Wabash Magazine Winter 2012

Page 45

“Karibu” (Welcome) We were exhausted from the stress of international travel. Then, through the double-paned glass doors outside of baggage claim arose two wonderful beacons of hope—we saw a sign that read “Wabash University—Welcome to Kenya!” And there stood our beloved Dr. Cook, waving a Kenya flag, surrounded by a group of teenagers and adults all waiting to greet us. We were tired and weary; their generosity and kindness shown by the smiles on their faces and the singing in the air made all the difference.—Jake German ’11

But we were doing pretty well so far. And as we walked across a dirt yard toward a group of 60 or so elementary school kids and their teachers, all singing in welcome, we could have been entering that kingdom. This was our third such encounter in three days, and even our shyest guys were beginning to get the hang of it. Smile, shake hands, join in the singing. Then Professor Cook (“Father Bill”) would greet the group, and each of us would introduce ourselves. Jake German ’11 and DeVan Taylor ’13 were old hands from the start; Robbie


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