We returned to the beach, by popular request, early the next morning. This allowed us to do our team building activities while it was still quiet. We set up camp and I taught everyone how to play the French game, boules. The concept was quickly picked up and there was some surprising talent on display – notably Daniel and Wambua. We soon had a little crowd of spectators cheering everyone on without any understanding of what they were trying to do! One thing I’ve learnt during my trips here is that Kenyans love playing games so none of our teambuilding involved powerpoint or handouts.
After our session, most people headed for the sea. Today, even Wambua and Norah dipped their toes in the water although they did not go further than knee depth and lasted only 10 minutes. At least they had a go. First out and furthest out was Wasike as usual. But Daniel was right beside him.
Daniel is the night security guard – an old Maasai man who speaks no English, little Kiswahili and has never travelled except to take his cattle to find water. But he embraced every new experience on our trip with enthusiasm and curiosity. A lesson for us all!
Rispa, too, was a revelation. “Margaret, how do you swim?” she asked. I gave her a cursory explanation of, and demonstration of, breast stroke. “I’m going to do it,“ she announced, whipped off her rubber ring and launched herself into the water before I realised her intentions. I reached out, ready to grab her. But there was no need. She swam for 20 metres! I have never seen anything like it in my life! Within half an hour she had a rudimentary front crawl, back stroke, breast stroke and she could float. Later, I realised that it was because she had absolutely no fear combined with total confidence that if I could do it then she could too.
What a fantastic attitude. I wish I could bottle it.
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