Shepherds for a Day

 

Last week, Gilly and I (Nick) were shepherds for a day with our friend, Raphael.  We walked 20 cows over 10 miles so they could get fresh grass and water.  Our journey was incredible and it was much more than just a walk in the bush. 

As Gilly, Raphael and I walked the herd off the dry, dusty plain into the mountains near Baawa, we had a chance to become part of the Samburu warrior community.  The young men in Samburu, called Morans, are responsible for the security of the community and pasturing the livestock.  At the age of 14, the Morans are circumcised as part of their “rite of passage” and then sent out into the bush to live with their age group (a group of young men ranging in age from 14 to 28 years old).  They live in the bush for 14 years, growing their herd for their wedding dowry and protecting the tribe from other tribes and aggressive animals, like hyenas and lions.   While the men are Morans, they are not allowed to eat in their mother’s house or eat food prepared by a woman.  They spend most of their nights outside around a campfire, singing songs, watching over their animals and protecting the Baawa community.  Many of these boys do not go to school or church; caring for the livestock is their first priority.

Our day was amazing!  We visited a watering hole where the elephants and baboons get their water and we saw some beautiful Kenya birds, native to Baawa.  We climbed some trees and Gilly even had a chance to practice throwing a spear!  Raphael is a great teacher.

My favorite part of the day was when we were sitting and looking over the valley where the animals take water. Raphael and I started sharing about how much the Bible talks about shepherding, we talked about how King David was both a shepherd and a warrior - just like Raphael.  1 Samuel 17:40 says, “He took his shepherd’s stick and picked up five smooth stones from the stream and put them in his bag.  With his sling ready, he went out to meet Goliath.”  Raphael likes the story of David and Goliath and now I can see how the Bible comes alive for the Morans within the bush.

We certainly went on a long walk that day, and in the end, we were all walking a little closer to the Lord. I praise the Lord that Raphael showed us his world as a Moran and how the Bible speaks into his daily life.  What a biblical adventure!  Mesisi Yesu! (Praise Jesus!)