The second year of MCC's self-help group training project is coming to a close. The first 9 groups graduated yesterday from their second and final year of training. During the second year they had trainings and field trips around agriculture, alternative livestock, water harvesting, drought preparedness, etc. The Manager, Ann, Doug and I all agreed that this year, the ceremony topped last year in its focus on the groups, their stories and accomplishments. All the speeches were full of honor to the groups themselves, full of truth and wisdom. It was so encouraging to the three of us who've been driving this project and working for the empowerment of these groups through giving them knowledge and coaching in their own projects rather than handouts. We felt full of thankfulness.
Each of the groups had their own goals and projects. During the ceremony, there was a wonderful time of hearing each chairperson share what they'd accomplished as a group. The group that took home the "best group" award cup was the same group as last year, the ladies group from Olentoko. Their group stood way above the rest with their ability to organize, contribute their funds regularly and follow through with life changing projects among their members. To mention a few of the many projects they did: bought materials for each of the 25 members for improved houses in order to harvest rain water off the tin sheet, they also purchased tanks for each of those houses. They built local material chicken houses and started raising chickens. Currently they've reached all their goals and have begun contributing together to get their kids school fees.
After the awards and speeches, there was a long song of thanks during which those of us up front were given Maasai blankets and beautiful beads. It is always a humbling experience to have these folks lavish such gifts.
These are our friends from Oldepe. The chairman of the self help group on the left gave an inspirational and passionate speech about God's provision and timing in the midst of drought and living in a land of extreme dryness. This group has dug by hand four large water catchment haffirs (like a deep pond) that have already begun to change their lifestyle with accessibility to water and raising the water table around their area. This group walked from their homes all the previous day to arrive for this event, starting very early in the a.m. and arriving in stages through the night. The tenacity, determination, and committment is always so inspiring to me.
Five members from each of the nine groups joined the team for cooking for the 300 or so folks in attendance. It was quite a feat. Six goats were butchered for the day.
I shed tears of joy as I read this. I also read it aloud to A and N so they could hear what their auntie and uncle are doing. I'm so proud of you guys and I'm very impressed with the groups' accomplishments! SO happy for them that they are banding together to improve things that they want to improve. And I love, love, love the picture of the Olentoko women's group with their shining trophy and giant smiles. To me it symbolizes a big reason why you are there. I hope the memories of the event encourage your heart.
ReplyDeleteYou are part of something significant here, sweet Cousin. Enduring personal hardships and sacrifice, you are offering not just knowledge but dignity to those we often overlook. Thank you for opening a window for us to share a bit in your - and their - lives. God bless you with abundant Joy!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to credit Doug with the great photos! It truly was an amazing day. I felt so full of happiness afterwards. This was definitely one of those times when you stand in awe of God.
ReplyDeleteI am joyfully weeping, as usual. I am pleased and proud that you two have the opportunity to participate in this part of God's work in the Rift Valley. Could more of the world hear this story? It is so humbly motivating!
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