Two Saturday’s ago, our team were witnesses to the strength of the human spirit and the power of community. For the first time in Maai Mahiu the five major tribes of this village came together to celebrate Unity in Diversity. Nearly 1000 Maasai, Turkana, Kamba, Luo, and Kikuyu people came to dance and sing and be witnesses to how important standing together as a community is for the future of Kenya.
For the past year CTC has sponsored an Ubuntu Day once a month. Ubuntu is a Zulu word that translates, "I am because we are." CTC was able to bring these groups together because of long-term cultivated relationships. One person and family at a time. There were no handouts at this gathering, no empty aid with strings attached, no free rides; simply a promise from CTC to walk with the people and to seek solutions to their struggles in relationship, together.
The day began with the Environmental Club from Ngea Primary along with children from other local schools planting trees along the highway that runs through Maai Mahiu. What followed was a day of dancing, singing, laughter and fun.
The new Art, Culture, and Peace Center at CTC was officially dedicated by the tribal groups, an amazing goat stew was prepared by the ShoSho’s (grandmothers), and all was supported by Jeremiah, Rocky, Bernard, and the whole CTC staff. They did an amazing job.
The day ended with a football (soccer) tournament between teams from CTC/Maai Mahiu, Maasai, and IDP (Internally Displaced Persons). 100’s of people, mostly kids, circled the field to watch the side take a run at each other. As the sun was setting and a storm was moving into the valley, on the eighth penalty kick CTC defeated IDP 2-1. The World Cup final had nothing on this “beautiful game.”
As dusk was turning to dark, the kids gathered and asked Jeremiah to bless them with words as they had blessed us. A Beautiful Day concluded with the Beautiful Game. If there is a better way to embody Ubuntu, I don’t know what it is.
“I am because we are!”
peace,
Ken
Note: The Faith and Community team has completed its trip to Kenya. This journal entry and the ones to follow document a piece of our experience.
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