There are friends who are true and remain closer
than blood. These friends are very rare to find. They only come once in a life
time and their images remain inscribed in your heart even if some factors may
keep- you apart. They are God-sent, destiny shapers and role models.
In most cases, these friends conquer the test of
time. Genuiness, selflessness, commitment, loyalty defines them. They may be
from a different community, religious background, colour, country etc but these
diversities work as point of strength rather than a platform for divisions and
distance as far as friendship is concerned. These are people who love you for
who you are and work tirelessly day and night to bring out the best in you.
Margret Wakonyu Wachira(Konyu) was my village-mate.
She played a gigantic role shaping me. The woman I am today begun with the
foundation laid by this girl. Margret came from a humble background and she
managed to get a grade to a good High School .She was a slim girl whose body
suggested her mind flexibility. Completing secondary school, Margret got a
grade that took her to Kenyatta University. This act alone, opened my World
view. I believed people from my village could make it to be the cream of the
society. She was my inspiration. I imitated her word articulation, walking
style, singing tunes etc. I wanted to be Margret for the rest of my life.
Margret was my youth mate and morally upright. It is unfortunate that we lost
touch years later but her image remains real in my heart.
My desk-mate, classmate and age-mate Esther Muthoni
Gitonga(Kanoni) was wonderful. Esther was an above average pupil and always got
the top position in our class. Although I hardly became position one like
Esther, I was always close to her performance. She gave me the reason to keep
trying and eventually I was closer to her. We spent most of the weekends with
Esther at their home and our home visiting and helping with house chores. She
was a true friend indeed. Unfortunately we lost touch after school but I still
visualize all our moments we had together.
Joining Gataragwa Girls’ was like piecing a sharp
thorn in my juicy fresh. I wanted to go to Muruguru Girls’ where I was admitted
at. Muruguru was near my maternal home Mukurwe-ini. I wanted to be near cucu
but that remained a dream.Funny enough Gataragwa Girls’ performed far much
better than Muruguru but I wanted Muruguru near grany.I thank God because I
could not have met Alice Wangeci Ndumia(Keshi).This girl taught me true love,
genuine friendship and love for God. We spent 60% of our school life in prayer.
Eventually I was elected as the Christian Union Charlady. Alice taught me to
read the word of God. Every time we would go for morning devotion at 3.00AM ,
Alice had a new Bible verse,Inspirational verse that deepened my relationship
with God. We could even fast for a whole week. We alternated both dry and
partial fasting. It was a true walk with God. Alice introduced me to her
family. I could visit the family over mid-term breaks. Her family became mine. I
am sure Alice could sacrifice her life for mine. I thank God we are still in
touch to date and very close.
Completing Secondary School, I was clueless of the
life outside. I was scared and not sure of my every day. God brought Mary
Mbaire Gikuhi(Mbaire) in my life. We used to go to the same church. Mbaire and
I shared so much in common. She was over responsible just like I. She loved God
and was very committed to God. I knew Mbaire’s heart. Her heart was as white as
snow. Mbaire shared everything with me to her last meal. She had gone through a
hard childhood just like I. Mbaire understood even my non-verbal communication.
She had a heart of gold. I remember the sleepless nights we spent going to
Kesha and taking care of the sick. Mbaire taught me selflessness. She was
like-minded. Unfortunately we lost touch but I still remember all lessons she
taught me. She gave me hope that one day I would have an Education from the
University.
Joining the University of Nairobi was a dream. A
dream that was hills and mountains way. A dream that I had to cross wild, vast
and million rivers to get to. Fortunately,
the good Lord carried me on his shoulders and crossed me over. On the other
side I met the most humble girl in the world called Mary Nyambura Ngoiyo(Marie).She
was in third year when I joined my first year. Meeting Mary was a divine
connection from heaven. Mary became my best friend in campus. Years later she
graduated and left me. But that did not stop our friendship. We are still very
close. Mary introduced me to her whole family. Her mother became my mother, her
father became my dad, her sisters and brothers became mine too together with my
siblings.At some point I even felt like I took the position of her siblings in
Mary’s life. Mary taught me to fear God, going for Campus missions and be a
true friend. Honestly, I remember Mary every day of my life.
Although all these girls got married and all have
children, they are still dear to me. Even if I lost touch with some I still
value them. They are the reason why am strong today. They taught me;
selflessness, patience, commitment etc and above all they taught me to be close
to God always. You are forever blessed.
