Village Leadership Institute

An Iron Man Statue in Kenya. Who constructed it?  Is that Daniel Ndolo standing in front of it?

Under that, the hills of Machakos area.

I feel like I’m being bombarded with invitations to explore “awakening to Soul’s purpose on earth”. Surely, I have done more than a fair share of reflection on the topic. I can tell many stories of where I experienced myself aligned with Soul’s purpose on earth. I prefer to see this dynamic reality as "Soul’s purpose lived through me" rather than “My Soul’s purpose” – for a number of reasons.

One time in particular that stands out is the Village Leadership Institute in Kenya. I was given the assignment to make it happen. No one said, “You are the one that is the best choice.” – or anything like that. After Kay (now Kaze) and I got the curriculum written, I was left to see it through. The objective of the training was motivity (creative motivation). Village leaders would return to their villages motivated to get others involved in implementing plans they and the rest of their village had made at a strategic planning consult.

The school was a seven day training of village leaders. The staff were young Kenyan volunteers. About fifty village leaders came, so the necessity arose as the obvious choice to quickly train the young staff to lead the workshop sessions. The week proceeded with high energy. I wasn’t sure what exactly was happening in each of the workshops, but the Kenyan staff member, with whom I co-deaned this VLI, observed regularly and felt that, for the most part, the newly trained staff was sticking to the curriculum and the village leaders were responding well.

At the closing, the celebrative event was dinner and Kenyan story-telling. This indigeonous folklore powerfully reflected a synthesis of history woven into a new future. Finally, the first graduates of a VLI, “claimed promises” for their plans upon returning to their villages.

I could have died and gone to heaven that evening right then and there. I was feeling that I was doing what I had been put on this earth to accomplish. Soul’s purpose had worked through me. Local motivity was the missing element of human development projects. That night, a light of possibility shone for the future of Kenyan people doing their own development - and most importantly - national staff doing the motivity training that would make it happen.

Chiron, the planet of life purpose was orbiting right through Kenya at that time. And now it's orbiting right through where I am now feeling drawn. Astrology is another paradigm, but I believe it has value, if only for confirmation of urges and tendencies.

Where is Chiron orbiting for you. Where do you feel drawn to "Soul's purpose working through you?"

Contemplating 85

My new free lance venture in news journaling took me to the Crescent City Library. I was there to take pictures of a class of 2941, 1942, and 1943 high school reunion. These reunions had been happening since 1984. There were twelve alumni and six others who were either spouse or companion, one woman travelled from California with her daughter. These Crescent City High School graduates had gone to school together for the entire 12 years. They are approximately 85 years old. The reunion lasted three hours, included lunch, picture taking, and a word from each person present, including me. Someone had kept the history of these reunions in albums dating back to graduation.


What struck me about the gathering was the incredible energy in the room. Every one of us was a welcome addition to the gathering. No one was in a hurry to go home. No one was sitting off alone.

One man said, “I got here because I might not be able to again.”

Everyone was gracious. Everyone was interested in what everyone else was doing.  Everyone was happy to be there. They laughed a lot and the memories they shared were rich with wisdom.

Such wisdom as this apparently can only come with having lived so long. From listening to what everyone had to say and watching everyone, I learned that these folks have learned to value being alive, be grateful for community time, and to linger just awhile longer. No hurry now. Relishing the moments together here and now.

While contemplating diverse community, surely it includes the children, youth, and elders.

What are we waiting for?
Shall we dance?