Life After Boma

What is a boma? A boma is a Maasai hut made of sticks, mud, and donkey dung; and it too is a term for a grouping of huts. Maasai are a pastoring people, traveling with their herds of goats and cattle, thus their homes were not very permanent, however, now they are becoming more permanent structures with some being made of bricks. The boma that we stayed at was the same one we stayed at four years ago. The man who owns the boma has 16 wives. He had 15 wives four years ago, and is 76 years old. He also has about 80 children. All of his wives are Christian as well as his children; last year when he got very sick he was too baptized. While the parish pastor has told him, no more wives -- the man would like four more to reach the number 20.

All tucked in.

Another Maasai that we learned about has 35 wives and over a 125 children. He is 85 years old, very unusual. We were told that one of this Maasai's children were involved in an auto mobil accident while walking to school. So he created his own school for his boma.

We had a great time visiting with the people, playing with the children, and walking throughout the boma. Evangelist Materu, brought mats for sleeping on which made a big difference. We too were very warm in our boma. Some of us slept well while others did not.

In the morning, we met the parish pastor, Pastor William, who is their very first pastor for the past three years. This parish first started with evangelists, now they have one pastor, six evangelists, and one parish worker. They get around on eight motorcycles.

While we missed out on goat cake the night before, we were treated to it the next day. A goat is cooked over an open fire. We had a lot. It is a very special treat and ocassion. We too past out many gifts.

When we finally finished off the goat, we went back to our lodging for a shower and a quick stop before going to see the millet factory; where we ate again. Then after returning to our lodging, we were ready for supper to eat again; we ate at 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and again at 6 p.m. Needless to say, we are not loosing any weight.

It was a full couple of days. Following dinner we all had some down time. And our day tomorrow does not start until 9:30 a.m. with breakfast.

The other guys

Maasai boy with gifts from America

Natalie and new friend.

Pastor Mark with Abraham
renewing friendships

Maasai wife.

Pastor Mark with the owner of the boma
and one of his 16 wives.