We were frustrated again through lack of building resources. The
reason for the shortages
wasn’t always clear, but we were aware that people were being deliberately
obstructive at times. Suppliers were also raising prices to two or three times the norm,
simply because we Westerners were there. Although we had taken no money with us, local
people had come to expect money from white people. The local kids usually shouted
‘How are you?’ – the literal translation for the Swahili greeting
‘Habari?’ The only answer they knew was ‘Fine!’ – the literal
translation for the Swahili answer ‘Nzuri!’ However, they were also known to
shout ‘Wazungu!’ (‘White people!’), and to ask for money. (‘Ten
shillings! Give me ten shillings!’) Unfortunately, they had been brought up to expect
handouts from white people.
We were told that Arab Muslims had told the Orma community, among others, to expect lots of presents from
rich Westerners, who could afford to give from their vast wealth. The upshot for us was
high expectations of charity, heavily inflated prices, and the promise of trouble for the
Masai family when we left, as people would assume that we had left lots of money for them.
They could expect lots of visitors, asking for things, if not taking them, after we left.
The Masai’s said that they were now used to it, having had two previous teams. They
were prepared to buy some of the materials in Malindi, where no-one knew them.
Anyway, while we waited for poles, we played 20 questions. Eventually, as interest waned, just Carolyn and I were
left playing. Setting a trend for things to come, we changed the rule about the person
having to be famous, adding new life to the game. While this was going on, our team of
twelve (+Tom) were using two shovels and one wheelbarrow to move a large pile of earth. It
had been dug out of the ground where the latrine was to be. The hole was quite large and
went down some 15-20 feet.
Two shovels,
one wheelbarrow
After chips (yes, chips), chapattis, cabbage, spaghetti and meat
stew at Baba Jesse’s, we returned to move more mud. Eventually, we returned to Pastor
Alfred’s for tea and bread.
This was another chance to hear about the work in Garsen, and
especially about Pastor Alfred’s involvement. He, too, had made sacrifices to join
Sheepfold’s work at Garsen. We heard about the financial difficulties they both had,
and the problems they had, living so close to their neighbours there. For example, it was
hard for Orma people to visit and talk openly about their beliefs. If a Muslim converted
to Christianity, then they risked being killed by their own family. They also risked the
life of the person who had converted them. The Muslim leaders paid handsomely to find out
who was responsible, before passing sentence.
We spoke about money with Baba Jesse, and we were shocked to hear
how much money he was given to live on. We were glad to set the record straight a few days
later, when we found that what we had thought was his monthly expenses turned out to be his annual expenses. Much of the expense came from
renting the flat they lived in and paying for their children’s education. They can
stop renting the flat when the house we’re building for them is finished. Their
children’s education is expensive but important. When Baba Jesse moved to Garsen,
people said that he was mad and that his children would suffer as a result. He is intent
to show them that the children do not need to suffer as badly as people predicted they
would. His oldest, Jesse, is now at Daystar University in Nairobi. His other children are
still at school.
Garsen
Sheepfold have not been around for a long time. They have no
pension scheme, so when Baba Jesse retires in about 8 years time, he will have no source
of income. He is trusting God to provide. He will probably have to go back to the village
where he grew up, even though he has no house there. He may simply have to explain his
situation and hope that people will look after him and provide for his needs, as well as
his family’s.
Baba Jesse was only too pleased to be able to have Pastor Alfred
and his wife there. In Garsen, he cannot walk around with Mama Jesse. He had to walk on
his own. Now he can walk with Pastor Alfred, and Mama Jesse can walk to the outlying
villages with Pastor Alfred’s wife. It has been a real blessing to have someone to
work with.
After watching a giant locust trying to bang its way through a door
back at the ‘Y’, I went for a walk with Alison. We talked for some time about
the team and how things were going. As I prayed, a woman came and went to the toilet near
us, just outside a toilet block. I’m glad I prayed with my eyes closed, even if
Alison didn’t.
wasn’t always clear, but we were aware that people were being deliberately
obstructive at times. Suppliers were also raising prices to two or three times the norm,
simply because we Westerners were there. Although we had taken no money with us, local
people had come to expect money from white people. The local kids usually shouted
‘How are you?’ – the literal translation for the Swahili greeting
‘Habari?’ The only answer they knew was ‘Fine!’ – the literal
translation for the Swahili answer ‘Nzuri!’ However, they were also known to
shout ‘Wazungu!’ (‘White people!’), and to ask for money. (‘Ten
shillings! Give me ten shillings!’) Unfortunately, they had been brought up to expect
handouts from white people.
others, to expect lots of presents from
rich Westerners, who could afford to give from their vast wealth. The upshot for us was
high expectations of charity, heavily inflated prices, and the promise of trouble for the
Masai family when we left, as people would assume that we had left lots of money for them.
They could expect lots of visitors, asking for things, if not taking them, after we left.
The Masai’s said that they were now used to it, having had two previous teams. They
were prepared to buy some of the materials in Malindi, where no-one knew them.
Eventually, as interest waned, just Carolyn and I were
left playing. Setting a trend for things to come, we changed the rule about the person
having to be famous, adding new life to the game. While this was going on, our team of
twelve (+Tom) were using two shovels and one wheelbarrow to move a large pile of earth. It
had been dug out of the ground where the latrine was to be. The hole was quite large and
went down some 15-20 feet.
to be his annual expenses. Much of the expense came from
renting the flat they lived in and paying for their children’s education. They can
stop renting the flat when the house we’re building for them is finished. Their
children’s education is expensive but important. When Baba Jesse moved to Garsen,
people said that he was mad and that his children would suffer as a result. He is intent
to show them that the children do not need to suffer as badly as people predicted they
would. His oldest, Jesse, is now at Daystar University in Nairobi. His other children are
still at school.
Garsen
