What’s the Big Deal About Popcorn?

     Popcorn is like gold at the orphanage.  In Kenya it is expensive and difficult to find, especially when you need enough to feed 300+ people (orphans, staff, and yes even the Americans).  However, Ryan and his team of shoppers were able to find the popcorn kernels and bags so that everyone would receive a bag of popcorn one afternoon and another round to the seniors and some staff at a senior night event.  

Team members in one kitchen wrapping up the bagging.

   Popcorn prep for 300+ bags takes an afternoon and it displaces Mama Grace and her kitchen helpers from doing their daily preparations, so timing, planning, and preparing are important. The kitchen staff and a few others that are not in school are always more than happy to help us pop. There is something special about Kenyan popcorn.  Perhaps it is the sunflower oil it is popped in or the type of salt that is added, I’m not exactly sure, but it is amazing!  So with about 14 of us, in two different kitchens, on two different days, popped popcorn, sampled popcorn, bagged popcorn, listened to music, sang to the music, laughed, and decorated the bags of popcorn.  Once all the bags were filled and stored we tried to keep quiet about the surprises to come.  I’m sure all new they would be receiving popcorn sometime soon, how could you not notice that wonderful aroma in the air?  

     I believe it was the following day that we distributed the bags after the kids were out of school. Side Note:  Recently my grandson Luke got to ride on a yellow school bus for the first time.  I guess one or two of the boys on the bus were so excited that they got really wild. My daughter asked Luke if he went crazy like the other kids. He replied “No mom, I kept the party inside my body.”  Now back to the popcorn surprise:  As we were preparing to distribute the bags, lining them up, making announcements, and whatever else slowed the process down…  the kids were NOT keeping the party inside their bodies.  They did wait as patiently as they could for their very own bag to appear in their hands. 

Popcorn is ready, now getting 250+ to show up and line up.

The lines are developing.

The sun is bright and we are still waiting.

Still waiting.....

     Joy, joy, joy is all I can say, joy for each of them as they received their popcorn and read the special note on the outside of the bag. Joy for the team, feeling blessed to have the opportunity to be a small part of this wonderful time. Joy, joy, joy down in my heart!

  

     Out into the field we all went with our popcorn.  Some kids finished their bag that afternoon, while others saved some for later.  Now or later they all ate with patience.  I sat with a group of girls and watched the afternoon unfold while one of my little buddies, Stephen, borrowed my phone and snapped photos for me.  Kingsly, one of the medium boys, brought his little sister, Queensly, to sit by me so he would be assured no one would take her popcorn. Groups of teens stood in various locations, munching, laughing, and just being silly, while others kids stood off on their own, some with an air of confidence, all savoring the flavor and the afternoon. I guess having your own bag of popcorn is a bit of an ego booster.  As I looked around, these kids seemed no different than kids in the US.  

Juliet, I just love this girl!

Too Cool!

     

     Once the time of “popcorning” came to an end I noticed my buddy Luke collecting empty popcorn bags.  I asked him if he planned to use them to make a soccer ball and he responded, with his usual cute smile, “yes.”  My friend Musa, a professional soccer player from Kenya, had visited the orphanage in 2014 and showed the kids how to make a soccer ball out of plastic bags and cording.  I told Luke I would get the cord for him so he could compete it.  He did.  I didn’t get a chance to see it, but have a couple of photos below displaying handmade soccer ball.  Nothing is wasted there!

This photo is from 2015.  By buddy Moses made this soccer ball from grocery bags and yarn.

     My friend Moses is no longer at the orphanage nor is his sister.  I am not sure why, however I miss him a great deal.  The very first year I went to Fiwagoh I tripped and fell in a skirt as I was trying to catch Moses in the game of "What time is it Mr. Fox."  He was fast and I was embarrassed   Did I mention I was wearing a skirt?  

Peace and Joy,
krees (kris)