T’was the Day Before Kenya

T’was the day before Kenya, when all through the land (well, Ontario, anyway)

Four women were sitting on suitcases jammed;

The stockings were stuffed in each nook and cranny

And dozens of panties for each size of fanny.

But soon they were nestled all snug in their beds

While visions of bright smiles danced in their heads;

And Faraj in his van with Lois their guide

Were over in Kenya preparing their ride

When over the interwebs there arose such a clatter

The travellers wrote in to ask what was the matter

Away to the dollar store they flew like a flash,

To add even more to their plentiful stash,

The glow of their screens as they scanned the forecast

Lit up their brains - make a backup plan fast!

When what to their wondering minds should occur

But a firm new resolve to just do it; endure!

With their Kenyan friends waiting in anticipation

They knew their arrival would spark great elation

They’d a sewing curriculum and equipment new,

Pedagogical sharing and a field trip planned, too.

More rapidly, then, did their four hearts beat,

As they thought about all of the folks that they’d meet;

On Gabi, on Linda, on Micheline, on Sheree!

There’s Flora! There’s Brian! The school board and Mary.

To the school they call Compass;

To the streets of Mathare

A fabric trek planned and a short side safari;

As Tumaini members when faced with impossible odds

Have learned to say how, and give positive nods

Each new task was tackled with tremendous zeal

The entire team in the Soo took part in the deal.

And then in a twinkling;

They heard their clocks chime

The day had arrived

And at last it was time.

As three packed up their luggage and waited with glee

Down the driveway limped Holly their airport taxi.

They were dressed all in warm clothes, from bottom to top,

And they wished that this darn snow would finally stop.

Each had a knapsack flung on their back

And onlookers were wond’ring just what did they pack?

Meantime ~trav’ler four was driving, how scary!

Those transports are a menace ~ 401 is not merry.

Four duffels packed tight with Superior Shields,

Were already at Pearson thanks to a friend far afield.

The SSM trio were expected soon, so their fourth wrote a poem while up in her 

room.

When at last they arrived, they had plans to go eat

At the Mandarin buffet if they could get seats.

They were tired but buoyed by excitement galore

Laughing and chatting about what was in store.

Reviewing their plans and catching up on the news

They filled up with goodies, then off for a snooze.

Next morning they unpacked and repacked their bags

Looking for any security flags

Then off to eat breakfast and tie up loose ends

Send farewell texts to their loved ones and friends

The shuttle arrived; they were soon at the gate

And sighed with relief that they weren’t running late.

They sprang to their seats, to their trays gave a wipe

‘Cause norovirus was lurking, said the media hype.

But you could hear them exclaim, ere they turned down the light

Happy travels to all

And to all a good flight!