While in Kenya, we took a 2 hour drive from Nairobi to Maji Moto in Narok. A small Maasai Mara Community. Read one of my blogs on this visit. About 100 meters away from the community is a group of young and old widows with their children who have self handedly built their homes from mud and live in a secluded area.
The Maasai Mara women marry young and they usually outlive their husbands, sadly in accordance with the Maasai Mara laws they are not permitted to remarry nor own any property or livestock. Some of these women are young with no education yet many mouths to feed. They make a living by making and selling beadwork. These women in this particular village, whilst making a living by selling their beadwork, have found favour and are led and taken care of by a very warm-hearted Chief I had the pleasure of meeting, Chief Salaton Ole Ntutu. A selfless visionary who also invited us to share a meal with him and his advisors around the fire at full moon, and I was in awe as they danced and celebrated the rising of the full moon, of course me and my friends joined in, we were home, amongst our African people, I couldn't miss the joyous moment for the world. He understood the struggles of these women because he too was a son to a woman who had lost a husband.
Their story was a sad one. While walking towards the village they stood outside of their houses to welcome us and oh what beautiful voices they had. This moment reminded me a little of home. How that my people, through it all, they smile and find comfort in song and dance. We had an amazing time with them.
Listening to the stories of these women, I realised we as women are strong, and I also remembered this quote "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have", how accurate at this point in time.
But you see dear reader, the story of these women is a story of all of us in our own little corners bearing our own little challenges daily, smiling, warm and very welcoming, yet, deep inside the struggles have chained us. Let us encourage one another to stay strong and most importantly, be kind to another, behind every smile, every warm heart is a struggle you know nothing about.
Regards
Skirtgirlhiker on Village Visits