Sopai! How are the cattle?
This is your Maasai friend, Joseph writing; hope this finds you and your cattle well.
Alas: still no rain. Ground's hard as a rock, rivers, streams drying out; more and more animals dying. I have been praying to Engai to send us needed moisture, but our prayers fall on deaf ears.
The cholera and malaria epidemics have seemingly eased off; it's only by a miracle none of us got sick. A big answer to our prayers; I am indeed thankful!
Our cattle have had to go elsewhere for food: sometimes we journey many miles, just so they can eat, or else they will die. We are gone for days at a time; I haven't seen my home in weeks!
Our family is together; I am not making this journey alone. It feels good to have loved ones to talk to. I do wish it would rain, though; I miss sleeping in my own house, with my sisters and brothers! I sleep on the floor, but it's comforting!
One of the sweetest sounds is Mother singing us children to sleep, or hearing the soft, sleepy mooing of our cows. I also love the sounds of crickets chirping or the wind blowing.
I haven't been to school in weeks, due to the drought. I have had to travel with my family and cattle; I am sure they are very upset with me. I don't know when I will return to school; I pray it's soon! I miss playing soccer with my friends!
I saw a baby cheetah yesterday that must have lost its family: it was sitting on the ground, chirping. At first I thought it was a bird; when I came closer, there was this tiny, fuzzy greyish ball. The ball was trembling. It was then when I recognized the small head, dark twin tearlines extending from its eyes to its mouth, the round ears. It was a cheetah, a very young one.
I picked it up, held it. Then I saw another cheetah, a grown one, and I got scared, so I put it down. I then hightailed it out of there, lickety-split; I didn't want to become the cheetah's lunch! It was so cute though; I wanted to take it home and gentle it!
One of my friends from a neighboring village has a cheetah for a pet. He named it Wajiro. He is only a few months old, and he's very fast! Very pretty too, as all cheetahs are, but I only think he is only asking for trouble: what if it gets one of his cows?? Not a good idea!
Well, I am going to go: I must journey; it's time to move on. Don't know when I will write in here again, but I pray it's soon! Pray it rains soon; we could really use some moisture so we (and the animals) can eat or drink! And pray we don't get any diseases! I would greatly appreciate it!
Thank you in advance! Until later, this is your friend, Joseph, signing off! May Engai bless you richly!
~Love, your friend, Joseph. :)
