 4 or 5 wives, all living together. As far as I could tell, this particular village had one head of the household and one wife.
A young cousin
I was lucky enough to see the inside of this home, where Simon, Moses and two brothers live
Paul's wife and baby
There are no lights inside the home, only two holes where the smoke can escape. It takes a minute for the eyes to adjust. I asked if I could take pics, even though I couldn't see what I was doing.
Kitchen
The outside of the home is made from cow dung, mud and water. The roof is constructed of a layer of twigs and more dung. One must duck to enter the home - I was taller than the roof.
Paul and his wife
After introductions to the family and a prayer for the boys, Tony and me, Paul was anxious to show us a camping area that had been constructed by neighbors, one km away.
Simon (left) and Moses, at a viewing point on the property.
From here, we looked directly across the valley to Tanzania.
Moses, Paul, Simon and Tony
Paul ushered us back to the car, announcing that he would ride back to Kajiado with us, to charge his phone. I looked at him, grinning, and he said "It's what I was doing when you picked me up". Unreal. "Will you catch a ride back home, or will you walk?" He said he could make the walk in 3 hours, and laughed.
Sawa Sawa
On the way back to Kajiado, I asked Paul how he came upon Nagolie, and how the boys ended up here. Paul sold cement/ballast at one time, and Moyaie, Agnes' husband, was a customer. In 2004, Moyaie told Paul that an American couple had donated 20 acres of land to build a children's center. Moyaie had asked Paul and other people in the community to participate in this project by donating their time and supplies to the construction of the home, all in the name of the children. The entire project was donated by those wishing to help the children. No sooner was the home completed, when Agnes spoke to Paul about filling the center, and asked him if he 'knew of any Maasai' children that needed a home. Simon and Moses, both of whom had lost their mothers and fathers (they are 1st cousins) qualified, and were brought to the home shortly thereafter.
This was news to me, and Tony. Agnes had told me about the American couple, because there is a plaque on the wall of the home, with their names on it. When I inquired as to who they were, she told me "Oh, just an American couple who were passing through on the day the home was finished". I always thought this was an odd explanation, one begging for clarity, but didn't pursue the topic. Further, she never told me the land was DONATED. She still maintains that the land was divided out from the substantial amount of property her husband had purchased when they first moved to their new home, adjacent to what is now Nagolie.
Nagolie sits on just under 2 acres of land. Agnes took the other 18 acres and calls it her own.
Today, Paul spoke about his wish to see me open my own rescue center. He offered to give me 5 acres of his land for this project. While this is an incredibly generous proposition, I politely declined, stating that this region is not an area I wish to be in. It is important to keep the children in their current school, in the community that I am familiar with and have grown to love. We spoke about Agnes, the board of Nagolie and the current fiasco that has shaken up each of the children's guardians, and of course, the children. I told him I had an appointment with the DCO on Monday, and will pursue the other contacts I have from the Headmaster of Ereteti, if the DCO does not cooperate. We agreed to keep in touch. Paul is confident that I will make headway, because he knows Agnes' actions are entirely illegal. He thanked me profusely for being involved in his nephew's life, and off we went, back to Nagolie.
In Kenya, one must always shoo cows and goats off the roads. But zebras? This was a first!!
Watching the joy on each of the children's faces when they were reunited with Simon and Moses is something I will never forget. The younger children were gleeful, but it was the older children who warmed my heart. Peresia and Patrick were ecstatic, I have not seen them this way before. Peresia came right over to me and said "Auntie Simmie, will you be bringing the rest home this weekend?" " We are going to get Lucy and Richard on Sunday, and Ann and Emmanuel on Monday. On Tuesday, it is my goal to get Grace and Gideon back in the afternoon. So, yes". Peresia hugged me so tightly I thought I would cry.
The children know exactly what is going on. There is an air of relief around the home, and air of contentment that has clearly been missing since we left in November. I have told 'our boys' what the plan is and they nod their heads in agreement, smiling. "Bahati nzuri, Mum, we love you".
Good luck, Mum
This morning, I woke up to Emmanuel's text (verbatim):
I was worried alot. thaxt to lord are going well, thanx for doing this. Now the day has come for u to get what u have been fighting for. good lack. love u mum.
Jer, Papa and Mturi with their new legos
Jer, always the comedian!
Sweet, wonderful Alex. A living doll.
This beautiful girl is Josephine, who has blossomed in the past 6 months
Alex, Kanai and me
Cuddling with Kanini and Njoki
Alex, Kanai and Simon, reunited
Patrick and Simon
A very good night from Kenya. These children are simply amazing. They are worth their weight in gold, and I will fight for them forever. To see them interact with one another respectfully and lovingly is a humbling experience. I am privileged to be part of their life.
Before I sign off, I just received a text from Alex:
4 a lovely person from a lovely heart. 4 a lovely reason at a lovely tym. From a lovely mind in a lovely mood, good night and sweet dreams mum! I love you more and more!!!
~ Nawapenda wote ~
With love,
Simmie, Peresia, Alex and Simon
Welcome home
AMAZING!! TRULY AMAZING!! Your adventure, love and devotion! You WILL write a book about all of this one day I'm sure! I'm reading it in real time! Thank you!!!
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