Adored leadership.

My plea in leadership and serving a leadership role in the society pressured me as much, to find a leadership niche and a perfect gap to serve. My heart echoes humanity, I resolved to signing in as a member of The Red Cross Society in Mombasa. It didn't take long and off I was, very active and most seen around, human resource, physically being around, name it! So days passed on and I realised you could actually vie for various seats in the youth committee. I thought I should, I would be of some good. So days passed, fortunate enough I moved crowds and went unopposed. Alas! This had been smoothened for me. I didn't have to campaign nor instigate anyone against an opponent.

In my two months, with the new title, I would be really amazed with the county manager at Mombasa. He was a humble man, down to earth, hardworking and most of all outgoing. Apart from the title, nothing from his face or rather his personality will make you guess he is of such big title, the overall top role. It got me amazed, nowadays such positions are taken advantage of by many, for their own gains, thereafter take a big belly home, with rangerovers and land cruisers. I guess Mombasa is the most privileged of all the branches RedCross has. His immense support for the staff and volunteers is evident, even when you are new, it would not at all take you so long to notice what type of a leader he is. The first time I got referred to his office, I was as frail. Surprisingly this ended as soon as I got in.

Making me more comfortable he was like;

   "Do you listen to arabic music, am a big fan!"

It was such a small comment but enough to get the ice broken. This is the man! Off I was with my talks and the plans I had that needed advise and I left like it was the most important conversation of the week. I was amazed! In age, in career, in education he was far much higher but you wouldn't know. Like a common man, not even a father but an elder brother advised me on clear directions. I can guess I was groomed.

Then what actually got my jaws dropping was this day, so recent that I couldn't resist putting this down. It was one of the errands in the Ramadhan programme and orphanage visits in Likoni at Little Angels Orphanage. Apart from assisting in planning and mobilising resources he actually set off together with the volunteers to touch an orphans soul. He got a family too, during Ramadhan everyone wants to break their fasts with their kins at home, his daughters would need him around, if they trip in eating or staining a drop, dad would be there to wipe it off, even for a Sunday. And the wife, who would be pleased with him enjoying delicacies wonderfully made, but here he is, serving the young souls, laughing out with the few staff who attended and creating rapport with the volunteers.

This is what I read recently in a friend's blog. She called it servant leadership. Now servants with examples and roles. I would evidently see this. It was not at all theoretical. Most, I like the fact that he would seat around with the youth committee like he is with his peers, give him documents to sign at any convenience just so he serves his following. If I wouldn't be guided by this, then am so doomed to destruction. Completely. Then the day we went to the market, in office wear. We strolled around the muddy place, at a point even got rained on. It was a vegetable shopping for some kids' orphanage in Bamburi. There are many youths at the branch, many staff under him he could send, but this was actually a leader. He is in the management part of the team, but serves governance too.

We are most honoured, one friend would sing everyday. Am actually quoting him on this,

Rajab inspires me everyday, I wish you people see other managers, he is one of a kind, down to earth, lives like others, very less of a boss.

It will never be enough said, but we celebrate our county manager as the best, most we could do is accord him the support and the little help we could give. It is priceless.

"Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others."
John Maxwell.

It doesn't cost a penny.

After a tiresome week, I decided to buy a novel, a second hand novel precisely. The most famous street in Mombasa that sells such, just close to The General Post Office. Books are always perfect ways to spend my weekends, flip over the redolent pages delighted by the sweet scents and moved by the lyrical words in perfect prose by favourite authors. I walked down with the type of liveliness and vigour. My first stop was at this guy who looked so welcoming. He offered me a seat and in no while traced one. Heartbeat, by Danielle Steel. Steel is always a sweetheart, you wouldn't blink an eye till you done, then wish it would continue to infinity. And Beyond. Maybe.

I would exhaust all seating positions, take all sips and never get bored. In no time we bargained prices, hard earned money. But I guess haggling makes businesses sweeter. Am so stubborn in this, or get feminine once or twice. Lady charms and a whole 40% off. Am sure he would not want me back, or face away when he sees me. Hahaha! What mattered most is I got the book all to myself!

So I walk around. Simply buying time, the evening snarl-up is a big bore. I get to Alexander shops and roses call me. They insist I go. The sight of roses is always a therapy. Luckily it was an evening offer for the ladies. Such a kind lass I would think.

"Ma'am, just pick any three. Its a Friday for you!"

With no second thoughts, I picked two and added a third little one on my way out. I got courteous with smiles, much obliged, then off I left for home. On my way back I wouldn't stop thinking, my weekend was made already, am much elated from the inside. My day was really made, but again, as happy as I was, I would still think of what I just received from the two interactions. They were so much on getting my happiness fattening up, less on theirs. Then it perfectly dawns, I don't know there struggles, I don't understand their pain but indirectly mine was taken care of. Who doesn't know what a good book does to the reader? Or rather how roses mean to a lady, to the decor and to the mind.

Then its clear, the sacrifices people make for other's happiness cannot be defined. They could be burning inside, tearing up with demons untold but still give the best they could. For someone's happiness. For an acquaintance's joy. They would rather pinch themselves hard, but dust up and get smiles on faces. The little gesture someone shows, could show how they're really deficient of what they give. The little they got, could also be all they got, just to see you smile, to see you light up. I would remember my late close one who made sure am to the fill then she would eat. I never realised till she was gone. On realisation that such people are very rare. I learn to appreciate the small kind gesture anyone shows. A smile is also something. A hug is another. Such things heal painful wounds, hard times get smoother. Moments will then have meaning.

Without sacrifice, we would have nothing. For the perks of it all, good gets back to us some day, but that doesn't mean you lose yourself in pleasing others. How you touch and speak a soul calms, brings meaning and translates the strong passionate personalities. It doesn't cost a shilling, but it indeed pays more, and pays alot. Great achievement is usually borne of great sacrifice and is never the result of selfishness.

Live it best.

The meaning of life is not so defined, not really clear. One of the words that could be explained for a whole day and nothing gets clear. What we make out of it matters most. Life drives one and many senses in our hearts, but, what one really chooses to make out of it has of great importance. We do not live by ourselves, either way, we need each other for co-existence and ease in our lives. Our days are better spent with others. Not just any other, but ones who just make it better and more promising.

It is not a smooth road, though the gift of life is the best. From the little struggles, small hustles and big challenges we face, from it comes better us, improved versions of who we were before. Challenges refine us for the best. It's never promised to be simple and all a smooth road but the bumps, the strong winds, and a not so clear fog ahead moves us for the risk. The world heals from us, the young sweet souls take from what we do and the elderly expect too much. If they got through to where they are at the moment, why not us? They would frequently question. Forgetting that times are different, things change. Really fast. You would not even realise they have. From a glimpse, life flows, too busy forgetting more about our cultures or rather what gets us deeply involved most is the West and the time change. Not so bad. Either way, the Swahili say that he is a slave, the one who abandons his culture. Very true. We got to deal with it or it deals with us.

It is amazing how people get celebrated immediately they pass away. Recent deaths will bear me witness. Our own particular legend, Mohamed Ali. From a keen note, I would really admire his articles from journals, youtube videos and stay inspired. Or rather, live through to what he said or see him do. The value of people, the love of his religion and nurturing of life is what he's celebrated for, let alone the passion he got for his career. Mention of it, it's of much joy doing what you love, what really gets you up in the morning like it is the best you could ever do. Each day inspires itself. Such things are the little boosts that complement life and success.

Nothing is of much importance than being an icon, than living and knowing that it's not all for yourself. It counts on you for you and for others. It doesn't mean you have to rip yourself into pieces to keep others whole. Still, you are a priority before anyone. Live in the present and make it beautiful, you will still live even after you are gone and forgotten by face. Live the life you love. Live the life you admire. Live the life that's of good. Live it best.

I'm much more me when am with you.

Love is an eminent feeling. For sure it is. No other love, but between two souls, two limpid hearts and glistened personalities. For so long, I have heard different "love stories" but definitely not this one. Actually, the ones said, or rather posted on social media, and after a week its done. Goes missing in action then comes back with another one. The circle continues. Heartbrats style. I honestly respect that.   Ujiy

Yes, am in love. I would smile and feel it from my nerves. Romeo and Juliet was just a set text. Love echoes in me, deep sounded to my eyes. At the most unexpected time and place, you just would carry on with normal life, its not the tingly feeling you get when you see a crush, its so not! I miss words to explain. But as I type this my mind is so oriented to the imperfect person I see perfectly. Days are made. Each second counts, and counts as well with the amiable soul, my 100%. I would call him Mr. 100% and its so small to get to a compliment.

Though he keeps saying he got the key to my tiny heart, I guess that's so different on my side. He got both the key and my heart to himself. How mean that surely is! Ever seen swans swim in ecstacy and sound mood? Its more of that. Then the care, if I did anything right in my life, was when I handed my heart over, to the golden hands. I'm much more me when I'm with him.

Then I love the teamwork, togetherness, the fun and motivation we get from each other. Its more than just love. More of realising dreams together, doting moments and hitting targets. I know, I know its not gonna be easy. Its gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, just you and me everyday. How will the good things in life be without you? My heart is and always will be yours. My love. I would talk ages about this heart dweller. Like he puts stars in the sky? Its a heart's feeling. Felt in millions of ways, unexplainable. Never moved.

The king of my heart, I have fallen for his laugh which is utterly contagious. It would echo even when he's not around. I've fallen for his smile, which makes me giddy for no reason at all. I've fallen for our late night talks, when 1 am arrives far too quickly. I've fallen for our jokes, which I'll remember days later and burst into laughter. I've fallen for every second I get to spend with you, even if those seconds will always leave me wanting more.

You are my best friend, my human diary and my other half. You just mean the world to me. I love you!

Twinges of Customer Service in Mombasa.

I haven't lived or known any other place better than the Coast of Kenya, Mombasa, to be exact.The interaction and the co existence is quite okay. The relations with outsiders, not so bad. Yeah, not so bad. At most they're from out and they deserve slight hospitality but not the all.

There's something particular about businesses in Mombasa. It got a Central Business District of its own very well yes, but amazingly enough the people from Mombasa are not "CEO's" in such thriving businesses. From high school, not quite exposed by then, I would really wonder why this happens so. Personally, am much passionate about opening my own shop, chains of shops precisely but would really want to know why people in Mombasa are never emancipated or moved to open any. Niches are there, many market niches I wouldn't lie. But why? You wouldn't find a buibui lady neither would you find a typical man, and when you do, they are manning the shop, that's not theirs.

This day came. Just after my finals. I had started a one-month fitness schedule, shading the extra we say. Each good day after, I would pass through a narrow walkway, so on this particular day, I realised there was a juice and fruits parlour close by. As hungry as I was, I ran like a hyena on sight of a carcass. Fresh pressed juice on sale! To make it sound better, a native Swahili lady owned it. "Yaaaas! This is all I needed." I thought. A glass was going for fifty shillings, very reasonable. But as my jubilant mood took the best part of me, I just realised there was no welcoming nor customer embrace. I stood for around five minutes. Then the lady shouted.

      "Sasa umesimama unataka tukusaidie vipi!"

It was so unexpected. I just walked away. The nice fresh smell of fresh juice was now smelling like rotten eggs. Does she actually think am so desperate for her juice? I was done. I expected her to attend to me. I cannot stand and just order, I need to know what is available, who was to tell me this, if not her?

That aside, my friends and I remember the day we took a matatu very early in the morning to attend an annual forum at the social hall. Feeling involved and part of the society we were very eager for the day. Before we'd chose which matatu was friendly we just got in one, it looked nice and cozy, that's the most we needed from a pleasant morning. Off we went. He took the fare and by my side a lady was less 10 shillings. I was not so engrossed in their conversation till it got bad, bad words and raw sounds. God help us! The lady's face was burning red. I would feel her rage. Its more of human to understand that she missed 10 bob, but the scoldings and scorns were really loud we could not take it. Even after paying, he would still murmur. This irritated me big time. It would not even buy a packet of sugar, neither breakfast. Most I could do from 10 shillings was buy airtime, which gets done sooner than you know it!

Our finals results were out, not as bad as we had expected but good enough to get us entrances to Universities, with quite good courses. As part of the formality, a stamp was needed from the education offices. My first time here, from the sight of the office set up, I didn't like it. There was smoke smell, littered all over and houseflies swinging to their best. The furniture was very old. Am quite heavy, was so afraid I would break the benches if I would seat, I didn't. I got so sweaty in a minute. The ladies would not attend to us. They were talking about a colleague's wedding, how it was a big fail. Laughing out to the top of their voices. Something was stirring hot in me, I gained courage, moved forward kindly requesting the lady to assist me. She lowered her spectacles, and looked at me straight into the eye, the way goat matata looked at his kids in the nursery texts. She retorted being tired, it was too much on my side I just got back on her face. Sooner than I knew it, I was accused of calling her names and got in a rotten smelly cell already. For what mistake done? These are government offices for you! Where they say its free services. I don't see free services in government offices. We pay more than we use in our taxes. A whole 30% off our salary. Is that really free? Its even much costly than paying for private entities. If only!

Recently, on the gate from school, a tuktuk driver with a wide smile welcoming you on board and off we took, good customer service I thought. I would even just board on anytime, anyday if at all I would find access to the same. Others would be a big piss believe me. So on our way we chit chat on this or that. Then he tells me he came across an advert on county jobs, but he is so negative on getting it, explaining really well that the jobs at the county level were not for the people in Mombasa. It got interesting. I just interrupted with my previous experience with the swahili ladies in the offices, probably that's the reason you do not see many of them in the offices.He sided with me on this, that they need white collar jobs and are very lazy, there output is minimal. For once, someone said it. So he also made me think, in Kongowea, probably the largest market, you would not find a swahili man or woman selling. A cocktail origin of highland tribes and the Mijikenda. Or also the hardworking digo ladies who even have to cross the ferry each single day. This is effort we see not from Mombasa, in the outskirts to Mombasa.

They make money out of the small, pay school fees for their kids and also build houses up country. But where are we? We got alot of talk and less action. Empowerment teams are like table shows nowadays. Or rather gossiping arenas for women and meet up points. On weekday nights, you would find men clustered along Mama Ngina drive, chewing their teeth out. Listening to old music and whistles when a cute lass passes by. This is the Mombasa for us. The rudeness of officials at offices, rudeness and gross attitude at their places of work, then wonder why there businesses don't flourish. Each tribe in Kenya would be associated with some work piece, but is there any for the Swahili? I always thought it was a stereotype being called lazy till I came across several. What a shame!

The little time I spent in Kisumu, at a place called Lwang'ni, with fresh tilapia just from the lake. The lady would come for you from the moment she sees the car parking, assist you with bags and get you comfortable then serves you to her best! I do not like fresh water fish mostly, but will definitely not miss the visit each time I go to Kisumu. I did not regret it. You would not even feel bad for your money, as much as you spend.

But as for Mombasa, our twinges for good customer service will still hurt. Maybe when it is fully taken, to its leadership, they would then realise ... but it will have been very late.

Light to note.

My tear is not just like any other, though its hard to admit in the open, but on a fine note, I cry to soothe. I cry to warm and snug my heart, to bring radiance to myself most. It washes away the pain, it is my source of vigor. As weighty as my tear is, it carries most with it, sends away failures, flows down the raw deals and as I wipe my watery eyes, there are clear visions to what I see, my triumph, my achievements, my success.

Maybe a few would understand, but the closest hurt the most. Its never in our heads that at times someone close, who should be your source of hope and inspiration, love and affection pierces you to the deepest parts of your inner self. The world is so mean, we lose direction at some point, its never the end of the times. Through the little mistakes someone notices, brings out great men and substantial women. Not just any kind of substance, the air they would spread in the end would desire much more than mere talks. Actions and success. Nothing but success.

Patience, as the most important virtue teaches me alot. It lets me anticipate for the better, knows that there's a day things will change, life would not be the same. Where others celebrate pulling you down literally, show them that's indeed your energy. You know what you want at the end. The most successful is he who always stands alone, Like Ibsen says but, at times, you would find your strength alone and in people too. People whose talks, times, faces and moments change you big time. You walk away like this was a time lived! How surprisingly different people are. Like would you really lose anything being an inspiration to someone?

I love when I feel a sense of importance, the opinionated and subjective people never got a place in my life. My life is mine to live, to cherish and to relish my destiny. The plans ahead of me are wholesome. All aim for the stars when they want to land on the moon, I would aim for the moon so I fall on the first star at my worst. You always give yourself the highest you can achieve, no one knows you better than you. When you sum it all up in the end, you have you to blame.

Just because something is not happening for you right now, it does not mean it would not happen some other time, the power, the compassion and the solidity of your dreams should never hold you back. What always matters is what is forthcoming. The past should be left in the past, otherwise it can destroy your future. Live life for what tomorrow has to offer, not for what yesterday has taken away.

The plight I take.

There are many challenges we face as women, as ladies and also, as girls. It beats us to know why and get relevant antidotes to what affects us. It is with no doubt that a lady is the reflection of the society, they always say, behind every successful man, there's a lady behind. It doesn't matter whether it is a mother figure, wife or also a daughter. The impact doesn't have to be wholesome. Being just there drives the force,  like my sweet dad once told me, Never had he felt pride in his heart than the days I grew up smart, I grew up with morals, making him proud and the best of all.

As much as a lady holds this very important position in the society, it hurts that fellow ladies if not all never want good for other ladies. It could be at the workplace, at homes or also at schools. It burns most when you just don't expect what you get from the latter. Not that she's better than you anyway. After all, we never know who is better in the eyes of the Almighty. Being judgemental, cursing out or rather stepping in one's ways wouldn't make you any better. Of course you will have burnt the image but who doesn't know, that personality always stands out!

In a nutshell, life would be much better if we learn to appreciate, if we learn to contain and also, if we get to appreciate the little effort one does. It might be little to you but very big to the one who does it. In such ardent courage, no one has the right to step down on what you do and if they do, it's up to you, to chose or to know what shape you take. The sea is full of waves and shakes. How good or best you steer your boat carries the day. You chose to let the water in or carry on.

How good if everyone understood the inner self. The emotions and the struggles. Either way, life is good and all is always well!