About a fortnight ago, I took a trip upcountry, somewhere on the slopes of the mighty Mount Kenya. I went to visit my family, and particularly my aging grandma. The experience was one of a kind, I tell you. From cooking the traditional way (firewood) to being chased by irate geese around the shamba, it was quite something. From day one, I knew that this would be exciting. I boarded a shuttle from the City in the Sun at around midday, and ensured that I had all the necessary paraphernalia in check- money, earphones, flavored water, lip gloss, snacks, the list is endless, i.e. anything else you'd expect to find in a lady's handbag, especially when traveling!
It was a smooth ride although the number of accidents we saw along the way sent me into constant conversation with my Maker, just in case I didn't make it to my destination. But since I am writing this, we can safely say I made it safe and sound. Next, I boarded a taxi. Before you start thinking that it 's the fancy kind, let me make it clear that the definition of a taxi in Meru county is something shaped like a probox and carries passengers twice its capacity. Get my drift? So, as this city-bred lass maneuvered her way around the town looking for the stage, some shameless miraa-chewing men kept making passes at her, thinking she was one of the naive types, but oh well...I'll leave it at that. I boarded a taxi, alongside seven other people. Let's just say it was one uncomfortable ride, considering the fact that some of us were massively blessed in some areas! On reaching my second home, it felt good to breathe the fresh clean country air, mingle with the village folk and appreciate God's unmatched creation-the animals and beautiful surrounding.
I'll cut to the chase and share some of the precious pearls of wisdom which my only surviving grandparent shared with me:
1. Alcohol- Avoid at all costs. It's that simple. She made it clear to me that these days, so many young people were consuming alcohol and in the long run, it would send them to their graves faster than they'd ever imagine. I couldn't agree more, considering the fact that she's over 100 years old and still as healthy as a newborn. At that point it hit me that she was very bitter about the issue, as she'd seen many go down that road and messed up their lives as a result.
2. Marriage- (Funny how I came across a handful of people during my short stay there and they all had advice to give about marriage. It left me wondering if they thought I was getting married...maybe I missed that memo?!)
With regard to this, cucu told me about her experiences in life, particularly during the Maumau era, how she played a substantive role-together with other women- in taking care of the fighters and hiding them in their homes from the ruthless British soldiers. The lesson here was, marriage is both for better AND for worse. Period. She began venting on the way young people were rushing to tie the knot, only to call it quits a short while later. Also, she advised me that when I did get married, I was to respect my in-laws, come what may. That was not an option. Word!
3. Hard work- Pretty clear and to the point. There was no shortcut in life, and in order to get something, one had to work very hard and smart for it.
4. Humility- Lastly, she pointed out that it didn't matter how much success and fame a person acquired in the course of life; without humility, it was all in vain. She said it very harshly and reminded me that I should remember where I've come from and all those that contributed to making me who I am today.
Truth be told, after that eye-opening lesson,I was filled with more resolve to be the best and to live a purposeful meaningful life and impact the world.
