Sherehe!

Olais (who is the national teacher I work with in the classroom) had his third baby while I was in the States.  He invited me to his boma for a Sherehe (party) for the child.  Now, I am still trying to understand customs and how all these things work.  Olais is Maasi and lives up Mt. Meru a bit.  I knew it would be a great learning experience for me plus nice to be asked.  Sunday morning I picked up Loserian (kinda our national leader of workers on the Center) who was invited as well and headed up the  mountain.  It was Market day in Nygaramtoni.  Driving a truck on a one way dirt mountain road at Market Day is not fun just in case you were wondering!  We made it and Olais was thrilled we came.  I got to see Mary his wife (who was his helper in the classroom till she had the baby) his two beautiful daughters and one of the happiest baby boys I have ever seen.  Below is his middle daughter her name translated in English is Grace.  She was the first to steal my heart.  I took gifts of clothes, knitted hats, and bracelets as gifts for the children.  She put her pillow case dress on top of the one she had on crawled up on my lap and stayed there most of the afternoon.  Mzungu (white person) is always kinda the center of attention!  I met Olais family and friends as well.  As the afternoon wore on I am trying to figure out exactly what happens at these things.  I knew that the women were preparing a meal while the men were kinda sitting around and preparing the sherehe area.  That is Maasai for you but wait it gets better!

 This is Olais, Mary, Dorcas (9yrs old,) Grace (3yrs old,) and Samweli (8mths) outside their Boma.

So I am picturing this party to kinda be like a Baby Dedication in the States.  You know not the same thing like as in presentation but in idea and purpose.  I also thought this gathering was because they just had a baby.  Well all those guesses were kinda wrong and I am still trying to figure out the Maasai Tradition of this gathering.  But, first of all Mary's family was like 3hrs late.  Which is very Africa but still come on!  I thought ok well if the mom is old and walking from a long ways I'll cut them some slack.  (Turns out Mary's dad has two wives very Maasai and her biological mom was ill couldn't come but the other wife was.)  But, they came riding up (finally) in 3 or 4 dala-dalas (TZ 70s church van like transport.) The party begins!  All of Olais family begin the African sound of cheer (I like to call it) and lined up in what looked like a Conga Line.  The girls on one side the guys on the other.  They are dancing and cheering as her family are getting out of the vehicles forming the same lines on the other side.  When all are out and in line on both sides they sing a very quiet and moving song while they move to greet each person.  Then, Olais parents form the start of the line then at the entrance of the boma to come in and be seated.  If you click on the second picture below plays button it is a short clip of part of this.  The first picture is all of us seated under the tarp for the Sherehe!

All of this is happening while Mary (mother) and the kids are still in the Boma.  I asked Loserian when they were coming out to join.  He said, "oh they don't come." (As much as I love the Maasai I wouldn't last being a Maasai wife for a day!)   I also found out that this Sherehe is for all the children and only occurs once for all children of Olais.  And, if I understood right it is initiated by the mom's family.  But, I am still working on understanding the details!  The mom's family brought in a truck load of food that they began unloading.  The party began with prayer by Loserian and everyone was then offered a soda.  Then, there is a presentation of money gifts.  Olais father went first followed by the male on that side.  Then the momma and the women.  I guess this is money collected to help with the provision of the children.  Of course I had to dance up there and present my gift.  It was a sight I am sure you are sorry you missed!  You are announced who you are and then the amount you are giving.  In my American mindset I wasn't thrilled about this but as I watched cheers were given for the least just as much as the most.  That mindset didn't apply who gave more etc.  We were fed of course and so far so good if you get my drift!  It was a great learning experience for me and thrilled to be a part.  But, it was exhausting.  I had to leave early get back before dark especially since I had no idea how to get back down the mtn.  Loserian escorted me back till I knew my way.  He is so generous and works so hard to help us!  Hope you enjoy hearing about a Watoto Sherehe for Maasai.  It doesn't begin to do justice but it is the best I can do!  

Prayer Points~

• Today pray for Olais and his family.  I continue to pray for our partnership in ministry to the kids in the training.  Pray for the next steps as we take steps in a further direction in teaching the kids.