|By Annete Karanja|
It is one thing to spend time with those you know, and another to engage with a stranger. Being in their presence may be a one-time experience, or one that brews a lifetime friendship. But how does that dynamic change when some of them are babies? On reflection, it is a kick start to the authenticity in our lives or a refresher on how fortunate we are, and what really matters. Here is a snippet of how the ‘Mula” team made it happen for those at the Wings of Compassion, a children’s home in Madaraka area.
When was the last time you experienced both or one of them? Na usiseme at camp! As the holidays are around the corner, the team rehearsed for their time at ushago. For those who use meko or LPG, it was an encounter that resulted in a running nose, coughs, and probably flooded red eyes. The moments of laughter shared ushered in cooking with some ‘expertise’ influences. Take for instance, cooking chapo on a jiko is not for the faint-hearted, speed is a requirement, and planning ahead will save you from serving burnt chapos. Another effective method would be removing excess firewood to moderate the intensity of the flames, a process comparable to turning a knob on an LPG cooker. All we can say is that the success of this cooking venture was largely due to the team’s organized approach, establishing a conveyor belt sequencing that efficiently coordinated each member’s tasks, resulting in a seamless culinary experience
Flipping the coin
How exactly did they do that? By stepping out of their comfort zone, engaging strangers, and conversing with each other in an unfamiliar space, detached from screens and financial concerns. In addition, they put in time and effort by not queuing and waiting to be served but rather by preparing meals that they not only shared with others but also among themselves. In the process of making the munches, pointers on how to make a ‘soft succulent round chapati’ were shared and close monitoring of the stew’s water levels in the large pot to prevent burning while ensuring it provided enough soup was done. These team efforts somehow negate the saying that ‘too many cooks spoil the broth,’ because all hands were needed on deck. A lesson from the team is that we should, whether individuals or teams, intentionally challenge ourselves to help those that can never give back to us, and make it a habit. Not for self-gratification, but as a constant reminder of what really matters in life. It is about appreciating our health, shelter, food, and family as we have fun enjoying these aspects with those we know.
We appreciate the finance team for raising kitty funds to cater for the medical bill of one of the babies.
Visit the Community Service Center at the Student Center on 3rd floor to find out how you can join them in the many engagements they have so you can impact a life in uncharted territories.
