Sunday – Mass day
Today father Memo is going to introduce to the community. I have been studying my introduction in Samburu since Thursday. The first part “Eserian, kaaji nkera Claudia” (translation: Hi, I’m Claudia) has been very difficult to learn because it doesn’t make any sense for me, either in English or Spanish.
Anyway, the mass was very nice, just like last Sunday. There was very catchy music and more students than adults. However, there were two differences today: The first one was that the chorus was composed of women and some young men who are very close to the church, instead of students like last Sunday. The second was that today Father Memo was the one who celebrated the mass. This means that the mass was in English (good for me… I’m understood!!!).
Father Memo talked about faith. He said that we have to take risks with faith in ourselves. Through his speech he invited the Samburu people to go to school and learn. He talked about a young man (a warrior) who went to another city, but since he hadn’t gone to school he never learned Swahili (the official language of Kenya) so he couldn’t understand what others from his own country were telling him. He couldn’t read, so he couldn’t understand any of the signals in the city either. He felt really frustrated. I’m understanding something: the missionaries are here not just to talk about Jesus Christ and promote a religion… they are in Barsaloi to teach them about education, health, having productive projects (and now even empowering women!) I like it!!
My presentation was a success…even though I confused some words and the Samburu laughed… but they liked it.
After the mass some ladies approached me to said hello and give me support for my Samburu speech!!
In the afternoon I went with sister Katherine to a meeting with two groups of ladies: Saint Francis and The Beads. They work making bracelets, collars and earring in very nice and colorful designs. Later, I would like to talk more to them when I know them better. My workshops with these two groups are already scheduled: Tuesday and Friday with a group and Wednesday and Sunday with the other. It took me one week to organize this but it is finally happening!! Tthis week I am very excited because I will get to work with more women!!