The Orphanage
I have been here now for five days and it seems as though I have been busy for almost every single minute. So busy in fact, that I have not yet managed to set foot outside of the school gates. This means that I have had no opportunity to buy food. Although Mummy Nora is trying to feed me up, I am really looking forward to cooking for myself. Bonface suggests we go to Kiserian where I can purchase supplies after school today. I can’t wait.
At 4pm, we set off. In the car are Teacher Caspa, Teacher Catherine, her first born daughter and 2 babies aged 4 months and 2 years old. The track from the school is bumpy but manageable and we head up the hill to Kisamis. I realise it is the first time I have seen anything in daylight outside of the compound. It is a very hilly area and the views are spectacular. I see my first Maasai in full regalia, tending his cattle. He looks magnificent. Kisamis itself is very small with some bars, clubs and shops. Someone is building a hotel to encourage tourists. We’re on a proper road now and the journey is pleasant. About 1km before Kiserian, we see the first spots of rain. Before long, it is pelting down and there is almost no visibility. By the time we reach the town, there is extensive flooding. It will not be possible to stop the car. We must turn around and go back.
It is a hair-raising ride. We keep the windows open during the downpour because the heater doesn’t work and the windscreen is completely fogged up. Lorries career towards us, some vehicles are already stuck. The right indicator on our car, is flashing and is stuck in the on position. Everyone is laughing and chatting. The atmosphere is nonchalant. Except for me. I’m smiling on the outside but I have never been inside a car in more dangerous driving conditions.
One kilometre outside Kiserian, the rain has stopped and we head towards home as though nothing had ever happened. In Kisamis, which is only a mile from school, we stop. Bonface has spotted Daniel, another school governor and would like to introduce us. We chat for 5 minutes until we feel a few spots of rain. Catherine and I go to a shop to buy something (goodness knows what) All I can find is tomatoes, rice and eggs but it will do just grand. By now the rain is thundering down. We have been out of the car for less than 10 minutes in total. We head for school. The muddy track is like a river. I cannot imagine that we will make it in one piece. Half way down, the car skids before coming to a halt in a newly formed river.
Caspa and Bonface
There are several attempts to get moving but to no avail. Three passing Maasai try to help but they just get covered in mud as the spinning wheels churn uselessly. Everyone is still very relaxed. We will wait until the rain stops and either get the car moving or walk. I look at my stupid sandals. I hope the shower is working tonight. It is still raining after an hour. Time for Plan B. Catherine, her daughter and the babies head off to walk in their bare feet. Bonface, climbs a fence and heads to school. He will fetch me rubber boots. Sometimes it feels good to be a muzungu!
I’m singing in the rain
He returns and I am so grateful for the boots. I tie up my skirt and we carefully squelch our way home. A proper Kenyan adventure!
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