Emali to Kiboko!!!
I am sitting on a camp chair having sweet potatoes for breakfast, basking in the sweet morning sun as the Magadi Salt train rumbles by behind me with its massive cargo, towards Mombasa.
I am watching the team going about their business and I am certainly amazed at their adaptability. They have become adept at camping. We are breaking camp in readiness for our departure and everyone is going something to contribute. The tents are down and are getin packed in the truck's lower compartment by Chenze, the camp aide who can put up a tent in 60 seconds flat. He is such a treasure! Dan, our chef, and Barry, my brother, who has decided to spend his week off work with the team to encourage them, are washing dishes and stowing them in the kitchen compartment. Dennis, our IT manager is cleaning up the truck, wiping tables and mopping the floor. John, the truck's driver is carefully storing away the foodstuff. Peter is collecting rubbish, Philip is storing the water containers and buckets, Daniel is putting out the charcoal fire, Thomas is putting out water and snack supplies for today's walk and Daniel is keeping away the cooking gas.
This group has become a tightly knit family unit. Spending this past month together has led to new bonds being forged. Probably lifelong friendships are setting root right here. Last night we talked about family. It is clear just how much family means to them. Peter Chacha misses his little girl. She's three and clearly the apple of her daddy's eye. His eyes light up just mentioning her. Nyangi is hoping his now seven-week old son won't forget him. You can see the longing in him to hold his infant boy. Daniel is contented to talk to his family and that his baby is currently healthy. Thomas worries about his wife, who has got high blood pressure and on daily treatment, and his daughter who has been unwell for quite a while. Philip thinks about going back to school to complete his studies once he can afford to.
I regard these men as heroes, but in moments like these, I am reminded that they are also human. This just demonstrates the depth of their sacrifice. Underneath their determination, they are simple warm loving husbands and fathers who are doing extraordinary things in their space. I hold them in awe.
Let me find my toothbrush, Kiboko awaits us...
Post A Comment:
0 comments: