Part 9: Sunday morning, and our last day at KIST. This morning we attended church at the National Chapel with the students of Bunyore. We arrived while they were setting up, a sea of girls bringing in extra benches, a keyboard and sound equipment. One of the girls came over and welcomed us. We followed her around the side of the church, where we were introduced to the speaker, a former Bunyore student and teacher, and now a professor at another school. Entering in the side door, we found ourselves being seated on the stage. Later, Lisa told us she would love to regularly attend this church, but didn't like having to always sit up front. After a joyous time of song where we were treated to the beautiful sound of a thousand girls singing, then some special numbers by a few select groups, we were introduced, with some of us designated to bring greetings.
The speaker brought a very passionate speech, which unfortunately we couldn't hear as we were sitting behind her. Apparently she was moved to tears, as she reflected on the opportunity she has been given, first as a student and then as a teacher of Bunyore. After the service, we enjoyed talking to some of the KIST students who were interning at Bunyore, helping with the Sunday services. One of them told us how much he'd enjoyed the music workshop. We have since heard from another participant, telling us the students are continuing to learn and work with the instruments. That is what it's all about-- we feel as if we did what we came to do.
After the service, we were invited to tea at one of the KIST professor's home. An abundant supply of chai, buttered bread sandwiches, and mandazi (Kenyan donuts) covered the table, and though we knew a large lunch awaited us back at the guesthouse, we couldn't restrain ourselves from going back for seconds and thirds. We enjoyed the Kenyan hospitality, and learned so much from people's generosity. Too soon, Sharon and I were packing our suitcases and preparing for the journey back to the airport and onto the Rafiki Orphanage. It was hard to leave our comfortable "home" at KIST, and we wondered what we were getting ourselves into. Would they let us take all the luggage? We had four pieces when we were only supposed to have two. Would there be anyone to meet us? What would it be like to stay at the orphanage?
Our worries were all for nothing--the flight was very smooth, even though we took off in a lightning and thunderstorm, and we soon found our luggage (not something to be taken for granted-- Jeff and Lisa still have not heard anything about the suitcase that never made it to Kenya!) A gentleman, William, was holding up a sign with our names on it and escorted us to the largest, most luxurious vehicle we had seen since arriving in Kenya, complete with air conditioning and plush seats! He expertly navigated the streets of Nairobi, then once again we were in very bumpy terrain. William told us how good it was that it hadn't rained in the past week, as that would have made the roads to the orphanage impassable. Located near to a government research farm, the orphanage was off a remote road which would have been easily missed if you didn't know what to look for. Soon, we were at the gate of the orphanage and saying good-bye to our escort.
Our new host, Amos one of the muzees (respected elders) and board members of the ministry, helped us with our things and told us the children had stayed up late to welcome us. Sitting in a very large room were several rows of children-- looking very healthy, clean and well-dressed. We were introduced, and the children shyly sang us a welcome song. We brought in the instruments and ceremonially presented them to the children. Sharon tuned the guitar and Amos helped me to set up the keyboard. We sang "This Little Light of Mine," "Down in My Heart," and "Jesus Loves Me" with the children, and then it was time for bed. We spent some time having chai and buttered bread with the house moms, Joyce and Susan, and the social worker Caroline before going off to bed ourselves. Our room was in the girls' side of the dormitory-- while it seemed strange to us, it was clean, with two beds, mosquito nets and plenty of room for our luggage. We were soon asleep. Next Post
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