Photography By: Moses Odanga – http://www.modanphotography.com/
Venue: Loreto Convent Primary School, Mombasa
When the car I was in pulled into Loreto Convent Primary School Mombasa, twenty years since I had been there, I knew the nostalgia would hit me hard; the neat rows of shrub, the lower primary classrooms on the far left of the parking lot, the corridor leading towards the music hall. It felt like I had been there the day before, memories of school plays and sports days coming back to me in such a powerful way. What I did not expect was the welcoming party that received me!
A little girl with a bouquet of flowers almost twice her size looked up to me with pretty wide eyes as she handed me the roses and I was floored. A group of teachers lined up to greet me, shaking my hand warmly and then I recognized two who had taught my siblings and I in the 90s! I embraced Mr. Kodawa warmly, not quite believing he was still teaching there! Sister Gertrude, the School Principal who had invited me, a lady with a kind spirit and quiet authority, walked me past a group of students who were singing a song that said something about welcoming their daughter home. They shook their shoulders and stomped, making their way from the parking lot to the field where the event was taking place.
The date, 8th August 2015. It was their prize giving day, and Sister Gertrude, had invited me to be their…wait for it…Chief Guest of Honour! Wait…hang on…the little girl who fought with boys and played on the climbing frame and sold wrestling stickers with her two brothers for some extra pocket money (we later got our butts whooped by our Dad so hard later that evening, I eventually lost the thrill for anything to do with WWF!) was now a Guest of Honour! I was not a model student while learning there, but I remember the teachers being patient, albeit militant, with us. It was a rare combination and one that, in hindsight, really helped in my character building. It also allowed me to trust adult supervision from very early on.
After signing the guest book at the Principal’s office and meeting my fellow alum, a bubbly, smart lady called Josephine whose aunt was my classmate back in primary school and who would later speak passionately about hard work paying off, I was led through the hall where we would sometimes have assembly and out into the playing field, a vast expanse of memories. People had already congregated; parents, teachers, students. There was a high table that I was led to and I could not quite believe that, twenty years ago, I had craned my small neck trying to take a look at who the Guest of Honour was. Now here I was, seated in the middle, facing everyone, a wide array of expressions staring back at me. Expectant, curious, anxious, excited. It was surreal, but I composed myself and the festivities began.
After inspecting the Guard of Honour and singing the national anthem, came a moment that filled me with immense emotion; singing the Loreto anthem:
Loreto Convent School, Loreto Mombasa,
Loreto Convent School, Loreto Mombasa,
While I breathe I believe in The Cross,
While I breathe I believe in The Cross.
Maria Regina Angelorum…
The words came out of my mouth with an ease that surprised me. It was as though Mrs. Mubiru, my former music teacher, was waving her heavy set arms in front of me again, emphasizing each word meticulously, pedantic about the right rhythm, the right tone of voice. I had to fight back tears.
After taking a seat for the event to kick off and as the first few songs and shairis were performed, I took a moment not only to appreciate the invite to the occasion or to reflect on the years I had spent in the school, but on everything it taught me, lessons I still carry with me to date.
Sister Reid (who is still alive and in her nineties but teaches in Nairobi) was a tough elderly lady who reminded us everyday that there is no shortcut to discipline and that discipline defines a person. Miss Adhiambo (who has since passed away), arguably the most feared teacher in the school, did not let us get away with disobedience and breaking the school rules. She put us all on the straight and narrow and taught us that living life with focus always paid off. Mrs. Mubiru (who is now retired) was arguably the finest music teacher at the Coast. She allowed us to travel the world and read the Bible through mellifluous song and well-worded prose, instilling, at least in me, a deep love and appreciation for music that I have to date. Sister Mary (who has since passed away) taught us about the Bible, emphasizing on faith rather than religion.There were many other teachers who taught us many other lessons, not just in the classroom, but on life. They may never know it, but these teachers changed my life.
I rose to give my speech and told the parents that one of the best decisions they made was putting their children in that school. That even though I have made mistakes in life and I still have a lot of figuring out to do, I am all the more equipped because of the values I took with me from Loreto. I turned to the students and reminded them that every one of us has a purpose and even though they may not know what to make of that right now, they are on the right path, if they take advantage of the teachers and lessons from Loreto.
The prize giving ceremony had some amazing categories; most improved student, sports player of the year and even parent of the year! We wound up the occasion by doing Sauti Sol’s Lipala Dance and I left the school with a big grin on my face. I had come back home and it felt like I had renewed my sense of purpose. I am a proud Loreto alum, I am a proud daughter of one the finest schools in Kenya!
63 comments
soraya
August 14, 2015 at 7:50 am
Wow, that was such an honour. You are an inspiration to women.
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 10:50 am
Thanks dear!
kate keter
August 14, 2015 at 8:19 am
wooow this is soo humblin….going back to the roots…
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 10:49 am
?
Maggy
August 14, 2015 at 9:03 am
wow so amazing it got me thinking about my past….so memories are engraved in us no matter where we go.i so heart you janet
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 10:46 am
I heart you too ?
Nancy chelangat
August 14, 2015 at 9:23 am
you are very inspiring Janet may God be with you always young girls are looking upto you
Tina
August 14, 2015 at 9:39 am
"If it doesn't challenge you, It won't change you"- Elizabeth Edwards
This is sooooo awesome,I would like to be a guest honour of my old school one day. And those cute baby in red uniform only one word for them…"awwwwwwww" & ur baby bump double "awwwwwwww"
I know you did inspire the girls there, they did pick the right person to be the guest of honour.
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 10:39 am
Thank you Tina! It felt to go back with a baby bump ? itbwasnsongreat seeing all those amazing children and their parents and teachers. Truly a blessing! Thanks for reading my posts ?
Everlyn Muya
August 14, 2015 at 9:40 am
Very inspiring dear……Janet nice script there thankyou for sharing. ..Love you
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 9:21 am
Thanks dear ?
Njeri
August 14, 2015 at 10:17 am
I love this, i actually read it twice. Thanks Janet
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 9:19 am
Glad to hear it! Thanks so much for reading my posts!
Victoria
August 14, 2015 at 1:32 pm
u r very inspirational janet if ur blogs are anything to go by…then 4 me am headed the right direction……I read ur blogs almost everyday and am very inspired….those children must have very excited…..u r my mentor…keep going…..much love….
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 9:15 am
Much love to you too, Victoria. I’m just learning to embrace everything that come my way, good or bad. I love sharing it with all of you. Thanks for visiting my blog so often! ?
CelineKaranja
August 14, 2015 at 1:50 pm
You look Great darling and today's post is beautiful it gave me flashbacks about my former school. God Bless
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 9:12 am
Thanks dear! ☺️
susan kalinda
August 14, 2015 at 2:40 pm
It was nice seeing you ,you are an inspiration to many,i am the mum to the little gal who gave you flowers 🙂
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 9:11 am
Hi Susan! Oh she is so adorable! Thank you for your kind message. It was so great being back at Loreto!
susan kalinda
August 15, 2015 at 11:15 am
Thank you.
Carol
August 14, 2015 at 3:39 pm
Great way of recapping the beautiful memories.
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 9:10 am
Thanks Carol ☺️And thank you for visiting my blog!
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 10:01 pm
☺️
Brian Bright
August 15, 2015 at 12:08 am
Reading thru this and all that’s going in my mind is how honoured I’d be to be a guest of honour at my former primary school or high school. This article really inspired me to be that person who deserves such an honour… a role model to kids. The pride that my former teachers would have in me. I’d love for them to see what Brian turned out to be! Thanks Janet! Keep up! I’m forever a big fan of you and your work! All the best and God bless!
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 7:15 am
Thank you Brian! ? It was truly an honour. Maybe you can start from where you are today; talk to young people, find out if your former school needs help with any project etc. Not just because you would like the honour of being their Chief Guest, but because we owe it to the poeple who nurtured us, just to show them we haven’t forgotten them! All the best and thank you for reading my blog!
Judith Jebet
August 15, 2015 at 2:38 pm
Janet honestly I am a student of communication…..but again through your projects , pieces of advice, few minutes of your hectic schedule to listen give a whole different meaning og giving back to society….thanks for showing it’s not about money and chest thumping…..its about hope,inspiration and being part of the solution…..You have challenged me to stand and be counted positively in society. .Happy motherhood and God bless you
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 9:39 pm
? Asante Judith. Honestly I’m still figuring life out. Through mistakes we learn a lot and that’s ones thing I’d like to share, the lessons I’m learning. Thank you for making my blogging journey worthwhile!
winnie mutile
August 15, 2015 at 5:19 pm
I love the fact that you were in red…just like the school uniform thats so adorable…you are such a blessing…
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 9:37 pm
Thanks Winnie ? wanted to blend in. It was an honour being back there…
Rose Majala
August 15, 2015 at 5:36 pm
You are in my daughters lips every time she sees you on TV. She loves you nd these are her words..Janet is very elegant and beautifull and she has deep voice like yours mama..Thanks for making a positive impact on my daughter…loreto lives on
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 9:36 pm
Oh thank you Rose! I’m humbled by your words. How old is your daughter? Give her my love. Yes, Loreto lives on!
Wanene Grace
August 15, 2015 at 6:32 pm
Your blog is so real and inspiring. Hoping to meet you some day. Lots of love and Blessings??
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 9:35 pm
Thank you Grace. Sometimes being honest is difficult but in the end, liberating! Thanks for reading my posts ?
Silva Tutu
August 15, 2015 at 7:27 pm
This journey Has really taken shape…and it’s Janet all the way…. May God always continue blessing you.
Janet Mbugua
August 15, 2015 at 9:34 pm
Silva, your words are kind. God bless you too
Caroline Wangui Ngerema
August 15, 2015 at 11:24 pm
You are a true definition of an inspiration,,,thanks for your awesome story Janet,,,
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 1:17 pm
Many thanks Caroline!
zippy mbugua
August 17, 2015 at 11:25 pm
you always inspiring me.. God bless you
Janet Mbugua
August 18, 2015 at 1:16 pm
Asante Zippy ☺️
monica
August 18, 2015 at 9:24 am
janet you are my role model.
Doris
August 18, 2015 at 5:58 pm
Aren't you beautiful…you are a beautiful soul very beautiful!
Janet Mbugua
August 19, 2015 at 11:18 am
Thanks my dear! Humbled ☺️
Gertrude Mallya
August 18, 2015 at 10:22 pm
It was such a blessing to host you Janet as our guest of honor. This for was a dream come true! For one good year I had been thinking of how I could bring you back to your school, Loreto Mombasa! Your presence was an inspiration to the entire Loreto Mombasa family. We love you and we are proud of you Janet! God bless.
Angela Ngure
August 18, 2015 at 10:30 pm
Janet, this takes me back 20 years… Mr. Kodawa, Sister Reid and the amazing Mrs. Mubiru… "Colored the world with gladness"! Definitely among the best years of my life. You are doing a great job being an inspiration to many… Congratulations and All the best!
Priscilla Njenga
August 19, 2015 at 9:09 am
Thank you Janet for reminding us to remember what made us to be who we are today. I love your blog, its insightful.
Priscilla Njenga
August 19, 2015 at 9:10 am
Thank you Janet for reminding us not to forget what made us to be who we are today. I love your blog…..its insightful
maureen makau
August 19, 2015 at 3:24 pm
and it was awesome..
SOPHIE
August 19, 2015 at 4:23 pm
Oh……wow av always said your face looks so familiar now I know Loreto!! U brought back so many memories Mrs Mubiru, Mr. Kodawa etc those guys just never age and they definitely had a huge impact on us. Thanks for this
Keziah
August 20, 2015 at 8:06 am
Janet your blog is real and it lets us in on how human you are and inspires those of us who are in our mid twenties, that yes indeed we too can get to where to be.
Keziah
August 20, 2015 at 8:06 am
Janet your blog is real and it lets us in on how human you are and inspires those of us who are in our mid twenties, that yes indeed we too can get to where we want to be.
Susan
August 20, 2015 at 11:35 am
I look @ u every Monday and Tuesday hosting the news and feel
its like I know u already…..thank you Janet Dichu for opening this blog…u are an inspiration.
Am used to reading blogs that advice me on how to take care of my body, face blablabla.
If no one has ever told u how beautiful u r in and out…..i do.
Shelmith Gathoni
August 20, 2015 at 5:57 pm
Janet u r an inspiration,May u continue doing that which God has put in your heart,,,I wish u prosperity
Angy
August 21, 2015 at 7:17 am
Watched you on Ebru. Out of all you said my best part was your hearty appetite. Whoever doesn’t cheat on food gets me. I love your soul. Continue doing what you do to bless those around you. The letter to you from your mom’s birthday spoke to me. Glad for my 3 decades on earth. Can’t wait for the more ahead! <3
Peter odanga
August 21, 2015 at 8:33 am
Glad your were able to document this. We are so proud of you. We celebrate you.
Njoro
August 21, 2015 at 3:40 pm
Just found a place for inspiration
thanks Jano for that!!!!
Whitney Wanderi
August 26, 2015 at 8:20 am
I went to Loreto – Valley Road. From class one to form four ??
I didn’t realize then, that I went to one of the greatest schools. Now, I am forever grateful that I did ??
click here
September 2, 2015 at 4:50 pm
Your tone and enthusiasm really shows in your writing. Great post!
Anonymous
September 3, 2015 at 9:58 pm
Janet you really inspire me and my two daughters…I keep reminding them that In this world you can be anything you want to be if you put your heart and mind in it.
Anonymous
September 28, 2015 at 10:05 pm
Janet you are such an inspiration and stand alone lady I treasure and admire my sister to be like, you are such an amazing person who daily ignites my spirit of being the best journalist ever in Kenya, Africa and the World at large.
I am now pursuing Media studies and its my hope in less than two years I will be your assistant at Citizen.
Anonymous
September 28, 2015 at 10:06 pm
Janet you are such an inspiration and stand alone lady I treasure and admire my sister to be like, you are such an amazing person who daily ignites my spirit of being the best journalist ever in Kenya, Africa and the World at large.
I am now pursuing Media studies and its my hope in less than two years I will be your assistant at Citizen.
Anonymous
September 29, 2015 at 4:12 pm
Hi Janet, you wer two years my juniour in Loreto. I remember you back then, nice, bubbly, beautiful and friendly. I'm proud of you and May God continue showering you with his blessings. Amen.
Gabriel lule
December 19, 2015 at 1:37 pm
It was nice hostting you back janet,Remember everything big was once small.The great rain Elijah prayed for and asked God to bring started from a small cloud that equalled the fist of a man.It was a good honor to come back home.fly girl,fly high!
Janet Mbugua
March 22, 2016 at 10:12 am
Oh it was so great seeing you all! God bless you and thank you for hosting me so graciously. A day I’ll never forget!