Going for the Medium Youth (MEYO) Camp is something he had highly anticipated. Jeru, a short, light skinned, slender boy was now thirteen years old and it was going to be his first time to attend the camp. One intended for teenagers aged thirteen to eighteen years old from all over Kenya: a tradition in the Church of God Seventh Day - COGMERS; To be taught the ways of God and expected norms of behavior; To be brought up in faith as faith comes by hearing and by hearing the word of God. One week camping at Eastleigh Section 3 Church. Jeru had heard a lot about it and had always watched the competitions that took place at the end of the week on Sabbath.
Teenagers would be trained throughout the year in their different villages and places of worship; trained to perform educational poems, plays and songs. Come Saturday all teams performed and the winners were announced.
He had always looked forward to such Saturdays, once a year when he would go to church and watch other teens perform. They would all do their best in their performances and a winner was announced at the end of the day. It was all he ever wanted, he admired those on stage and he wanted to one time be recognized as the best actor. His mind was always taken to a different world, watching the plays being performed. Now it was his chance.
Jeru and his friends had prepared themselves. They had to make an impact. They would be representing Nairobi as mid-youth B. They had to carry the trophy home. Their friends in Kiambu had also promised to get the trophy. Being position one was coveted, little did they know a lot more is involved in the camp.
On 6th November 2016, the boy was so excited, the first day of the camp. He had been packing and unpacking the previous week, couldn't hold still. It would be a coming of age experience for him. His friends Wahome and Nduati passed by his home for lunch and with their packed bags the grinning boys left for the camp.
Seeing all those teenagers from all parts of the country was humbling. He made new friends most notably kids from Mombasa; Gede. Aisha from Mombasa had an interesting way of talking. You know how people from the coast speak, stressing vowels in words spoken. He hadn't ever visited Mombasa, and here were kids from Mombasa, speaking impeccable Swahili. Aisha was also visiting Nairobi for the first time. Jeru would have loved her to continue speaking on and on but they were cut short in the evening when teachers called them all in the church and the camp officially begun. Little Jeru realized it was not just about the competition. There were bible lessons, guidance and counseling sessions as well as games here and there, all following a stipulated schedule. There was also an exam to test how much one had learnt. Overall it was an exciting experience, for all of them to learn more about the bible.
By the end of the week the competitions didn't matter so much and this is what Jeru and his friends told themselves before performing on Saturday. They would do their best and have fun in the process and they were grateful to have attended the camp. Their time came for them to be on stage and butterflies flip flopped in his stomach.
And so Nairobi mid youth B was called on stage. They started their performance and relaxed after seeing how much the congregation was cheering them on. They started their play; one about the importance of honoring one's parents and failure to, the world would punish you. Jeru's part was to be the World; 'Mr.Ulimwengu'.He couldn't believe it was him as the crowd cheered him every time he acted out his part. It was a standing ovation by the time they finished their performance.
In the evening results were announced. Nairobi mid-youth B was position 3! They were so excited. The first time on stage and they were position 3. It was a great experience. Moi's Bridge team was position 2 and the best team overall was Mutarakwa.
The judges concluded that every team had given stellar performances. Finally individual best performers were called out and Little Jeru leaped for joy when he was announced as the best actor. It was a dream comes true. His dream finally realized and he dreamt some more, one day he will become a professional actor!
Long Live Meyo.
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