Boma Visit

           A boma is a homestead in Africa that consists of homes that are partly underground and made mostly of cow dung.  They are all built in a ring and each home is about 60 square feet.  They consist of two beds made of straw, one for the mother and kids, and the other for the father.  It also has an entrance and a fire pit for cooking, or what we would call a kitchen. 

            The families live off of less than $1 a day.  The women have to take care of the home, the kids, and sell jewelry to get by.  The men and the young boys go out at sunrise and take care of livestock because the main land use strategy in East Africa is pastoralism with dairy production, not beef.  However, agriculture is quickly catching up as it is more profitable, but also more harmful to the environment. 

            The children stay close to the mommas and don’t even flinch when flies are crawling in their eyes.  They cry when creepy strangers like us come near them and they start fulfilling their duties for the Maasai tribe as early as 3 years old.  It is rare for them to be able to attend school and they are expected to take on the traditional roles in the Maasai society as they grow older. 

            From this description that we were given I expected to learn something from the experience of visiting the boma, but what I actually learned was something different.  I expected to be more grateful for what I have: the ability to attend school, a steady income, loving family and friends, good health, my computer, ipod, and the opportunity to come here and see East Africa.  And it isn’t to say that I am not more grateful for what I have, but I learned a lot more than that. 

            One Momma said to me (I had to write this quote down cuz it was too beautiful), “It may look like we don’t have a lot but the truth is we have everything we need, we just don’t own a lot.  We have so much love in this community.  Everyone looks out for one another.  If one woman sells a necklace we all split the profit.  We understand that a smile and a wave goes further than money could buy.  But, most of all, we have the most beautiful surroundings.  Beauty is everywhere if you are looking for it.” 

            I have a lot more to learn from them than I expected and this only makes me way more excited for the home-stay.  And keep your eyes open, because here is a lot of beauty!!! Enjoy!