When the Church bus snuggled in through the entrance gates to the University, there was an aura of anticipation as it finally hit all of us that this was indeed it! The driver pulled over at the entrance as we ushered in the SDA Chairperson of the University who offered a prayer of thanksgiving for a journey safely concluded. Mr. Momanyi, the chair then welcomed us to the institution, emphasizing the fact that the entire fraternity had been preparing for our arrival for a long time coming now and that they were glad to see us there.
The bus was directed on towards the entrance to Hall 3 as we alighted and were greeted by the jubilant In-Tuner Chris who looked as happy and healthy as ever. There was an amicable evening fellowship, right after the guys and the girls had been sorted out in terms of sleeping quarters, each divided among members of MMUSDA, which we came to later comprehend, stood for the Masinde Muliro Seventh day Adventist Group. Rather shockingly, there were only about two freshers at the vespers, and proudly, Chris was one of them. Te Chair told us that once the new students joined, they found the freedom too appealing to not take advantage of and thus sadly, not many were committed to the Church, but he was glad when he saw people like Chris and that gave him hope that the Group did indeed have a future worth looking forward to.
We were treated to two special items from the MMUSDA Church Choir and a wonderful sermon by a 2nd year Student at Masinde Muliro. In summation, were truly blessed by the entire program. Later on we were encouraged to take an early night because the following morning would be early since it was Sabbath morning and the program for the day commenced on time and promptly…I doubt there was anyone to argue with that suggestion! Tichy, Zebi of AMO and myself found accommodation in Hall 3 on the top floor with the chairman and his vice, Ombachi, who were the greatest of hosts. They treated us to hot cocoa and loaf to warm us up for the night and organized that were have a whole room to ourselves, right opposite their room.
After catching up and socializing a bit, at around eleven pm we retired to our room that was equipped with a computer and gospel music. As Zebi played the role of DJ, I familiarized myself with what was to be my bed for the following two days as I drifted off into familiar territory.
6.30am wasn’t too bad a time to wake up on Sabbath morning. We found Momanyi and Ombachi had prepared breakfast so it was time to take a shower and get dressed as they wanted to start…and finish, on time, with the long program ahead. Lets not forget that that evening was to be the much-awaited concert, which the Drama Band and the Nairobi Central Youth Choir were to co-host. Having gone through the necessities of preparation, we met up with Chris outside the Hall and went to the Mess from where the service was to take place.
An impromptu practice attracted the likes of Jamo, Ted Okoth and the AMO Junior brothers as we sharpened our voices then went in to join the rest of the congregation for the service. We were ushered in by immaculately dressed ushers into the hall that was almost a quarter full; rather impressive considering the time of the day. In Tune sang for Sabbath School with AMO rounding us up and then the Divine Service kicking in with the Youth Choir giving us a special item and the MMUSDA Church Choir thereafter. It was as if the angels themselves had come a little closer just to hear at that precise moment. The Speaker for the day was a student of Moi University who had specifically been invited to speak to us on that day. He was an inspirational as well as convicting speaker. At 1.00pm, it was time for physical nourishment, with a surprise lunch catered for by the MMUSDA community.
2.30pm sharp and a mini concert was held leading way to a nature walk at 4.30pm that was to be to the world renowned Kakamega Forest. The funny thing is that it rains rather abruptly in this part of Kenya, and when it does, the rain comes down almost horizontally! We experienced this first hand for around 20 minutes in the afternoon program where In-Tune had one chance to present as the Drama Band also ministered.
The program ended with everyone being told that the visitors would host the much anticipated concert in the evening as from 7.30pm and therefore to keep time. The nature walk took us to Kakamega town itself as Chris opted to snatch Tichy and myself away for a while, to go and see his hostel on the other side of town. By the time we all got back to the University Campus…it was well after dark and stomachs were grumbling! The MMUSDA Chair went to the rescue again, this time sorting out dinner issues for everyone at the school mess…this went all the way till 8.00pm when finally the concert was to begin…
-End of Part Two of Three-
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