This day was rather low key, I think we were all a little tired (but in a good way) from all the festivities the day before. We had time to visit and do laundry. I found I kind of enjoyed washing by hand and hanging it, it was a peaceful time, and doing it with friends was fun too. I’m grateful to have a way to do it faster at home, especially the drying part. But taking my time felt good. I’m finding that I crave that slower pace in life. It was nice to rest also, and I had a chance to do some light therapy sessions for most of our team (yes, I bring my lights wherever I go, even Kenya!)
We went after lunch to the women’s craft center in nkoilaile. This is a place where women who need a way to support themselves can learn skills and create things they can sell, mainly jewelry. They create beautiful intricate beadwork there. We watched them work and it was amazing how they strung those tiny beads by hand, and also how they were able to do the wire wrapping by hand. We brought them some tools to hopefully make that easier. I got some beautiful things in their shop, including a beaded Christmas ornament, and a necklace they made for me while I was there, out of one of the Mara crystals I found the day before. Each of the women had made several similar necklaces out of Mara crystals, to send home with 100 humanitarians to sell at a fundraising gala. We took their pictures with their necklaces, and labeled and organized them so each donor could see the face of the woman whose loving effort had created the necklace, and who they would be supporting.
With the sweet lady who made my necklace
With Edith, who helps run the craft center and teaches the ladies how to create beautiful jewelry
Maggy is such a lovely lady, always with a smile!
Doing beadwork on the grass
That evening back at the cultural center, we had a special treat. Several warriors showed up with a goat (that was not the treat - although they did make it for their dinner, which we did not partake of but the warriors enjoyed it). They built a fire and gathered us all under the wisdom tree, to give us our Maasai names in a special ceremony.
Moses, who has been with us every day and helped plan the expedition, gave us our names. The warriors sang, then each of us who had not received a Maasai Name before were called up from youngest to oldest. I’m not sure how they choose the names, they talked with each other in their language for a short bit while touching my hair, and then Moses gave me my name. My Maasai name is Nabul - which means One who helps others to grow. I have been thinking about that ever since and I think there’s an important message in it for me. Each of my team members names was insightful and fitting for them too.
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