Better Living.

There’s this old Luo mantra wuothi eka ine which translates, go places and behold. As raw as it is, it finds
meaning in the actual doing. When you go places with open mindedness and comprehension, you learn.
Seeing take many forms and they translates to your overall learning packages. It starts right from leaving
your house, home, workplace, playground, church, market, your kindred and everything that forms your
everyday routine. These are things you are accustomed to and they are perhaps not triggering strong
emotions even though a few of them may be significant reminders of certain pains or experiences of
failure and victory.

The ancient Luo mantra "wuothi eka ine" reminds us of the importance of exploration and discovery.
By venturing out into the world with an open mind, we can gain valuable insights and knowledge. This
process of seeing and learning begins with our daily routines - the places we visit and the people we
interact with. Even the most familiar surroundings can hold hidden treasures if we are willing to look
for them. So, go forth and behold - the world is waiting to be discovered.

The moment you set out on a journey your learning begins. Seeing trees and objects run quickly past
your vehicle through the window is quite fascinating. At that moment you realize the car is static while
every other thing moves, otherwise. Either way, there’s movement.

As soon as you embark on a journey, the doors to learning swings wide open. The mesmerizing sight of
trees and objects whizzing past your vehicle's window is nothing short of fascinating. It is in that
precise moment that you realize the car remains static while the world around it is in constant
motion. Nevertheless, movement is ever-present.

We many a times pay attention to the geographical changes, landscapes, vegetation cover, landmarks,
and the things that are appealing to the eyes, which I think obscure our focus on the core of our living,
the better Living. Better Living springs from our houses to our relationship, conduct and interaction with
others.

The key to a better life lies in our ability to focus on what truly matters. While the geographical
changes, landscapes, vegetation cover, and landmarks may be visually appealing, they are not the core
elements that shape our lives. Our homes, relationships, conduct, and interactions with others are the
foundation of a fulfilling and meaningful life. It's time to shift our attention from the superficial to the
essential and invest in our better living. Let's create a life that is worth living by prioritizing what
truly matters.
I accompanied Kemmie to the burial of Rosa, her aunt. The kind of sendoff she was accorded was
indicative of a life well lived. The eulogy and kind words from CITAM family spoke of a great loss that will
never be replaced. The night before the burial I interacted with Mzee Nelson Oenga, husband to late
Rosa. Nelson is a soft-spoken person but assertive. He oozes wisdom from every utterance he makes.
He’s the kind of a guy who practice economy of speech and if he speaks, that speech must serve a
purpose. He has no word to waste, not even uuuhm... uuuhm... aaah... ahhh...every word from his lips
count. Mzee said to me “I have lost the love of my life. This woman is the reason this home is what you
see.” They built a magnificent home. He tells me how their love began, the cultural differences and how
they navigated the barriers. They started from nothing but love. Pure love. Authentic love deficient of
manipulation, meanders, innuendo and foul play. He reiterates the last words Rosa said to him “My Love
I am in pain but for you and the kids I’ll be strong. “He smiles and tells me to take good care of his
niece.......

The funeral of Kemmie's aunt, Rosa, was a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived. The CITAM community
came together to honor Rosa's memory, sharing stories and memories of the impact she had on their
lives. The night before the burial, I had the privilege of speaking with Mzee Nelson Oenga, Rosa's
husband. Despite his quiet nature, Mzee's words were filled with wisdom and purpose. He shared with
me the story of his love for Rosa, from their humble beginnings to the beautiful home they built
together. Mzee's love for Rosa was evident in every word he spoke, and his commitment to her memory
was unbreakable. As he smiled and asked me to take care of his niece, I knew that I had witnessed a
true love story.

Nelson and Rosa lived better

We left Chabera for the City of Kisumu for the weekend. Kisumu is a well-planned city and very clean.
Kemmie and I agreed not to spend money in hotels because Richard and Benta accepted to host us for
the weekend. I first met Richie in 2021 in Migori. We were in groomsmen squad for Benjamin and Faiza.
That’s where my friendship with Richie began. He is a physiotherapist, a good one for that matter. He
saved me from looming paralysis. It is from him that I learnt about disc effusion, you can search it up
from search engines.

Nelson and Rosa lived better

Embarking on a weekend adventure, we departed from Chabera and set our sights on the meticulously
planned and pristine city of Kisumu. To our delight, Richard and Benta kindly extended their
hospitality, eliminating the need for us to spend money on accommodations. My initial encounter with
Richie occurred in 2021 during Benjamin and Faiza's wedding in Migori, where we both served as
groomsmen. It was during this joyous occasion that our bond began to form, and I soon discovered
Richie's remarkable talent as a physiotherapist. His expertise proved invaluable in averting a potential
paralysis, and it was through him that I gained insight into the concept of disc effusion, which you can
easily research using search

Richie picked us up at Manyatta the evening of Friday. Did I mention he is SDA, so is Benta, Kemmie and
I? Now you know. This is not a faith-based narration but the SDAs pray when they wake up, when they
return home from work, before they go to bed, when visitors come and when visitors leave and when
praying people hold hands. Maybe others also do this, and if you don’t you may consider starting. We
were showed the guests room and set free. They are jovial and welcoming.

Richie graciously offered us a lift from Manyatta on that lovely Friday evening. It's worth mentioning
that Richie, Benta, Kemmie, and I share a common faith - we are proud Seventh-day Adventists. Now
that you're aware of our spiritual affiliation, let me clarify that this story is not centered around our
faith. However, as devout SDAs, we make it a habit to pray upon waking up, returning home from
work, before bedtime, when receiving visitors, when bidding them farewell, and even during moments
when we join hands for prayers. While I acknowledge that others may also practice this tradition, I
genuinely believe that incorporating prayer into your daily routine could be a meaningful and
rewarding experience. After arriving at our destination, we were warmly directed to the guest room
and granted the freedom to unwind. Their warmhearted nature and radiant hospitality truly make
them a joy to be around.

They have a 2-year-old girl, Habbigail. Habbie or Habibi enjoys cocomelon and miaaw miaaw. She’s
beautiful and genius. She isn’t of school going age but she can count 1 through 10 in order. She also has
a good command of dhongere-the language of jarachar. She can pray well and whenever she prays she
prays in tongues. She starts her prayer in English, continues in dhochii and concludes in amharic and we
all say AMEN!

Let me introduce you to Habbigail, a charming 2-year-old girl who brings boundless joy to those
around her. Habbie, affectionately known as Habibi, has a deep fondness for Coco Melon and Miaaw
Miaaw. Not only is she incredibly beautiful, but she also possesses an exceptional intellect. Despite not
being of school-going age, she can effortlessly count from 1 to 10 in perfect order. Moreover, Habbie
has an impressive command of Dhongere, the language of Jarachar. Her prayer skills are truly
remarkable. When she prays, she speaks in tongues, starting in English, transitioning to Dhochii, and
concluding in Amharic. We all join together in saying AMEN, witnessing the awe-inspiring power of
her prayers.
Richie and Benta are members of BETTER LIVING SDA CHURCH in Milimani, Kisumu. We attended church
service on Saturday in Better Living Church and I can attest that the name serves its meaning! The
congregants conduct themselves quite simple and in calmness but they are rich. Their church structure
is a piece of architecture, better than Frank Lloyd Wright award winning works.

BETTER LIVING SDA CHURCH in Milimani embodies simplicity, calmness, and richness in faith? It was
a privileged to accompany Richie and Benta to their church in Milimani, Kisumu. Attending their
church service on Saturday and I can confidently say that the name of the church truly serves its
meaning. The congregants conduct themselves with grace and humility, and their church structure is
a work of art that surpasses even the most renowned architects' award-winning works. Don't miss out
on the opportunity to be a part of this incredible community whenever you find yourself in Kisumu
City.

What I saw in Better Living Church and at Richie and Benta's home changed my perception of living.
They simply are the best.

Better Living means love, peace and harmony.

When you have love alone you are just living.

When you have peace alone you are just living.

When you have harmony alone you are just living.

When you have love, peace and harmony you are living a better life.

Without the three, you are soon leaving the world.

The revelations I experienced at Better Living Church and the profound impact of Richie and Benta's
home have completely reshaped my perception of what it means to truly live. It is undeniable that they
are unparalleled in their excellence. Better Living signifies the embodiment of love, peace, and
harmony. Love alone is insufficient to sustain a fulfilling existence, just as peace or harmony alone
cannot provide true contentment. It is only when we possess the trifecta of love, peace, and harmony
that we can authentically claim to be living a superior life. Without these essential elements, our time
in this world becomes fleeting and insignificant.