I didn't know this story whatsoever until I found this book on my library shelf.
This is the true story of how the Maasi people of Kenya responded to the September 11 attacks so many thousands of miles from them.
Kimeli is walking home to his village as he returns for a visit from learning to be a doctor in New York.
He is greeted by all the children first
The Maasai treat their cows like they treat their children
To the Maasai, the cow is life.
I love cows. I am always prejudiced in anyone's favor who values cows.
A mother's welcome
I really, really love the illustration, their exuberance, their ochre tinge, their detail!
Kimeli begins to tell a story that has burnt a hole in his heart.
The story of September 11
He reminds them that to the Maasai, the cow is life. And he offers his cow to the people of America who have been hurt so deeply by these attacks.
The American ambassador from Nairobi is invited to a ceremony
Where he is give 14 cows for America.
Because there is no nation so powerful that it cannot be wounded,
nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort.
Mic drop.
I tear up EVERY TIME I read this page.
When I am reading this book to students, I can tell some of them are a little confused. What would people in New York City do with cows? Why would these people offer them to us? It is similar to when you are sad about something and your little brother or sister brings a toy that is precious to themselves for you to play with. You might not really need or particularly want that toy, but knowing the love with which it was given, you feel a little better--your heart hurts a little less. You know you are loved.
The cows were never sent to America; they reside at the American embassy in Nairobi. America really didn't need the cows. But we desperately needed the message that was sent with these cows--"We are with you. We care. We want to give you life."
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