Its done! We are now officially called Peace Corps Volunteers. We are now "government employees" even though Peace Corps are not exactly an agency of the US Government, but we are under its umbrella. During the ceremony, three of us gave our single speech that we developed jointly, but I presented it in Kenyan Sign Language, another person in Kiswahili, and third person in English. This video is edited to show only my speech to keep the time short. For the transcript of the video, see the text under it.
Three short months ago a group of scared Americans sat on a bus en route to John F. Kennedy Airport. The airport who’s name sake is the same man that started the Peace Corps 61 years ago with a goal in mind, a goal of global understanding and promoting a more peaceful world.
We stand here today as a testament to that man’s will, the magnificent goal of a common peace and understanding between nations.
Three short months ago we arrived in Kenya as children, confused, scared but filled with excitement at the great potential of this country. In the beginning we were individuals. But through an exchange of knowledge, a sharing of experiences, and a common interest we will all become part of a greater whole, something more than any one individual. This is exactly the exchange we as educators what to create in our schools.
We spent many long hours in class learning Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language, the culture of Kenya, and the art of teaching. Now we have the tools we need to be successful in our journeys. For this we need to thank the town of Liotoktitok and Machakos for being accepting and understanding. We need to thank our host families for being loving and nurturing and our teachers for being patient and supportive.
We look forward to being part of these changes that will bring about the Kenya of tomorrow. Two days ago was Kenya’s Independence Day, 49 years ago marks the beginning of something great. It is our goal as Peace Corps Volunteers to contribute a small piece to that larger puzzle. No matter what color your skin is, what language you speak, what physical challenges you may have, or what gender you identify with, we all share something common, that we all have the same heart, and that we all bleed the same red blood.
Thank you for being with us today to celebrate our swearing in as Peace Corps Volunteers. Over the next few years I have the utmost confidence in this group of individuals to be successful in all their endeavors as volunteers in Kenya.
The leaders, innovation and creators of tomorrow are sitting is school all across Kenya today. These children are the future of Kenya. And Kenya has a very bright future my friends. A future full of opportunity and promise.
Two of us wore Maasai Tribe outfit. The Liotokitok crew (Math and Science education group) lived in Massai's lands. I visited the town for three days couple of weeks ago and saw some of their local folk wearing those outfits. I am posing the Maasai way. They stand that way with a herding pole for balance to rest one leg and then switch legs during the day as they tend to their herds all day long.
We had our Swearing In Ceremony in the residence of US Ambassador for Kenya.
Tribal dances were presented for our enjoyment. They changed outfits throughout the day.
Alternating our common speech in three languages. In the background, the house is the US Ambassador to Kenya's residence.
My principal (headmaster) Elizabeth Gituku was part of my ceremony and celebration. Look forward in working with her for the next two years at her school.
Our gang of Deaf Educators. Almost all of us wearing African garb.
50th year of Peace Corps and Kenya collaboration.
Learning the tribal dance techniques. Involves lot of shoulder shakes along with hip twisting, grins.
Chocolate Chips! Have I died and gone to Heaven? I have not had my favorite cookie for three months, and I ate 6 of them!
Ahh, American food, that does not require any toothpicks. Actually there are no toothpick containers on our tables at all. Had burgers, chicken, potato salad, and other stuff.
Notice something? Not the cake, but the US seal and gold trimmed plate. Wonder if it is a federal crime if I took this plate home with me?
Twirling my worries away!
A Mzungu doing the Bolt salute Kenyan way!
