Kenyan Freckle: Self Help Group

Several weeks ago, Saturday, Mach 19, I went to my monthly Parents of Deaf Self Help Group. It has been customary since the beginning of the year that every other month we would have a meeting at a member’s home. On this occasion we went to Madam Mary’s house. I was told by my counterpart, of all the homes to visit this one is a must.

It was raining and cloudy the day of meeting so the departure time was pushed back. I was also wondering if I would be going because some places would be very hard to pass due to the mud. The rain subsided a bit and I headed to the meeting point, Kakamega.

I met two of the members in Kakamega while the others went ahead because I was caught up in the rain back at site. We took a matatu from town for 30 minutes then alighted. We were met by a man who looked like he was just from the shamba (garden). A conversation ensued and the man led us into the village. After 20 minutes of walking we were handed off to another man to take us the remaining way to Madam Mary’s house.

We were all welcomed in their house and took a seat. Every house I visited the sitting room has couches and chairs covered with fabric (mostly white with a little designs). We were treated with mandazi and chai. Each person virtually had a plate full of mandazi for themselves. We chatted for about 2 hours then we were given lunch. Yes I was completely full, but it is extremely rude to refuse lunch. There was rice, fried and boiled meat, ugali, and skuma, There was so much food. It was really easy to get full from just looking at all of the food.

After we had relaxed a bit from gorging ourselves the meeting started. I was asked to give a short KSL lesson. I have taught for many months at the self help group and because the members pick up the signs really fast being creative with new teaching material is a struggle at times. This time I taught things inside the house. I pointed to various items in Mary’s house ie: window, chair, table, clock, calendar, sufria etc.

I was really appreciative for Madam Mary to welcome us all into their home.