INTRODUCTION

“To my dear Parents who taught me a lot both through education, speaking, doing or not doing things for me.All these has made me who I am,and I appreciate.To my siblings,whom we have walked most of this journey together,and last but not least,to my wife and children,to whom I have worked tirelessly to transfer virtues that will help in going through this trip called life.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I want to firstly thank God for the gift of life, strength, and health throughout this work.Secondly, I want to recognize the efforts, strengths and dedicated time that all the people involved in realizing this dream have sacrificed. Most importantly, I want to thank my wife and children, who endured silence, and slept with lights on, just to let me keep writing. A toast to all you!

It could never be a dream without the immeasurable help of Brandon Hoult (USA), and Melissa Brucker (USA), both who read each page of a sketched manuscript, and gave guidance, through to completion. I can possibly never thank you enough, but just know that I am indebted to you.

I wish to acknowledge the wise counsel of my grandparents,from whom I got most of my wit, cultural experience,and stories-their legacy,lives in me!

FOREWORD

The Maa community which includes the Maasai,Samburu,Njemps,and some Ogiek,have a unique set of activities which form their culture.Within the different sub-groups,each has their unique way of circumcision,naming,birth,initiation to adulthood,and how they handle death.These practices have  been studied,discussed and recorded differently by different authors,to portray different interests,hint at some important practices,and generally for posterity.One clear thing about the Maa culture is that it is inexhaustible,and keeps “Mutating”through the waves of time,and the influence by other cultures.

This book,aims at capturing a set of activities through a narrative,where  Enkanasa village represents the African roots,from where a young man leading an almost hopeless life,falls into great hands and becomes a  great man not only to his village but to his community and country.It brings out the harsh life that some boys go through in a bid to secure their parents wealth,and to protect the community,as worriors.

The fusion between a simple,humble African life,and the western way of living and looking at life,brings out the positive impact of Christianity,and education on society.Even though many negative western cultural activities have derailed some African beliefs and behaviors,those that concentrated on education and ministry have experienced positive change.It is my sincere hope that this book becomes a source of inspiration to those children who are not lucky to have a soft start in life,to let them know that their star could be lying somewhere,and at its best time,it shall come.

The story is a concise presentation of  a collection of events in the past and currently,that do not necessarily represent a given institution,individual or given geographical point,but reflect  events that have been experienced in different areas within the maasai country.

Hope you enjoy the story!