Valentine's Day

On VALENTINE’S DAY, we had a party so that all the students and staff could celebrate the day together. The students were excited all day (they really enjoy Valentine’s Day), and I gave my Advanced Lit II students the extra time they had at the end of class to write notes to people they care about. About five of the students (one who isn’t in my class) wrote sweet letters to me as well as to their friends. The party took place in the evening and was complete with runway modeling, a short talent show and dinner together. Many of the students have been asking about having a time to model, so we used this opportunity for them to do so. The girls really enjoyed practicing at the girls’ compound and then on our “runway” before the show began. The girls wore beautiful dresses visitors have brought for them. And Milli sported a beautiful African dress that Jackton had designed and sewn. The guys weren’t absent from the fun – they love to walk the runway as much as the girls. The talent portion of the evening was shortened by rain, but it didn’t stop anyone from eating. We had pilau, kachiumbari (tomatoes and onions) and stew. Then for dessert, they got a Valentine’s treat of banana splits. Phillip was the M.C. and did a great job as usual and everyone helped set up and clean up. It was a great time for everyone to relax and have a little fun.

Since Valentine’s Day was on Thursday, which is my composition day with the students, I had them write about Valentine’s Day – why it is important to love their friends, each other, their enemies and about the meaning of love. Following are some of the entries from the students:

“It is important to love one another because even God loves us and he made us to love each other and treat like a brother and a sister…love your enemy and love your neighbour as you love yourself God said.” – Mary Wangui

“My name is Sanchez. I’m fourteen years old. And I’m writing about why is it important to love one another like friends, family even your enemy. It was on Friday 7th May 2007 when we fighting with one boy his name was Edward...but the next day when were at the chapel one person shared a good story about love, and that thing catched my heart very much.

“I went and apologize to Edward, and he forgave me for what I did and I was happy we played together, cherish together, as a family. We love MITS cause it takes (care) of people their out side (that are outside). We show them love cause is from God he who doesn’t love does not know God, and I want people to know God. Now in Kenya there is no peace. With love peace will be.” -- Alex Atema (Sanchez is his nickname)

“My dear brothers and sisters, you are believers in our glorious lord Jesus Christ. So don’t think that some people are more important than other people. Suppose a person comes into your group. This person is wearing very nice clothes and a gold ring. At the same time a poor person comes in wearing old, dirty clothes. You show special attention to the person wearing nice clothes. You say “sit here in this good seat.” But you say to the poor person “stand there” or “sit on the floor by our feet!” What are you doing? You are making some people more important than others with every thought you are deciding which person is better.

“Listen my dear brothers and sisters. God chose the poor people in the world to be rich with faith. He chose them to receive the Kingdom promised to people who love him.” -- Margaret Njemi