Sawyer ’25 and Allie ’25, reflect on the differences and similarities between Deerfield and Mainsprings.
Today was an immensely eventful, uplifting, and action-packed day. This was the first day that the girls did not have school allowing us to spend the most time together. Most of our group started early, around 6:30 am, for a “hike” up to watch the sunrise, overlooking the scenic Lake Victoria. After that, we got ready and had breakfast consisting of delicious donuts and tea at the girls’ home. Next, we walked into the village observing different lifestyles. We first saw the government school and learned that each teacher has anywhere from 70-90 students—our perspective altered from this experience as we subconsciously compared our lives to theirs. Furthermore, CJ (our tour guide) shared that these students have to walk miles to get an education, the classrooms are crammed, and most teachers aren’t paid well. We continued our walk, viewing many people, ages ranging from infant to adult, working in their fields, gathering food, hoeing, and planting crops.
Next, we stopped at boulders, which we can compare to our lives back at Deerfield—we walk up to the rock with a group of students looking down on the valley, and their rock displays the green vast lands and Mainsprings, among other things. On our walk back to the girls’ home we sang, danced, and laughed. Then, Mia and Miu led an art project. We made bracelets and clay animals. We soaked in every moment. The generosity of the girls shined through gifting drawings and beaded bracelets that encapsulate every one of our arms. The colorful designs of each bracelet display the girls’ differing personalities and willingness to extend—Their beaming smiles never fail to disappoint. On a different note, the girls love to sing, whether during prayer time or just as a daily occurrence, they belt out all together sharing their culture. Finally, to end the night it did not surprise us when we found everyone in a dancing circle singing Swahili songs. Asante Sana Mainsprings!
