5 Lessons Learnt from my Mt. Kenya Experience

“And if these mountains had eyes, they would wake to find two strangers in their fences, standing in admiration as a breathing red pours its tinge upon earth's shore. These mountains, which have seen untold sunrises, long to thunder praise but stand reverent, silent so that man's weak praise should be given God's attention.” 

― Donald Miller, Through Painted Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road

Yes!! One month ago, I got the opportunity to tick off the first item on my bucket list: to climb Mt. Kenya. I accomplished this with a group of 11 others who were part of Tandaza Trust’s Mt. Kenya Challenge, an initiative organized by General Electric (GE) and Tandaza Trust.  Tandaza Trust is a non-profit organization established in 2012 as the social justice arm of Kileleshwa Covenant Community Church (K3C). Its vision is to transform communities through economic, social and spiritual empowerment. The Trust does this through the following programs:

{  Street Ministry

{  Rehabilitation

{  Education

{  Empowerment 

{  Sports & arts

Since its inception, Tandaza Trust has been able to reach out to, rehabilitate, empower and equip over 200 former street children, men and women. The Trust runs a Transformation Center for rehabilitation and empowerment at Kiserian. The land where the center is located is leased, but Tandaza Trust has a desire to buy the property. To raise seed money for this endeavor Allan Kilavuka, an employee of GE and a member of K3C organized the Mt. Kenya Challenge.

Pre-Climb

Getting ready to start the climb

Xtrym Adventures is the awesome company that was hired to handle the rigorous pre-climb training and also the actual climb. We had several excursions including Kilimambogo, Kilome Mountains(Kiou & Kayata Hills) and Ngong hills in preparation for Mt. Kenya. We also went shopping for climbing gear including water and wind proof pants and jackets, thermal wear, climbing poles, camel bags among others.

Actual Climb

We took the Sirimon Route. It is the most popular and gentle route in Mount Kenya and also the most interesting because it is on the drier side of the mountain. We left Nairobi at 6am, stopped at Nakumatt, Nanyuki to buy snacks then headed towards the Sirimon gate. Our climb started after we registered with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The rest of the story will be in the pictures at the end of the post. In the meantime, here are 5 profound lessons I learnt during the 4 day affair at Mt. Kenya:

1.      God’s love is so high, I cannot fully understand it

When we got to Old Moses Camp which is a gentle 9 Km climb from the Mt. Kenya National Park gate, we could see Batian, the highest peak. It was a far off, about 12 km from Old Moses, but it stood as near the heavens, beautiful and majestic. I gazed at it as dusk approached, its jugged rocks covered in shimmering snow and I was overwhelmed. And I was reminded of this scripture: 

Psalm 36:5-6a

5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,

    Your faithfulness to the skies.

6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains…

Batian peak, Kenya's highest point, shrouded in mist 

If God’s love is higher than what I could see, then it was beyond my understanding. I can only embrace it.

Psalm 8:3-4

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; 4What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? 5Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty!

He is mighty, but He loves us still.

2.     Sometimes the darkness in our path is necessary

On the second day of our climb, after a 12km climb though rain and mist we got to the foot of the majestic peak Batian. The peak was shrouded in fog but as it cleared, I asked Duncan, the XTRYM adventures founder how we were supposed to get to Lenana peak, which was behind Batian. He laughed as he pointed to an imaginary path up the side of magnificent Batian. I could not see the way! And he responded: “that is why we start the climb at night.”

Climbing to the summit in the morning darkness

I did not understand what he meant until when we started the climb at 2am. We were well covered in layers: thermal pants and tops (long and short sleeved), long and short sleeved fleece, cargo pants, water/wind proof pants and jacket, balaclava, woolen hat, 2 pairs of gloves (including water proof, 2 pairs of winter socks and water proof boots. Strapped around our foreheads were headlamps to aid in lighting the way. As we began the climb, I realized that I could not see elsewhere except behind the guide who was in front of me.  When I looked besides me, all I saw were silhouettes of steep jugged rocks. And I realized that if indeed it was during the day, and I saw how steep the sides were, I would freak out and not make it to the summit. Darkness covered the treacherous way, and therefore I focused on the path lit by the head lamp.

Psalm 119:105

~Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path~

3.      Trust the guide

Throughout the climb, I learnt to trust in the guide. I was always behind Abass the lead guide and had to trust that wherever he stepped was safe, especially in the darkness. The way was treacherous and one wrong step could be fatal.

Psalm 37:5

~Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass~

4.      If in need, ask for help, be vulnerable sometimes

All my life, I have been taught to be self-sufficient. I have learnt to be strong. But as we neared the summit, I felt my body give way, my strength was gone and my will power gone. I could not move another step. So I told everyone: you guys go, you will find me here on your way back. But everyone was adamant. We are not summiting without you, they said. I tried to move but I couldn’t. I got so frustrated that I began to cry. Tyson, one of the climbers put his hand on my shoulder and made a short prayer. Then Abass the guide came back a few steps and offered his hand. I, who rarely asks/accepts help put my hand on his and for the

rest of the climb to the summit, he held me like a child, leading and clutching my hand every step of the way, upto the summit. I cannot claim that I did it on my own. I did not get to the summit just because I am physically fit, or because I have a strong will. I accomplished it because I was with a supportive team, I had awesome guides (and porters who carried the bulk of my stuff) and above all, I had God.

Excited to have reached the top but very exhausted

Phillipians 4:13

~I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me~

5.     Never give up!

This sounds so cliché. Everybody says it. But on that day when my body refused to move and I nearly gave up, I learnt that it is indeed true that sometimes, we want to give up when we are so so close! I had come 95% of the way, I could see the peak right above me, but my will was nearly zero. Yet if I had given up, I would not be writing this, I would not claimed that I had climbed Mt. Kenya.

The whole team at the top of the summit

I learnt many lessons on that climb, but for now, those are the major lessons. I hope someone will be encouraged to climb Mt. Kenya and learn their own lessons. It was one of my greatest experiences. More pics below. 

Excited to have gone to the top and back

My day pack and my luggage bag

The guides, the potter and I

Batian Peak from afar

Along Likii valley

Add caption

Sunrise at the summit

Soft snow

The clouds beneath us

The journey down

We came, we saw, we conquered!

Photos taken by Tyson Paul

Kids Comp Camp: August Edition

Last week, a group of fourteen young people traveled to Kihuyo Primary School in Nyeri County. They blazed the misty cold and for 4 days, they taught computer skills to 59 kids (grades 6-8). Who are these young people? They are mostly university students recruited by Kids Comp Camp and the Molly Kiunga Foundation.

Kids Comp Camp is an initiative to help young learners, 9-14, living in marginalized communities and with no prior exposure to computers catch up with current digital knowledge driven society. The Molly Kiunga Foundation seeks to support education and to develop leadership and life skills among refugees and Kenyan youth.

This is the second comp camp in Kihuyo. The first one was held in May. For more on that camp, see: Kids Comp Camp: A Kompyuta Mashinani Initiative

For the August camp, the main topics included:

v  Introduction to the Internet, how to connect to the Internet, browse webpages and websites, use search engines, and communicate with others using email, other online media.

v  Types of computer networks

LAN – Local Area Network.

WAN - Wide Area Network

v  Uses of the Internet

v  Common Features of the Internet

The kids were divided into groups of 5 and each group was assigned a trainer and a laptop. After each session, the groups chose a project which they worked on for about 45 minutes. They then presented to the rest of the class. The best group received a prize.

On Saturday, we received guest trainers from Dimension Data, Kenya. They brought goodies such as biscuits, popcorn, potato crisps, sweets and juice for the kids. They also donated books and pens for the school.

The learning was mixed with fun and games as evidenced by the pics below.

 If you would like to be part of the great work we are doing, contact Winnie: wkiunga@gmail.com or  Caleb : ndaka09@gmail.com

Happy Father's Day: Tribute to my Dad

Where to begin? O I know! My father was the funniest person I ever knew. He had the funniest stories. He kept us laughing every time he came home, which was not often. You see, my dad was a train mechanic (train engineer in US vocab). He was always on thabari/safari (work related travel). He was all over the place along the East African railways. Sometimes he would be gone for a month. It was even worse after my mother got a transfer to Nyeri and the distance was now longer.

Nevertheless, he ensured that he compensated for the long absence. When on leave, he would stay in shags (our rural home in central Kenya) the whole time. During that time, food was yummier (my dad was super particular about his food) so we ate special foods when he was around. He enjoyed mum’s food and would always whisper that my mom was the best cook in Central. Although he would brag often that he is the one who taught my mom how to make soft chapati—a claim my mom refuted until many years after his death, when I confronted her about it. And she sighed with nostalgia.

She told me:

A week after Richie (what mum called dad—instead of Richard) married me, I decided to make chapati. When he came home, I served him on his favorite plate. After the meal, he did not praise me as usual. He was silent. And I asked: well? And he said hmmmm…..everything was great. Pause. Except the chapati. The chapati was as hard as mabatis (iron sheets).  Nikizirusha, zitafika gikomba. If I fling them, they will fly over Gikomba market.

My mom was upset. But my dad had a solution. The following day he went and bought flour, margarine and other ingredients. And he made the best chapati mum had ever tasted. And that was in the 70s, when not many African men entered the kitchen. But my dad was no ordinary African man.

He dressed in the best suits. His English was impeccable. He had a collection of books enough to fill a library. All signed Richard Burton Kiunga. Richard Burton was a Welsh actor who was known for his smooth baritone voice. Dad would often imitate him as he did his comedy around the house. And books, he taught me to read. By third grade, I was reading Famous Five, Hardy boys and Nancy Drew. By fifth grade, I was reading Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy—something that wowed teachers at my village school. And he taught me how to be creative. And to exaggerate, one of the not-so-great-things to teach a child. And to have mischief…oh my! What mischief I had!

I remember when in fifth grade….It was closing day. Parents would come for the ceremony to witness the appreciation of the best students. But although I was the top student in my class, I knew I was in big trouble. You see, there was this gang of boys and girls from 8^th and 7^th grade…they were recruiting people –students really—into mischief such as stealing mangoes, playing rough after school and fighting. For self-defense (that was my excuse), I joined them. And although I was not involved in the fights and the other shenanigans, I had the protection of the ‘mafia’. So on this fateful day, as the principal called names of gang members so that parents could punish them, I pretended to doze since I had taken cold meds that morning. My name was not among them! Phew!

 

I rejoiced too soon, for one student said my name out loud. Nkt! Squealer! The principal didn’t add my name to the list, but my name was now forever  tarnished. I expected dad to kill me. On the way home he asked me: “Be truthful, were you supposed to be on the list? Are you a gangster?”

I paused and then timidly nodded.  “But I am a silent follower.”

Bwahahahahahahaha!! My little girl is in a gang?!! He was bending in laughter. I relaxed a bit, but still expecting a spanking. After he was done he said. “My girl, you need to quit that gang. Gangs are bad. Does your mother know you are in a gang? Because you would have been dead by now. Hahahaha! My girl is a gang! Lord have Mercy!

I left the gang, which had anyway been disbanded by the school authorities. But my dad was one who appreciated mischief. My mom was constantly infuriated by his refusal  to punish me as hard as she wished. But now understand why: Grandma always said dad was very mischievous when he was a boy. There is one exception though. When in 5^th grade, I once lied to him that there was someone at the gate. When he left to see who it was, I sipped his beer. I was really just curious to know how it tasted. When he came back, he told me to fetch his belt and I knew the day of reckoning was finally here. Before he spanked me he asked me:

Did you sip my beer?

I nodded.

And you like it?

Nah! Tastes like urine (like I had ever tasted urine)

Repeat after me: I will never again drink beer.

Amidst beatings

I will never again drink beer

After he finished with me I asked him: Dad, how can you drink such an eewwsh thing? And he told me that he started drinking out of peer pressure. And had someone told him that it was wrong, that one can get addicted, he would not have started. So my American friends, that is why I stayed away from Alagash and Corona.

My dad was also a great teacher. He helped me with homework, except Math. He would always say: Go to your mother. At the age of 9, we would read the newspaper together. His favorite columnists were Wahome Mutahi (Whispers) and Yussuf Dawood (Surgeon’s Diary). We would then do the crossword together. Yeah, I am now addicted to crosswords. He told me they invigorated the brain.

I can go on and on. But I can never finish. When dad passed on in November 1997, our world as a family, my world was rocked. I could not imagine a life without his humor. Who would I read newspapers with? Who would understand me and teach me how to balance my mischief. I was devastated. Who would play with my little sister, she didn’t get a chance to know him. But I was comforted to know that he had given his life to Christ on his deathbed.

Dad, 18 years have gone by. And we still miss you. Here’s what you have missed:

·         I finished high school, went to university and even flew to the US. I wished you were there at the airport to see me off. I have become even more beautiful and brilliant. Wink wink. I still love trains. And telling stories.

·         Carol has grown! Remember she was so small when you left. She was among the top students in KCPE and her name was in the papers! Then she went to Alliance High School—you would have been so proud. And she went to University and is now doing her Master’s. And she got married!! Your little girl got married!!! Don’t worry, we vetted him and he is great. He is an engineer by the way.

·         Mom is doing great. (not because you are gone) but we try to keep her happy. She is as beautiful. She is getting old though. The other day I saw a wrinkle on her neck. But she is still lovely. She takes care of the coffee. Though she claims that when you were on leave, you would prune only one coffee tree per day whereas she can prune ten. I know! You can’t vindicate yourself. But I think she is telling the truth. I was young but I was observant.

·         You have a grand-daughter. Jamo has a baby girl. She looks like Mercy.

·         Speaking of Mercy, she still laughs. Still the quietest and the sweetest of us all. Though she has a streak of mischief and a sense of humor. I wonder who she got it from. Ha!

·         Roba stills looks like you. Is like you: Too intelligent.

Well, those are the updates. I don’t think we will see you soon coz we have too much do before then.  I bet you are happy over there and you are making everyone laugh.

Till we meet again.

Kids Comp Camp: A Kompyuta Mashinani Initiative

Two weeks ago, the Molly Kiunga Foundation in collaboration with Kids Comp Camp held a three-day computer training camp at Kihuyo Primary School, Nyeri County.

Who is Kids Comp Camp?

Comp Camp is an ICT-driven grassroots platform that seeks to improve digital literacy among kids in rural, under-resourced and marginalized communities.

Why Comp Camp?

Recent research indicates that the ratio of students to computers in rural areas in 150:1 compared to a ratio of 15:1 in urban settings. To bridge this gap, Kids Comp Camp provides basic ICT trainings through group and one-on- one mentor-ship. To ensure sustainability, Kids Comp Camp aspires to establish a comp lab at each school they partner with.

How can I get involved?

First,

Attend the 3C!

As a means of raising support and creating more awareness, Kids Comp Camp has partnered with some of Nairobi's finest artistes to stage a one of a kind concert; 3C (Comp Camp Concert), where "Technology Meets Music".

Event Details:
Date: Sunday, 31st May 2015
Time: 3pm - 6pm
Venue: Parklands Baptist Church
Cover Charge: KES 500

Advance tickets can be purchased via Lipa Na Mpesa Till Number 308199 and you will be contacted to confirm your order.

Artist line up:
Vereso, Cindy Vereso Musera
Kienjeku Njoroge
Headboy Kichwatah
Emmanuel Lane
G Clef (Parklands Baptist)
Uncovered: The Band
Mabalozi Acapella
B&M Ensemble
Mark Mwenda Poet 
JIMS and DIMS dance crew
Alo & Victor Mutisya dance crew

Second:

Sponsor a comp camp, donate a device (laptop, desktop pc, tablet, ipad etc), donate a lunch box, or become a trainer.

For more information, visit: http://kidscompcamp.com/

WALK FOR THE STREETS!

DID YOU KNOW?

That you have the power to make a difference in the lives of homeless people living in the streets of Nairobi?

In 2007, the Kenyan government estimated that there were a staggering 300,000 children living and working on the streets across Kenya[1]With numbers expected to rise by 10% every year, it is projected that by the end of 2015, there will be over 500,000 street children with more than 100,000 living in Nairobi. 

Street children and families face the following problems:

• Harassment
• Violence amongst themselves and towards others
• Drug taking and trafficking
• Sexual exploitation accompanied by a high risk of contracting STIs and HIV/AIDS
• Loneliness and fear
• Physical, emotional abuse and neglect
• Starvation
• Exposure to the elements
• Early, unplanned and uncontrolled pregnancy and parenthoo
• Poor hygiene and sanitation

Currently, there are approximately 7,000 street families in the country, but a recent survey by the daily nation indicates that county governments have made negligible efforts in their rehabilitation[2]But while the commission to reintegrate street families is irrefutably challenging, Tandaza Trust believes that their lives can be transformed—one person at a time. The Trust intends to continue being part of the solution. How?

We walk for them — and for a future where they will totally be integrated back to the community.

WHO IS TANDAZA TRUST?

Tandaza Trust is a non-profit organization established in 2012 as the social justice arm of Kileleshwa Covenant Community church. Its vision is to transform communities through economic, social and spiritual empowerment. The Trust does this through the following programs.

• Street ministry
•  Rehabilitation
• Education
• Empowerment
• Sports and Arts

WHAT IS OUR MISSION?

To transform street families: One person at a time

Inspired by this mission, Tandaza Trust is leading the fight against homelessness. We invite you to be part of this amazing work. Together, we can make their lives better. Our major needs include: 

      The Tandaza Transformation Center: The Trust acquired lease of a property in Kiserian. Renovation on the property was started but is not completed due to shortage of funds.

      Greenhouses and a kitchen garden: The  beneficiaries will be taught on sustainable farming methods. The greenhouses will also provide food for daily consumption and for sale.

      A dairy unit

      Bio-gas installation

      Chicken coop holding 2000 chicken

      Children’s wing and playroom

      Van

      Monthly upkeep for the beneficiaries: food, rent, electricity and water

The walk will take place on 30^th May 2015. Below are the routes:

Walk route:

K3C – Ole Kejuado Rd. - Gatundu Rd. - Nyeri Rd. - Othaya Rd. - Gitanga Rd. - Oloitoktok Rd. - Kieni Rd. - K3C = 5.7km

 

Run/cycling route:

K3C - Ole Kejuado Rd. - Gatundu Rd. - Nyeri Rd.-Olenguruoni Ave.- James Gichuru Rd. - Gitanga rd - Oloitoktok Rd. - Kieni Rd. - K3C = 8.7km

Register now with only Ksh 1,000 at Kileleshwa Covenant Community Church and get a t-shirt or call 0714669642. For more information, visit www.tandazatrust.org

Here's a 2 minute video about the walk: 

                                          We are all in: Are you?

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[1]  Consortium of Street Children (CSC)

[2] The Daily Nation Wednesday, March 26, 2014