Harambee

11/13/05

Translations with Robert. Quick errands in Rongo. Lunch.

My time is really winding down. Five weeks left, but it feels like nothing. It feels like it will be gone tomorrow. I've already got to start scheduling my return flight. I am sitting at a desk in a classroom at Kanga Primary, the rain outside is slowing. A man I do not know is speaking over a loudspeaker (which was set up by Pastor Gordon, a man of many talents.) It is a Harambee. Fundraiser. I came to see how it works, and make a small donation. I thought it would be a celebration. Singing and dancing. But instead it's this somber affair with canned music. African easy listening. But just when I got here, Adrian and Paul were sitting in the back of the room, I didn't see them at first, but as soon as I did I beelined and it was picture time. They are both adorable, under 10 years old, and complete camera whores. A perfect combo. The light was nice but I probably needed more for my 100 speed. 1/4 and 1/8 and then finally 1/15 when I moved the desk, all f1.8, if any are tack it will be a great shot. But I guess the chances aren't that great. More kids came and I had o humor them with shots (a couple may be okay, but I would have preferred more time with Adrian and Paul.) I went outside and talked to Odiango and Jim and Onduro about sugar cane. I am anxious for this to start and end, though the rain is still too heavy really to get home with dry cameras. I just heard some shouts and asked Jim what they are, he tells me that the kids are practicing, so, I guess there's maybe a performance after all.

A young boy just came and sat down next to me. He introduced himself as Jimmy. I asked him what class he was in, he said 8, and that he had just taken his exams, that he was placed fifth in the school before the test. He looked so young, and I told him so, and he said, 'in fact, I am so young, I am 12, and it is just through hard work that I got here. I am even competing against people 20 years old.' He was so articulate and confident, and only 12. I was enthralled. I asked where he lives. The orphanage up the road. For how long? 5 years, since his parents both died in a road accident. He told me that he gets his test results on Dec 28th and he hopes I will be around. I will not. I told him so. He told me that it was a shame. He said he hopes that I will come back. He excused himself to go and sit with his friends. I asked if he knew where I stayed. He said he did. I asked him to come and visit me. He said he would. I found him so… unique. I want to put him in our project, more so I want to see his test results. He seemed so intelligent; it would be such a shame if a kid like that wasn't able to continue to high school because of finances. Because his parents died.

This thing is finally starting. It is 16:24. The program says it starts at 10:30. F*cking African time. And now all of a sudden, the students pour in, and this place is packed. But God. They are doing speeches. And more speeches. I'm bored! Help! This is a waste! But it's okay. It's another experience, and I will get through it the same as always, one breath at a time.

As always, there is too much to do. Today, tomorrow, this week, this month, next year, the next decade… I can't help but gaze off into the hazy dark thickness of the future.

Finally, after a wasted hour, I found an opportune moment to make my donation to the school without too much fanfare and make my escape. It was almost dark out, and I was happy to be gone.

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