Dancing/Jumping with Masai Warriors

Monday, our first day in the Scottish schools went really well. I was able to visit three schools, the head teachers, and the supervising teachers. Everyone, with the exception of a couple of bus drivers in Edinburgh, has been so hospitable, kind, encouraging, supportive, friendly, etc. It is a real pleasure to be in Scotland.

While we were in Larbert High School, Mr. Martindale (Aimee's supervising teacher) mentioned that there was an assembly at 11:00 that we might want to attend, where a group of Masai Warriors was presenting a program.

Well, I'm all about seeing new things so Kurt, Aimee, and I were in for a real treat. I didn't know how much of a treat until the leader came back toward our area. I'm thinking the whole time, "Please don't pick me, please...I'm an American guest. Please don't embarrass me." You guessed it, out of all of the teachers and kids in the multi-purpose room, he chose me. Some other students, teachers, and I were lead to the front of the assembly to participate in a ceremonial dance. I tried to tell the leader I could lose my job at Harding if I were caught dancing, but he would not take "no" for an answer. Then I used my weight as an excuse, then my sleep apnea, then blood pressure, etc. but nothing worked. I was doomed to make a fool of myself. Ok, I didn't really say all of that stuff to the guy...but it did cross my mind.

We were paired with one of the Warriors and at the appointed time we were to go to the front, face one another, then jump as high as you could. Well, I didn't know anything about their culture, abilities, rituals, customs, etc. Then I quickly found out that they can JUMP really HIGH. That's right, basically flat footed jump a good 36+ vertical inches. I know that sounds high...and it is. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was experience I hope to never forget and I'm sure that the audience won't forget what they saw.