Cows are Coming

The cows are coming to Najile. The rains have been better this year, even a good rain in late June which flooded the Ewuaso river. A drunk man was swept 50m downstream by the water and heard God speak to Him, “Go to church and repent.” He did and the community rejoiced.

The coming of rain means the coming of cattle. Earlier this year, the cows from Najile had to travel far distances, even to Maasai Mara to find grass. Many died and carcass piles are not uncommon sites, even months later. Now, cows from Kajiado, from Isinya, from many miles away are coming to Najile. These days, most people own plots of land privately. Many even have begun to reserve a quarter or half acre for hay baling so they may feed their cattle in the lean months. Now as herd upon herd of new cattle enter the community, people are asked to share their grass. I asked my friend if they could refuse. Surely this was their land and they had worked hard to set aside grass for baling. “Nope,” he replied, “you cannot refuse.” Just as the cows from Najile were given access to grass, such generousity must be reciprocated in times of plenty.

From my western eyes, something seems wrong here. Why are those who plan ahead at the mercy of moochers from the outside? Shouldn’t land rights be preserved? Shouldn’t their example of frugality be rewarded? However, I also see the beauty of community life. Are the Maasai not more human by valuing others as highly as themselves? Are they not living life as it was meant to be lived when they give and receive blessings easily?

There is a time to store and a time to use. There is a time to travel and a time to stay. There is a time to give and a time to receive. All these things God has made, each in its own time.