One of the additional projects I am working on this trip is distributing the Nokera solar bulbs I picked up in Nairobi last week. I have given Tony one bulb and a phone charger. He is very interested in attaining more of these bulbs to sell in his shop. And why not, they are superb! The only requirement of these magical little bulbs is that they charge in full sun for two days before use. I tested one (will keep it) and am thrilled. My friend who runs Whistling Thorns, Marie Louise, declared the bulbs 'brilliant'. I would concur. They are simple, green, efficient and cost effective. Marie Louise and I have discussed the merits of giving these bulbs out, with the caveat that something is given in return to the children. This is not rocket science. Visit the children. Bring tomatoes or bread. Help with the shamba. There are a myriad of possibilities. When I distributed 17 bulbs to ML's staff this morning, everyone was beyond thrilled. Most of the staff come from the bush. Even the few that live locally, live without power. After I gave these bulbs out, ML announced that she would give the children a party, gratis. She told me tonight that she will arrange this when I am not here. Thank you Marie Louise!
When I turned to leave the staff, who were enjoying their mid-morning tea, I saw Grace. I knew she was coming, and had arranged for kuku choma for her, an early lunch. Grace was a nervous wreck about school. If she doesn't have the required items to return to school (toiletries, clothing, school supplies) she will not be allowed to return. We talked about this for some time. Once again, I found myself explaining why it is critical that Grace call Helen and request the help she needs. Nagolie is fully responsible for these children until they reach the age of 18. Just because Grace is in secondary school means nothing; Helen is still responsible for the necessities.
Just as we finished our conversation, I looked up to see Moreen and Susan, from Nagolie. We hugged hello and I asked them both: are you authorized to be here? Did you get permission? Both shook their heads "no". I got up and told them they could not stay. "Twende." Let's go. I walked them to the gate, told them I loved them, and walked away. Moreen knows better. I was not happy. Her presence could jeopardize me and WWC. I was having none of it.
Next, Simon and Moses showed up with their older cousin. They were on their way back to the home. I did not have the same reaction when they arrived, because they had not checked into Nagolie from their holiday. Their cousin, however, was a different matter. He took me aside to discuss "what can you do for the boys?" My answer? "Hakuna. (Nothing) It is too late. I tried everything I could with your Uncle Paul and the rest of the guardians. What did they do? Hakuna. They were too afraid to follow through, and expected me to do the dirty work. I put my life on the line for these children, and risked a great deal. There is nothing more I can do. The home is full, we are at capacity." He (don't know his name) persisted. " What should we do? Tell us. The children are under stress at the home." "Yes," I replied. "If you are so worried about their stress, why did you bring them back? Why do you not keep them at home, in their village, with the family?? I'm sorry, but my hands are tied. I did what I could." This man had no answers. All he and the guardians really care about is where their children will go to Secondary School in January, and who will pay. Just as he left, Gideon from Nagolie appeared around the corner, with Marie Louise. I felt like I was being sand-bagged. As much as I love Gideon (adore is more like it) I marched him right to the gate and told him to go back to the home. Gideon looked at me with his quizzical eyes, his intelligent expression I love so much, and said "Auntie Simmie? Do you know what I have?" Hapana. What do you have? Smirking, Gideon pulled the store key out of his pocket. The key to the pantry at Nagolie. "Toka nayo. Enda." (Go, get out of here.) We hugged good bye, and I told him how much I love him. His response is always: "Same!" Off he went, laughing about his antics with the key. Despite my irritation? I had to laugh. The key to the Office and the store are like gold around Nagolie.
Moses and Gideon (looking worried)
Grace
Simon
Moses
Kanai
Tony and I got to WWC late, because my 'visitors' stayed late. Tony was exhausted from his trip yesterday, so I promised him I would just say hello to the children and then we could leave. He had crates of tomatoes, eggs and bread in the back of the car.
The kids were preparing for school tomorrow. We have removed all but the youngest five children from Jane's school. The kids that are going to Ereteti for the first time tomorrow are ecstatic. They were trying on their new uniforms and joyfully running around the compound. Joshua and Eunice were making repairs to their uniforms and the little ones were creating their usual havoc. I wish we could have stayed longer, but Tony needed to get home.
These little devils did NOT want me to leave:
Time here is winding down. Kesho, I have some shopping to do and am meeting an old friend for lunch - one of the women I met on my first trip to Kenya. Can't wait! It's been too long. I will try and swing by and say good bye to Marc and Melissa, if time allows.
Much love to all from Kenya.
View from Whistling Thorns tonight:
And… of course, from WWC:
Lala salama,
Simmie and Njeri
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