World Humanitarian Day Aug 19 2025

 Aug 19 - Is World Humanitarian day - and it was started in 2008 to honour humanitarian workers and promote awareness of the humanitarian efforts globally.

The theme for 2025 is Strengthening Global Solidarity & Empowering Local Communities

I started working in development sector in late 1998 - yes its been a minute! The theme for this year is indeed apt - empowerment begins from the micro level...that's is where change has to happen!

I checked my albums, and here are some pictures

This is me with colleague when working with Cordaid,  at Lake Paradise in Marsabit National Park. This was around 2005 and was my very first visit to Marsabit. We had supported disaster risk reduction projects in Marsabit county and this was a monitoring mission

This is me in Samburu - receiving a beautiful necklace from the women - who exclaimed how thick my neck was! oh well....hehehehehe

This is me with my colleague in Dukale Moyale ...am holding a beautiful container that is used to store milk - called Gorfa (correct me if thats not the right name!). If i remember right, this place was nested between hills and the community was not able to access clean water - the project was a water pan for them to capture rain - very scenic place

In Oloitoktok...with a womens group

in Lodwar - promoting local enterprises

Means of transport :)

Back in 2005 the roads to Northern Kenya were very bad....when I see these highways now 20years later, am like...its about time!! Access to everything is important for growth....and this was a long time coming

I love and enjoy what I do - we get hit once in a while (like the big one done by Trump admin, weuhh) but we do what we do  because we see the evidence of change at community level!

Salute to all the humanitarian workers! Especially those who live with the communities they serve.... the work is challenging, but rewarding....

You make a difference...receive your flowers :)

Road trips!

 I love road trips..especially those that the trip is within my control and we can move at a good pace! 

No rush to get somewhere...just enjoying the ride!

we have done several trips with this red car....Kisumu mostly, Nakuru alot and of course Machakos 

This one is of me going to Kakuma from Lodwar airstrip - it was just me and the driver and when i saw the backdrop of the mountains, I was like, stop stop...lets take a photo here!

This was somewhere in Lukenya..wide open spaces!

This was in sweltering Jordan...weuhh

Of course one has to stop at the Equator line and take a pic!!

The best part about road trips is the endless conversations and banter! am here for it!

Heres to more road trips this year!

10 year challenge

So facebook reminded me of this photo (the lower photo) taken June 2015 and being me, I immediately got a current one from my gallery and put them side by side

Pap.. reviving the #10YearChallenge!

In 2015 I was in this Landcruiser car, cruising on the rough road headed to Maralal. This was my life then, at least 5 days in a month I would either be in Marsabit, Moyale, Isiolo, Maralal....heck even Mandera or Oloitokok!

I always wonder if I can do this as a 50year old...maybe not...seating in a car whole day to cover 800km from Nairobi to Moyale will definitely take a toll on me!

Life, make the most of it when you can!

8 Hikes by July!

 I looked back at my photos and voila, I have actually done 8 walks as at July - so like one per month  - that's very good Hilda!, well done well done :)

Karura 4 Jan - this was a great way to kick start the year - was a nice early morning walk before the January sun gets out

Enpaashe Kajiado 11 Jan - this was an eerie walk on unchartered terrain! 

Oloolua 25 Jan - this was a lovely walk with work colleagues, we challenged ourselves to do one walk per month as we gear towards Longonot in November!

The plan was 5km but we ended up doing 10km and I had the wrong shoes!! NFF

Karura 22 Feb - this was also part of challenge with work colleagues! we were late to Karura and so the unforgiving sun met us there! weuhh - but the 10km was worth the heat!

Nairobi Women's Day Walk March 8 - this was 3rd walk with work colleagues and met up with my sis! the 14km was grueling 

Mater heart run May 23 - Loved this walk - normally just 10km...been doing it since 2009 or thereabouts!

Express way run July 6  - another constant walk for me...though this is the second time I did it - did the 10km - maybe aim for 21km next time? we will see...Uhuru park has so many lovely spots for photos :)

Bypass 19km walk on July 12 - this one I almost gave up...weuhh

heres to many more!!

Of Themed Parties

 I loved themed parties!

Old photo of matchy matchy

Football theme when LO turned 5!

This is more white than black event for Holy Communion

This is Spiderman Party for deNephew

This is purple for 1st Holy Communion for LO

Turquoise themed party for launch of Hon Millies book

All white dinner for 50th birthday holiday

Purple elegance for deNieces 18th bday

LO turned 10 and we had orange tees - with 10 written in different languages (loved this idea of mine, brag brag)

Marked 18th bday tees for Sons bday

Orange & White for AWAK Dinner

Ankara theme for 10th Anniversary (even the cake was within theme!! hehehehe)

When parental unit turned 50 we made the Hamsini tees!

and of course PETALS pink!

Mater Heart Run 2025..touching a childs heart, one step at a time!

 May is always the month for Mater Heart Run..

So this is a permanent fixture in my To Do list for May since 2009 ( we had to recreate this photo)!

Almost missed it this month because of some sudden back pain I had, but mercifully this was sorted by physiotherapy and I can go back to the walks (amen!!)

This was the 23rd edition of the Run and the initial notice was that the run/walk would start in Ulinzi Stadium and this would mean Langata Road would be the main road that would be affected. Last minute there was a change to KICC and my sis and I were like that's gonna be a day for jammmmmmmmmmmmm and we warned all the people we could! (because understandably one can simply miss some notices and stuck in epic jam in this Nairobi..given that Uhuru highway is an important traffic artery!)

Anyhooooo

Saturday May 31 bright and early, we (my sis, her reluctant son..hehehe & I) took an Uber to KICC and reached at 6.30am

The crowd had not gathered and even the exhibition stands were not yet ready

We stood around and took photos around KICC and at some point they even opened the fountains and am convinced they did this to allow for photo ops...big up KICC!

Around 8.30am the crowd had really swelled...lots of school children and I really love this because Mater Heart Runs' main beneficiaries are children; and its a fun initiative to introduce children to giving for a cause plus walking as a way of keeping fit and healthy

So 9am we were finally flagged off after a series of fun warm ups and speeches (which to me could be made extremely brief!!) The sun was already up and I was so glad I carried a wide breamed hat!

The route took us past Parliament building and up Ngong road, then we entered lower hill road up to KNH - this was 4km mark - then we turned back and we turned off at Bunyala Rd and walked down to Mega Mall..since the logic of heading back to KICC would mean walking to the same Mega Mall to avoid the jam - so we managed 6.5km, by around noon

Took an Uber Home with my heart full!

Loved the walk....wish I could have done the 10km but the route didn't favour us....at first the Mater Heart Run was just a cause I loved to support, and in later years, the issue has come very personal and close to my heart!

The news reported that over 17k participants took part this year across 10 towns in Kenya...wow wow wow

So heres to all those who Touched a Childs Heart! 

May you never lack in Jesus name!!

Cheers!

Menstrual day...lets talk about the pause shall we?

 

Yes lets go there - perimenopause and menopause..actually should be renamed MENSESTOP..or MENOSTOP...hehehe - pause insinuates they will restart, ama?

Am now past 50yrs and in comes another period that leaves one wondering, was the monthly red visit better?

the post menses stage differs among women, since oestrogen levels fluctuate during this period - typically its marked with

 - irregular or skipped periods

 - more or less bleeding that usual during periods

 - hot flashes!

 - dry skin....(need good quality lotions!)

 - thinning hairline (goodbye luscious locks!)

 - frequent urination (weuhh)

 - sleep problems like insomnia because of hormonal imbalances (suddenly realize why women become 3am prayer warriors!)

  - mood changes including irritability and even depression (we take no prisoners, but please extend grace to these women!)

 - weight gain that simply cannot just drop off despite all the exercise routines! (caused by reduced oestrogen and increased cortisol - slowing ones metabolism)

and then one gets into full menopause which still has more HOT flashes ...weuhhh...its sudden and periodic, one minute one is fine, the next they are sweating profusely like they have run a marathon! Other symptoms are the same as peri stage, and for some tiredness as well

Apparently it can last up to 7 years and then one hits the POST menopause stage

So how can one relieve these symptoms in a natural way?

1. Eat foods rich in Omega 3, Calcium and Vitamin D

2. Manage your weight

3. Increase uptake of fruits and  veges

4. Know your trigger foods and avoid them eg caffeine, alcohol

5. Regular exercise to strengthen  muscles and boost your mood

6. Increase water intake

7. Avoid ultra processed foods...eat them close to their natural state as possible

8. Increase protein intake!

9. Try chamomile tea to help with sleep!

I know I know...its a cringy topic, but this is life! Research shows that the right foods, right movement, right bedtime routines and select herbs can make this season manageable. Listen to your body and do what you gotta do!

So there you go...whichever part of the menses wall you fall..you are strong and beautiful, you gat this!

Enjoy the day!!

PSA: Stretch yourself!

 So its Saturday early morning

Am staring down a square hole in a hospital bed, at the white tiled floor, with a heated pad on my back -am in my 5th and final physiotherapy session

So how did I get here?

I love love long walks and do them occasionally - so I did Oloolua 10km and after 2 days was in hospital with excruciating back pain, weuh - mercifully the pain cooled off the same day. Then another Saturday I did Karura 10km and was back in hosi. The third time I did a walk round Nairobi and clocked 14km and a day later I had the same terrible backache. The doctor wondered what was going on and sent me for kidney scans and MRI of my back...both were ok (Thank you Lord!!)

So she says then, lets do physiotherapy for 5 days and see how it goes

So I booked the appointment for physio and weuh, let me tell you Maina.......the PAIN!!!! kwani my muscles were all tight?.....the lady kneaded my back like chapati dough...mpaka i was like, just stop, please stop.....she was like sawa...and sent me home with some light stretches to do

Next day and I was SICK! like i had like a terrible bad homa with no running nose...but fever, aches the works...Dr Google said that after deep tissue massage (well thats how the physio session felt like) when toxins are released to the blood stream...you can have flu like symptoms.....another article dismissed this assertion...but it made sense to me, so I explained my fever with that....had to stay home that day

The physiotherapist assured me that by session 3 I should have no pain! and she was spot on.....

With each session I was given stretches to do morning and evening

and now my Instagram is full of mobility topics...hehehehehe (big brother always listening!)

am better now (amen)

please remember to stretch properly 

esp if you seat a lot during the day

I will be at the May 31st Mater 10km Heart Run....hopefully I dont get pain after that!

Habemus Papam - We have a Pope!

 We have a new Pope!

Pope Leo XIV was announced on May 8 - took 2 days to get white smoke

So in my lifetime I have seen 4 Popes

Pope John Paul II started in 1978 to 2005 - 26 good years! He was from Poland was the 264th Pope

Pope Benedict XVI started in 2005 to 2013 - and was from Germany

Pope Francis started in 2013 to 2025 - from Argentina

and now Pope Leo XIV from May 8 2025 an American/Peru citizen and is the 267th Pope (he was made Cardinal in Sept 2023)

I have had the pleasure to see Pope John Paul II with my own eyes in Nairobi in 1995 in Uhuru Park and Pope Francis in Nairobi in Nov 2015 and in Rome 2023

A Prayer for the Pope

Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give to your shepherd a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, may he, as successor to the Apostle Peter and Vicar of Christ, build your Church into a sacrament of unity, love and peace for all the world. Amen.

The Pope has rested..on Easter Monday

Easter Monday April 21 2025

Pope Francis has rested, at the age of 88...may his soul rest in peace.

He became Pope 12 years ago on 13 March 2013

I remember when he came to Kenya in November 2015 - that was a befitting welcome! I was very  happy to be at the Papal mass at the University of Nairobi grounds on that rainy rainy day. The mass was simply wonderful...and I heard this song for the very first time...and loved it!! The message in the song, which was the theme of his visit, was simple and direct to the point...

Simama Imara Katika Imani x2

Usiogope, usiogope, usiogope tulia katika maombi

Do not be afraid, do not be afraid, stand strong in faith!

*funfact - the beautiful Mitre (Popes hat) he wore in Kenya in 2015 in the pic above was made by women from Samburu County!*

Then in May 2023 I had the utmost pleasure of being in the audience when he addressed Catholic World Women's Association in the Vatican - at a building adjacent to the magnificent St Peters Basilica. He was wheeled in and addressed us for like one hour....

Magical....inspiring!

He was simple,

He was different,

He was truly loved.

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis Oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in eternal peace, Amen.

The Nature Trail..

 Saturday Jan 25

My colleagues wanted to jumpstart the year with an easy trail 

I suggested Oloolua as I had done it twice before and it was quite OK

we reached the venue at 9am sharp and off we went after making the payments. A group of elderly women and men also came at 9am each having a stick and they started off slowly and we were like...this is the life...enjoying a quiet walk as part of your Saturday morning routine! self actualisation at its best....

as we started off, we decided to do 10km (mind you I was coming for the 5km...but isorait...we soldier on)

I had no idea Oloolua had such a trail!

the 10km was very long for me; but I enjoyed it

we began at 9.30am and cleared at 1.30am - 4 hours of a slow walk...12km in total

the cherry at the top was finally making it to the elusive waterfall...we almost didnt see it!

I wore my hiking boots so that  I can break them in and that was part of the reason for my limp...I think i didn't tie them well

Oh well.....hears to more trails!

ACT NOW for 2025

 I was listening to Dr Cindy Trimm speaking about 2025 and the Urgency of Now! (dated Jan 6 2025)

Loved it 💓

here is an excerpt from the notes i took!

ACT INTENTIONALLY NOW!

• ALIGN yourself with purpose
• COMMIT to courageous action
• TRUST in Gods timing

• INVEST in yourself
• NURTURE strong relationships - everything rises and falls on relationships, build connections, have a deliberate success circle of trust
• Taking TERRITORY - ask God to enlarge your reach like Jabez - not just physical but spiritual. Convenience is where I shoot my potential at point blank range! 
• INVEST in others
• OPTIMISE your time, Time is a currency of purpose.
• NEVER Quit, there will be storms and challenges, but stay focused 
• AIM high! raise that bar, dream big
• LEAD by example, LIVE fully!
• LIVE with gratitude every day!
• YIELD to the Holy Spirit

• NAVIGATING challenges - obey God and you can be able to ride the winds of change
• OVERCOMING doubt, this is the first step to victory -esp doubt of self
• WORK and excellence - excellence is the language of KINGS, and the currency of influence!

Go out and conquer!

The mountains await....

 So I decided 2025 is the year I will push myself to walk more... hike more...and not to give excuses when opportunities come

so when I saw the poster from Itchy feet Hikers that their first hike was ranked as moderate, I was like letsgoooo!!

vitu kwa ground was different...

very different

off we went on Saturday Jan 11 to Empaash Conservancy in Kajiado county, some 2 hours drive from Nairobi

we reached the conservancy camp site...and, i must say i like the way its been done..a gazebo place and washroom/shower 

at 9.30am we started off .....after the briefing and intros

the starting was ok...and clearly this was not a trail that had been walked on often...the conservancy began recently

then the climb began...ok...it was a slow climb....but I was already panting...and this was not even hour 2

after trekking for some 2 hours, and seeing very interesting vegetation and  great landscapes....we reached a section where we were to basically push thicket aside to get the path to the caves....this is where we gave up.....the thought that we need to come back the same way....my sister and I decided we can go back now

and so the other group went on....and we turned back

mercifully we had two guides for the tour

so one could take us back to base

he was very patient with us, as we walked slowly

at some point we heard a strange noise, and he said those are monkeys...we asked, which ones? he said the big ones....but its ok, they will not come near!

and then after some time we see him being more keen and looking around...he says...there are animals around, they just look at us...if we had goats then  probably they can attack ....sema adrenaline rush...weuhh

we reached base after 4 hours of walking (and resting....) and waited for the rest for close to three hours!!

meanwhile, some young ladies were selling lovely jewelry, we bought some and we took photos with the elaborate ones

(oh...and my shoes gave up on me!)

back to the story, i have come to terms with this, that me..am not ready for these tough hikes

i will still do the simple ones for now

still....

the mountains await

one day, i will manage it!

New Year 2025

 I M A G I N E

Its already 2025!

I can vividly remember the turn of the century - 1999 to 2000 when the world went berserk regarding the Millenium...oh, so many conspiracy theories were spinned...including the world ending, the computers switching off....weuh...I know IT guys who keshad at work just to watch and be on guard when the change happens at midnight

My sis and I were in Carnivore to usher in the millennium at an electrifying show by Chaka Demus and Pliers and of course, this is when I first heard the Redemption Song!! sang by none other than Rita Marley herself!! weuh....I have never attended another concert that matches this one...and the fireworks? Carnivore outdid themselves!!

Now its 25 years later...so much has changed

am 50years old....

and my phrase for my next decade is 

Rejoice in the Lord Always, and AGAIN, I say Rejoice (Philippians 4: 4)

I have a good feeling about this year...5 is the number of GRACE! 

I read somewhere that 5 symbolizes Gods grace, kindness and mercy towards humankind! 

May this be true for all of us!

Happy New Year!