We have been in Kenya for three and a quarter days now. The welcome has been humbling. Our gracious host, Fr. Anthony Kiplagat, greeted us heartily hosting a celebration for his birthday, and our friend Lydia’s birthday, along with the 42nd Wedding Anniversary of our new friends from FOSA (Friends of St. Anne’s), Ruth & Dan AND it was Dan’s birthday. We had Mass at Fr. Anthony’s home and a decadent buffet of traditional foods from Nandi county.
Fr. Anthony introduced members leadership he has founded as part of the community based “Singing Hills of Kaplelmet.” They stood and spoke one at a time about their personal experiences and goals for the future of the organization which has built a community music building in Nandi Hills. Fr. Anthony and the member’s vision for strengthening the musical community is inspiring.
We enjoyed a long talk and then Mulatia, a guitarist and leadership member started to play records. Fr. Anthony taught us some dancing to his tribal Kenyan music played on 45-records. After several long days of travel and so much fun, we were truly exhausted for the rocky ride back to Kapkemich and overwhelmed by the first encounters with our new friends.
Our second day was rest and recovery, trying to adjust to the new time zone nine hours ahead of central standard time. The day yielded many great conversations with Ruth and Dan Schukmann-Dakotas regarding their love for the people of Kapkemich and their drive to give young girls opportunities.
We made friends with a graduate of St. Anne’s, Mercy, who is to help guide us through our stay. She loves to sing and is a gentle, beautiful young woman.
Jamea, Niccole, and I began working on some of the music and lesson plans we prepared in the states, talking through details and practicing. Mercy soon joined us in singing Bring Me Little Water Silvy, by Huddie Ledbetter arranged by Moira Smiley, and Si Le Le by Bobby McFerrin as arranged by Voces 8. It was a highlight of the day and surely will be one of our sweetest memories here.
To finish the day, Lydia Kageha welcomed us to her home in the evening “to take a meal.” Conversation flowed about how to best support Kenyans, rather than to do only what we think is best, and to build relationships, listen, and learn. There will be more on this in Niccole’s next blog post. We again got dancing lessons for more contemporary Kenyan music and made lasting friends. Rafiki zangu! My friends!
Our third day was dedicated to preparation, rehearsing, reflection, and gathering information in order to meet the needs of the individuals we were meeting. The groundwork is laid, the work is ramping up, and our joy is immense. We are a bit short on sleep and jet lagged but are learning so much with each passing moment spent with the people involved with St. Anne’s Girls School, Kapkemich Primary School, and FOSA. Kwaherini! Goodbye all!
