Here comes November, well, well…
Hold your breaths, guys, because I’m about to blow your minds away!
This month has been both sides of a coin. The good, the tough, the lessons, the plot twists, November packed it all. Those humility pills I had stored for emergencies? Believe me, I’m still getting a refill. Crazy, isn’t it? You walk into a new month ready to conquer the world, cape on your back, hero stance activated… and then life taps your shoulder and says, “Relax. Patience first.”
The Community Mapping Saga, So, let’s talk about my craziest experience this month.
I called for a huge community meeting, what we call Community Mapping. Let me get you up to speed: community mapping is basically drawing a map with the community, identifying existing assets, and figuring out how these assets can strengthen livelihoods or reduce a particular challenge which encourages sustainability.
Back to my story. I was so sure that many people would attend. I had even told my supervisors, “Please don’t miss this one, people are counting on you.” I had everything lined up: the venue, the materials, the Chief Administrator (yes, even he agreed to help!). I thought I had all the tricks up my sleeve.
Ladies and gentlemen.Have you ever prayed for the earth to swallow you alive?
Because that’s exactly how I felt. Let’s just say, the turnout humbled me. No, I will not give numbers. Just know the shock was enough to reset my entire brain. There I was sweating, internally panicking, yet trying to look like the most composed facilitator in Kenya. All I went with that day were lessons, Seasons Speak Louder Than Mobilization, considering It was planting season in Kitui. And if you know anything about Kitui, you know that during planting season, getting people’s attention is a gamble. People are in their farms, racing against time and the weather. Community meetings suddenly become optional and Stretch Beyond Comfort,I also learned that mobilization is not a one‑size‑fits‑all. Sometimes you have to stretch your limits, go harder, communicate wider, understand people’s realities, and time your activities with wisdom.
But here’s the beautiful part…The Redemption Arc, I didn’t stop. I organized more activities, held more trainings, engaged more groups, and every single one after that turned out successful. Including another community mapping (yes, redemption is sweet!).
November taught me. Shaped me.Humbled me. And still managed to give me wins worth celebrating. And trust me, Kitui is teaching me more than I expected.