The Faces of Africa through the Eyes of Three Sisters and a “Bebe”! (Part 2)

Jane Ann and Ron have become quite proficient in Swahili and begin to teach us a few phrases to communicate with their African staff and others we might meet. Habari is the general greeting, similar to hello or good morning. Asante, which was found to be most useful , means thank-you. The third phrase the two visiting sisters and mom tried to remember was Marahaba, a respectful response to Shikamo, which is a common greeting to your elder, a title fitting all three!

A Thanksgiving meal is prepared by some of the missionary families the day after Thanksgiving and Jane Ann, Ron, and her family are all invited. The mom and three sisters thoroughly enjoy baking pies together in Jane Ann’s somewhat sparce but quite adequate kitchen and taking them along to add to the feast. While there a gentle rain produces an African rainbow bringing even the football fanatics outside.

Mount Meru, seen from Jane Ann’s kitchen window, is an active stratovolcano. It is 14,980 feet tall and is the fifth highest mountain in Africa. On Saturday morning everyone jumps into the Landcruiser and Ron confidantly steers upwards into this mountain over rocky hazardous roads. On the journey new sights flood the view of the two visiting sisters and mother. There are women balancing water pots on their heads, children (seemingly no more than 5 years old) herding groups of cattle and goats, field workers cutting grass for their cattle with their foreboding machetes, called pangas. As the truck travels upward the forested slopes appear in sharp contrast to the plain area in which CMF is located. During the ascent the trees are constantly being scanned for any signs of Colobus monkeys. Marlene, the middle sister, is the first to notice the “black and white” monkeys in an outcropping of dense trees just off the road. The first photo opt of animals in Africa brings everyone out of the Toyota.
The next stop is the intended destination-the humble home of Spora & Julius Sosi, Africans of the Maasi tribe, dear friends of Jane Ann & Ron. They are extremely hospitable offering steaming mugs of ugi, an African porridge made from milk and ground grains. This is followed by a delicious rice and beef dish ending with chai, black tea brewed in hot milk and sugar. Conversation is easy and comfortable since Julius, a pastor of several churches, speaks excellent English. After the meal we take a little guided tour around their acreage sporting a garden and pasture area for cows. As the truck pulls away we all comment on the delightful experience!