Engikaret Adventure

This Sunday I, and seven of my friends, went to Maasai Land, Engikaret. We went with Bariki , one of our leaders, to visit his grandfather’s boma. When you think of an African village, and that little hut comes to mind, well a cluster of those is called a boma. These people wear, what is called a shuka. A shuka is a piece of fabric that is a mix between a large scarf and a small blanket. (Don’t worry, I will post pictures) They wear about three or four of these at one time, tying them in different ways, and that makes up their clothes. They wear no underwear. Yes, that also means no bra’s for the women. Something that every man has on him at all times is his machete. One word to describe the Maasai would be jewelry! They wear so many beautiful necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and earrings. Some of their bracelets reach from their wrist to their elbows. As for their earrings, they are pretty impressive. You know how in America some people have gages? Well, that is nothing compared to Maasai. Also, on all of their jewelry they have chains that jingle. Another thing this tribe is known for is jumping. When they dance, they jump! Which makes their jewelry sing. It is quite a remarkable thing to watch. I am trying to learn how to jump like a Maasai, there is an art to it.

            So, on Sunday I was privileged to visit Engikaret. On our way to the base in Engikaret, Bariki wanted to find some wildlife for us. So, who needs a safari when you have a Maasai! We were able to see zebras and gazelles in the wild. Not on a reserve, but yes, in the wild! Also, on the wide, African plains I was able to ride a piki piki or boda boda (motorcycle) to the zebras. It was so much fun! Once we arrived to the base, we met some of the staff there, and then drove to the boma. There, we had tea with some of Bariki’s relatives. (Chai, or tea, is a really big thing here in Africa. In every house you visit, it is rude to not offer your guest tea, in the same way to deny the tea is almost an insult to them.) Also, we were able to step inside one of the houses to see how they live. It is extremely small. There was a “bed”, the area for a fire to be used as a stove, a few shelves, and a small small window was their only opening for their source of light.

            After we left the boma, we went back to the base in Engikaret to attend “the fellowship”, the church service. Worship, lasted about an hour, which was full of so much energy and joy! Bright smiles, jewelry ringing, loud voices, and grunting sounds… that is the things you would hear. You would see the bright colors of the shukas, jewelry everywhere, dark skin with bright white teeth, you would see many children. It was quite an experience. Before we left, the women of the church gave each of us a gift. I received a necklace and a bracelet. I wear them proudly. Each time I walk and hear the jingle of my necklace, I remember this remarkable experience.

            Lord thank you for the diversity in your people!