Maasai+People



n Kenya, the Maasi were once feared warriors, but now they are peaceful nomadic cattle herders. To the Maasi, the cow is life. Without the cows, the Maasi tribe might starve. They treat the cows as kindly as they do their own family members. They give each one a name, sing to them, and even give shelter to the young calves in their own homes. They are more than mere pets, they are part of the family.

image source: Maasai Association

One warrior, Kimeli has been living in America for a long time going to school to study to become a doctor. While Kimeli is in America something very terrible happens. Kimeli has come home to share this sad tale with his tribe and to ask a favor.

>>This very touching story reflects the true events that took place on September 11, 2001. Kimeli grew up in a small village in Kenya and earned a college scholarship in America. In New York, he lived with American families while studying to become a doctor. During this time, foreign terrorists attacked America. Kimeli witnessed the bombings of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers. His heart was heavy with grief and he wanted to do something to help. He remembered once hearing "to heal a sorrowing heart, give something that is dear to your own." He decided to give his only cow as an offering to grieving Americans. When he took his story to the elders of his village, they too wanted to help. This is how fourteen cows were symbolically given to America. A symbol of friendship and hope. The cattle herd still lives in Kenya and have now multiplied, but they will never be slaughtered for food.