Well, I've uploaded a video for you all. It only took three tries and about 2 1/2 hours, but here it is!
This is the celebration during our worship service today in honor of six believers baptized into Christ - five brothers and one sister. We are singing "Shangwe, Haleluya!" which roughly translates to "Rejoicings, Hallelujah!" Enjoy!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Manyatta - Last of a Dying Breed
Last week Joe and I went to the Loita district in Maasailand. This is a rather rural area, evidenced by the fact that we lost our cell phone coverage about three hours into our journey - just about where the nice paved road ended as well. From that point, we still had four hours ahead of us to reach our destination of Tiamenang'ien. As I write this, I wish I would have taken some pictures of the "road" out, but I was driving this stretch on our way out.
About half way between the two towns we were visiting (Entasikira and Tiamenang'ien) is a small area where one of the few traditional Maasai manyattas for warrior-hood can be found. Even the Maasai who were with us were surprised and excited to see it.
You can just make out the huts built for each warrior along the top of the ridge. There are actually two circles of huts - one for the "right hand" and one for the "left hand" of the age group. Each hut is built by the mother of the "Ilmoran" going through the rites of passage.
On the third day of our journey, we were actually able to drive into the manyatta as we were asked by a guy in Tiamenang'ien to carry corn there for sale. We were unable to get close-up pictures as we were informed that most foreigners would be charged 10,000 Ksh (US$130) to do so. We might be able to get a reduced rate...maybe 7,000 Ksh instead since we could find someone to introduce us, so we opted for snapping a few photos on the road after we left.
Here are a few closer shots.
About half way between the two towns we were visiting (Entasikira and Tiamenang'ien) is a small area where one of the few traditional Maasai manyattas for warrior-hood can be found. Even the Maasai who were with us were surprised and excited to see it.
You can just make out the huts built for each warrior along the top of the ridge. There are actually two circles of huts - one for the "right hand" and one for the "left hand" of the age group. Each hut is built by the mother of the "Ilmoran" going through the rites of passage.
On the third day of our journey, we were actually able to drive into the manyatta as we were asked by a guy in Tiamenang'ien to carry corn there for sale. We were unable to get close-up pictures as we were informed that most foreigners would be charged 10,000 Ksh (US$130) to do so. We might be able to get a reduced rate...maybe 7,000 Ksh instead since we could find someone to introduce us, so we opted for snapping a few photos on the road after we left.
Here are a few closer shots.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
7 day fast
As I mentioned in my last post, IDES has been a tremendous blessing in assisting us with drought relief. Ryan Chapman with IDES is currently in the midst of a 7 day fast to raise awareness and funds for continued drought relief. Please take a moment to visit the site to learn more and for your chance to be a continuing part of love toward the Maasai.
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