It is my extreme honor to introduce you to Ola Nagele, a small Kenyan town whose name manes Peaceful Village. We visited her people for the first time today. The elders of the village, the local chief and even some government officials showed up as well.
“You are very welcome.” We heard this phrase untold times today. And we felt welcome, too. I cannot imagine how we possibly could have been greeted any more warmly. The women clapped their hands and made the most surreal sounds with the tongues, laughing and grasping our hands as we walked in.
There aren’t any cars in the village, except today for the ones we came in on. Nor is there any clean water or toilets. The nearest water source is 4 kilometers away, a distance a handful of the villagers walk daily, carrying water back to their families in containers.
To look into their eyes and see their joy filled grins today, you would never know that they face so many challenges.
But looking around their humble village was, well, humbling.
The best of the best of the best was pulled out for us today, though. A freshly slaughtered goat was our dinner, with rice and stew on real plates with forks. The villagers, whoever could fit (the others leaned in the windows, clamoring for a look at the foreigners), crowded into the meager school building and watched us eat. They ate nothing, drank nothing, but simply clapped and laughed and marveled that we were there. “You came all the way from your own land to help us. You are very welcome.”
Indeed, we felt welcome, although I longed for the children to eat the savory meat instead of me. In the hot, hot schoolhouse, they then danced for us. Chanted, sang, squealed, drummed, jumped and pulled the two married women in to their circle to dance with them. Yes, I danced. Or I tried to. Laughing and telling the women, “You are so beautiful!” as they held my hands and laughed.
And laughed. It is very clear that any help giving, education passing along and love sharing that goes on between this village and the people who decide to adopt it will go both ways. They have so much to offer, the people of Ola Nagele. They are so warm, so friendly. And so thankful to not be pushed away. Historically a disempowered people with no political representation in Kenya, the beautiful people we met today have been forgotten in many ways. Their religion is different from that of many Kenyans, their traditions unfamiliar, their language not widely understood.
To be in their midst today was to realize easily our commonality with them, though. We are all people. Humans. Voyagers on this globe together. Neighbors, although we hail from different continents. Fathers, brothers, sisters. Mothers. They are like you, friends. Like me. Like us.
My thoughts landed upon my own family, aching with the love I have for my children. I know these mothers feel the same for their babies; I could taste it. They want the best for them. A hope. A future. Approximately 75 children in the village of Ola Nagele are deaf, a fact we only learned today and do not quite understand yet. Cataracts could be clearly seen in the eyes of many, the cloudiness most evident in the oldest’s eyes, yet seen also in young children’s.
In a sort of ceremonial surprise, I was asked to come stand in front of the villagers, where a handful of women swarmed around me, tying the most beautiful orange, gold and red sari on me, declaring my Borana name to be Kabale because my visit will “bring them cool water,” the chief told me. No pressure, right? The chief even wrote it on a paper for me. It was an amazingly rich cultural experience for all of us today.
Just before sunset, it started to rain, a welcome sight in this drought stricken area. We said our goodbyes and our “see you tomorrow’s,” but not before one last dance. Yes, we danced and chanted and sang for what we all estimate was at least an hour if not substantially more. Do you see me dancing with my new friends? It was a fast, happy, blur, today was.
And to think it was only day one of many.
Tomorrow we are visiting another more well established village, digging a water line and laying PVC pipe, possibly working on English with schoolchildren and just doing whatever else happens to come up. Should you be thinking about joining the extended Ola Nagele village, helping to “adopt” them as they work to get themselves into a more sound place, please make sure to be here on Tuesday morning (States time). For it is then when 99 of you who are willing to extend your hand to these beautiful people will have the chance to take that step.
Love to you all today, wherever in the world you are.
I am LOVING seeing traditional babywearing pictures!!!
I bet you are, Amber! Isn’t it great??
The people are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing the awesome photos and for what you mean to those people so many miles from us. God loves all of them and thanks for sharing some sunshine and love into their lives! Hugs!
What a wonderful blessing! I wish I could travel to Africa to see the land and the beautiful people that live there!
Beautiful pictures. My husband & I can’t wait for your post with the details on how we can help Ola Nagele.
Wow, what an amazing experience
Can you do a post on exactly what the outcomes of this trip will be? This will be important information to have before Tuesday morning.
From your previous post commenters there still seems to be this misconception that you are there on a mission trip as opposed to a humanitarian trip. I don’t understand why people are having trouble with the difference and that it’s all OK–humanitarian is very good.
When I’ve traveled to Kenya and other countries on the continent, I have found the local people to be a bit put off by big intrusive cameras. A few of the men in your pictures had a look of suspect in their eyes. Try to be respectful with all those closeups. They aren’t worth insulting anyone.
The women are s beautiful in all their colorful clothing and jewelry. It would be wonderful if you could sell some of thier handmade pieces for them here and send them 100% of the profits. What a great business venture for them. My business partner and I have a similar connection with a group of women in Tanzania–the profits all 100% theirs, we are a simple vessel to get the product to a customer. Basa Body, our of Provo, also has a business connection with a group of women in Kenya. There is so much that can be done to help these women support their families and communities.
Your statement “We are all people. Humans. Voyagers on this globe together. Neighbors, although we hail from different continents. Fathers, brothers, sisters. Mothers. They are like you, friends. Like me. Like us. ” seems to tell those of us sitting comfortably in our western homes that we are ignorant of other cultures and the connection we have with them. This is not a fair sweeping generalized assumption to be made. Perhaps you did not intend for it to sound this way and I have simply taken your wording the wrong way, in which case I apologize.
Voyages sécuritaires. Amusez-vous à faire de nouveaux amis et d’apprendre un nouveau mode de vie, et j’espère que vous êtes en mesure de venir à domicile en changements dans votre propre vie reflétant les leçons apprises lors de votre voyage.
Wow, what wonderful, beautiful people filled with such light! I expected to see beautiful and touching pictures but the smiles and light that shines from the people really blows me away. As a scientist, I am very intrigued at the deafness rate in the children there. I would love to know more about both that and the general heath. Is there any formal health care system in place for the villagers of are they forced to travel long distances to get any health care? There are so many things to learn about this new and wonderful place. It seems like such a small and easy thing for us to make a difference for this one village. I am excited to learn more! Take care and pass on my well wishes to your companions and the people you are meeting.
I most definitely will…and I’m interested in some of the same questions you have raised here. Hoping to learn lots this week. Hugs to you!
Just as a point of interest: You know Martha’s Vineyard used to be predominantly deaf? I would imagine this village is similar. A somewhat isolated group with a deaf gene(s) among them eventually spreads around!
(I’m sure you figured the last part out for yourself, but I thought you might be interested in the Martha’s Vineyard aspect.)
I didn’t know that about Martha’s Vineyard (and I grew up in New England too). It seems as that is probably a very similar genetic cause but I’m guessing the way the villagers deal with deafness and the sign language are probably different. It is very interesting to learn about how small villages deal with these types of traits, if they consider them real handicaps or if they view them as something different. I will have to check out the history of Martha’s Vineyard, it sounds interesting. Thanks for the info.
Agreed! This raises many, many interesting questions.
For whatever reason, this post brought tears to my eyes. It must be the joy in my heart that you are there with others to bring these people help. It is truly awe inspiring how warm and welcoming they are to people of the western world. I am looking forward to more posts from you. I think it was the rain that did it for me. What a small blessing for it to rain.
Their hands, smiles and brightly colored scarves are breathtaking! Fabulous photos! Love you!
Love you, too!!
The pictures are great! I am very interested in other cultures so I check in for updates quite often. Blessings!
I was sharing the photos you posted with my teenage daughters….. we are all in awe! Simply breathtaking!
Amazing!
It’s interesting about the children being deaf….since I’m an interpreter for the deaf and teach ASL (American Sign Language). Are they using a sign language? That must be difficult….ugh
Thank you for the beautiful pictures! God bless you there and a safe return!
Yes, I saw many of the children using a sign language!
Hey, Bethany! Just wanted to give you a “shout out” from a fellow terp in Oklahoma!
Hi Lisa!! Terps must sick together
I’m in Michigan!
Beautiful photos! What an amazing experience.
Even though I don’t believe in mission trips I wish you the best of luck and look forward to reading about the rest of your experience.
May I ask, Erin, why you don’t believe in mission trips?
The university I went to for undergrad had a program where individuals from developing countries came to be educated in community development (health, natural resource management, advocacy, leadership) – and form partnerships that provide financial resources for their communities.
I know from speaking with these students that although they are grateful help provided by mission/humanitarian groups, it is not the best solution for their communities. I learned from them that change is much more significant, powerful and lasting when community members are responsible for that change from the ground up (so to speak).
The money spent to send a group of 10 on a mission/humanitarian trip can be spent on providing education for people who actually live in the communities as well as funding for necessary projects in their communities. Additionally, individuals provided with education can educate others and help other communities – that gift of education can keep giving for decades.
Mckmama mentioned that the approach of this group is different. I am looking forward to hearing more. Maybe their approach is a little more in line with what I believe – in which case I will jump on the opportunity to be one of the 99.
I read with tears in my eyes. I am too comfortable. I would give anything to be with you right now. Really.
Keepcalmandcarryonblog.blogspot.com
Rachel
All those warm smiles and pink saris (how on earth did they know to give you orange?) must have been quite an amazing welcome. Your dinner looks quite scrumptious too. The rain must have been quite a sight for sore eyes. Looks like your new name is quite appropriate. Your updates are all very touching.
Your photos are beautiful and I am sure you are learning and experiencing much. I wish you and your endeavour well but I find it so sad that while you are able to hopefully give them refreshing and needed water you will be unable to give them living waters which is really what they need. What does it profit a man if he has everything but loses his soul.
Praying you keep safe and well.
I haven’t checked in in about a week because of L’s tonsillectomy, and oh, did I miss a lot of action! You are already in Africa and there they are — those beautiful photographs I was looking forward to. Thank you for taking this trip for all of us and reporting back about these resilient, gorgeous people. I love all the babywearing!
I would LOVE it if you could find out for me how long moms there breastfeed their children. Would you ask them for me if they let their kids self-wean? Do you see moms breastfeeding around you?
As someone who finds herself breastfeeding a 4-year-old and often references other countries where that is not unusual at all, I’m so eager to find out.
Liebe Grusse, be safe, and can’t wait to have you back in the US,
Dagmar
Just curious and I apologize if this comes off rude but, How/WHY do you still breast feed a four year old? I am honestly just curious as I have never heard of that before but it seems a little “off”.. The child is walking/talking so isn’t it time he drink out of a cup? I truly want to know why this is happening but there is NO reason you have to answer me but maybe educating will help people understand.. I understand mother child attatchment but that is definitely established by now. Just my opinion, and again just curiousity. Thanks for any input.
I am no longer nursing a 4 year old as the 4 year olds are now adudt men, but I too nursed my children until almost 5 years of age. Why? It worked for us. Nursing is a comforting and nurturing exerience for children and there is no need to stop nursing at 6 months or 12 months. At 4 years of age nursing is not for foor nurishment, it is for comfort and nurture. It’s calming. It was a nightime ritual our home.
Mari,
thanks for your words
So nice to meet another mom who enjoyed extended breastfeeding. That’s what it is for us by now, a night-time ritual and L nurses when we cuddle on the couch, not in public anymore.
He just had his tonsils removed and is surprising everyone with his fast recover. He needs less pain meds and didn’t need the antibiotics the doc wanted to put him on “just in case.” And his breath, which everyone said would be awful, is just fine. I’m convinced that that has to do with the wounds being bathed in healing breast milk several times a day.
Thats funny “IF” it comes off rude and you capitalize WHY. Now do you think that was rude?
I wonder how someone that didn’t BF at all and gave formula was asked how and WHY did you use formula? or someone that only BF for 4 weeks, or 4 months. Children can still nurse and get cups, even use plates and utensils. just sayin’
I hope none of the above sounds to “off” for you.
Maria, I’m happy to elaborate. This post actually explains how I ended up breastfeeding a 4-year old. Trust me, I didn’t start out thinking I would, but I am so glad that I am
http://dagmarbleasdale.com/2010/10/the-benefits-of-extended-breastfeeding/
I have become a passionate breastfeeding advocate and love to share more information, especially with people who have never heard of extended breastfeeding or child-led weaning.
God put you into a land of bright color and beauty! He knows what His daughter likes! And He knows you will see it through your eyes and your camera and then reflect it back to us. Reflection. I think that word is part of your journey. Seeing it, showing it, being it. =o) Love and prayers, Annie
Ola Nagel is ours!! It’s the community I am begging to support! I’ve written to you personally and commented a lot, but I don’t expect you to remember me. What you don’t know is that my husband is profoundly deaf and one of my 4 children is hard-of-hearing. We’ve been wanting to support a village from the beginning but clearly, we WANT and DREAM of supporting Ola Nagel!
I know you have no time and maybe it’s crazy to ask, but on the off chance you find out: Do the deaf children use sign language? Is it a formal language or just a language developed in their village?
Obviously, they have a deaf gene in their village and continue to pass it on. That’s awesome and exciting if you are in the Deaf community!
I completely recognize you from your comments, Lisa! Of course, I had no idea until you told me that your husband is deaf and one of your children is hard of hearing. What an amazing connection it would be all around if your family was able to support this little village!! Yes, they told us about 75 of their children are deaf, and I saw many of them using a sign language with each other. I have no idea if it is a “formal” one. Given the remoteness and history of this village, my first guess would be no, but I will have to see if I can find out more for you. Thank you for sharing and caring!!
Thanks for taking the time to respond. If you think of it, when you go back, please let them know that some of those wanting to connect with and support them are Deaf! Obviously, we have a passion and love for Deaf children and adults. We love them and God made them perfectly, no mistake was made, to accomplish great things for His glory.
How beautiful.
Praying for you!
Breathtaking. Thank you for being willing to leave your family and comfy home to make the world a better place! May God bless the rest of your journey!
So amazing! It doesn’t seem real that you are there already. Well done you for doing it, would love to try something like that at some point in my life. Might come back to you for some tips. Looking forward to your next post. x
Oh, WOW, I love them already! hope I get to be one of the 99!
A beautiful people!
The only words that come to mind are beautiful. I have a quick question, what is the religion of this village? I noticed the women are wearing head scarfs and I was wondering if it was a Muslim village. I can’t wait for more info on how to help this small village. Be safe and enjoy your travels!!
Yes, these beautiful people are Muslim, you are correct!
That is amazing that you all are there to help! I ask because I myself am Muslim and was taken back by the beauty of the women.
Now I really can’t wait to hear details about sponsoring this village. I am eager to share it with out local Muslim community in my area as our Mosque is always looking for service work. This would be a perfect way for us to reach out.
Again thanks for the updates and be safe!
Awesome! Would be so amazing if you and your community wanted to connect with these beautiful people. I have been blown away already by how very much I have in common with them. It is our honor to be here among them!
I’m on staff with GHNI and just wanted to say thank you so much for your heart to serve with us and for your engaging blog! The pics are captivating!! Send my love to Jeff, Jonathan, Melissa, & AJ!!
Will do, Jessica!!!!
Beautiful..so very beautiful.
Thank you for taking me to Kenya.
Guess what? Last night I dreamed I told my husband I was about to go to Kenya. Guess I´m checking your blog way too often
Might be a weird question- but is the village mostly Muslim? I’m just wondering what their religious tendencies are; I know most of the time villages are made up of mostly one religion.
Yes! Their village is Muslim.
Hi Jennifer,
Today at church I was thrilled to find out that our guest pastor was from a church in Zimbabwe called North Point (Baptist Church) I think it was Baptist? So long story short he spoke right to my heart as I sat there and thought of how you were the perfect example of his message. Basically he was saying we all have a job to do, whether God lights a spark in us to go leave our family and travel to Africa, or if it’s buying donuts for the young boy at Dunkin donuts who appears to have no money. I couldn’t help but sit there and think of you and how proud I am of what you’re doing. You are a brave courageous woman and I am so glad you don’t let anything stop you, God Bless!! xo Linmarie
P,S- I would be so honored to help sponsor your village but I will be in the hospital working Tuesday 7-7 eastern time but please let me know if I can still help or if you could hold me a spot. Thanks!
Good luck!!
Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement! (I am not sure if I can “hold” a spot or not…perhaps…can you please email me at contact (dot) mckmama (at) gmail (dot) com and we can talk about it? THANKS!!)
Absolutely awesome!!!! Gives me chills to see and read the happenings of your day! God bless you on this amazing journey
Praying for you and your group and these awesome people!!!
Such a beautiful beginning to your story on this trip!! It gives me goosebumps to read it!!
Simply Amazing! Reading your post makes me feel like I am right there with you. I pray that one day I too can do something like this to help those in need.
The joy that springs forth from places such as this never ceases to completely and utterly amaze me. And humble me.
And the “cool water” thing…hmmm…prophetic maybe?
Jennifer,
Please keep us updated with any information you find out about the cause of the deafness. I am a speech pathologist and find this statistic shocking. In the US only 10% of people are deaf and many of those are deafened. Either there are some strong genetic factors there or possibly high fevers? There are several groups of SLP’s and audiologists that see the need for increased speech and language services in Africa and are mobilizing. A group from Dallas has recently started a program in Zambia to educate therapists and doctors.
Thanks for being there and sharing them with us.
Peyton
Yes, I have many questions myself about the cause of the deafness and I will for sure see what I can learn and share again with you!
MckMama…you are such an unselfish person. The work you are doing is absolutely amazing and very powerful to the rest of us who are not able to travel or unwilling to step out of our comfort zone. You will be blessed richly one day from our great and wonderful savior for helping the less fortunate of God’s people. I have a feeling the next couple of weeks I will be crying everytime I read your blog just thinking about these beautiful people and the unfortunate circumstances they are living in. May God continue to bless you and your group while you are in Africa and I look forward to reading and seeing how the days unfold on your blog each evening before I go to bed. God Bless You MckMama!
The women are so beautiful and so happy and grateful for every little thing. A quality most American’s do not have, unfortunately.
Thank you for sharing your story and I cannot wait to read and see more!!!
Its good to see GHNI working with Muslim villages and not following into prejudice against a whole nation of people not connected to terrorists. Good for them.
Your day must have been so incredible. The pictures and your descriptions were beautiful. What an amazing group of people!!!
It sounds like my son-in-laws village…Jennifer! My husband and I and my sister had the privliage of building a well with my son-in-law and daughter and one other family…There joy at having water in the village for the first time was, well hard to even put words to!!! for $400.00 they had water for the FIRST time EVER…and like this village they had to walk so far for muddy water…we build this well in Doctor’s famlies yard, but they are such a loving people in Ghana also that that the WHOLE village uses the water, and they have been able to plant fruit trees, and have water for livestock…oh, the endless uses of water!!!
What a blessing for you to be a part of this sharing and loving God’s people!!!!
I enjoy hearing and seeing where you are and am praying for your trip…oxoxo SHi~
I am so captivated by these beautiful people- our new friends. So excited to see what tomorrow brings. Praying for you today!
Just beautiful. Seeing your pictures makes my heart happy.
This is beautiful! I cried sweet tears while reading…this is what life is all about! What better way to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Praying for you Jennifer as you you serve!
MckMama,
You truly help others to see just how beautiful the people in the world are. You have a way through your photographs to reach our hearts. You have helped me to see the smiles on these peoples faces in a way that I probably would have never recognized before. Thank you for always sharing with us!
Amazing!
Hi Jennifer!
Great work you are doing! Great blog post. Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to funding Tuk’a and Ola Nagele together! Can’t wait to chat when you return. Safe travels. Keep up the awesome work.
Lily
This was such a beautiful post that it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing this amazing experience with us. Praying for you
LOVE IT!
Incredibly beautiful!
beautiful
Wishing you all the best! Such great human spirits! I’m not there yet I feel it. Amazing!
What a wonderful, beautiful and heartwarming start to your trip! Can’t wait to see more! Love, hugs and blessings to you all!!!?
This brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful experience! Praying for a life-changing trip, for the people of Kenya and you
What a great experience! Praying for you and your team and can’t wait to see what else this trip brings.
Jennifer! How beautiful these people are! And how similar to you with their love for all things brightly colored! Prayed for you early this morning by myself as I thought of you going into the village and later with my family as we worshiped together. God be with you! MR7
Thank you so much, Mindy! You are a sweet, sweet friend. Hugs to all your loves from me, please!