Day Three Under a Tin Roof!

Jennifer helping with laundry

I follow Monika home with Elisha, here youngest running behind. I am expecting the same routine as all the other days and wondering how these women can live day in and day out doing the same thing over and over. But today is not the same. We don't start preparing dinner right away. Instead we start doing laundry and everyone helps. One of the things that brings me some peace is that Monika is never alone in her work of managing this large family. Her 3 oldest daughters, Happy 18, Rosemary 16 and Jennifer 14, all help. Without even being asked! Such a heavy work load is not for one but shared by 4 and their relationship is a marvel to watch. They are family for sure but what is so interesting is that they are friends too. No sister squabbles and no rebukes from mother. It's as if the know their mother needs them as much as they need her.

Washing clothes

Monika teaching Rosemary to bead

We wash clothes together and it's not a chore. There is laughter and singing and telling stories. After the wash is finished Monika pulls out a little stool and table and begins beading sandals. She's not taking her work home, she's not doing this to get ahead at our training center. She is making sandals to sell to earn extra money while she trains with us. Not only that but she is also teaching her daughters the skill. She is passing it on and empowering them. Our goal at Shining a Light is to create a woman who not only gets empowered but empowers someone else too.

After it gets too dark to bead we move inside under the light of a lantern. Today I have brought coloring books and crayons which breaks up the routine of just sitting and waiting for dinner. All the kids, even the cousins cram in the little room to color. Even Happy the 18 year old joins in and we make a contest out of it. Each one trying their hardest to stay in the lines and make their picture the best. Every one of them constantly asking of my approval.

Monika is in the other room preparing a traditional Maasai meal. It's beans and corn mixed together and by far the easiest to prepare and the yummiest yet! After dinner we sit by the light of the lantern and Happy reads from the Bible. Some are doing their homework but as we read the story of Daniel in the Lions Den not one peep is made. After the Bible story we all crawl into bed. There are four of us in mine. No room to spread out and no room to toss and turn but it's warm and cozy and we are all grateful for another day!

Jennifer Beading

In the morning we all start at 6:00. I wake to hear Monika praying, something she does each and every morning before leaving the bed. Her life is hard but her Faith is huge! I am blessed to be apart of this family this week.

The coloring contest by lantern

Over the past few days I have talked separately with some of these family members (some are too shy to talk). I hear about their struggles and their fears for the future. I will be sharing these stories over the next few days. One thing is sure. They have hope because of what Shining a Light is doing for their mother and for their family. This is only possible because of all of you back in the states and your amazing generosity!

Thank you from Me and the Lewanga Family (Monika, Happy, Rosemary, Jennifer, Vincent and Elisha)