In August 2007, I had the awesome opportunity to bring Choice Theory® to a unique group of people in Thika, Kenya. While there, I stayed with a local family and was pleased to live as an African for a week. I ate the foods, slept in their bed (which is nothing like the beds we have here) and road the Mutatus (public transportation the equivalent of a 12-passenger van that they fit over 20 people in when busy). The one thing I didn’t do was drink the water.
The people were wonderful. I don’t think I’ve ever had a group more interested in learning. . .they didn’t really care what it was, as long as it was information they could use. I was reminded about how fun learning can be when it is fun and useful. I was so honored when the participants gave me the Swahili name of Mwalima or teacher. If you watch the video on this page, you will see the group playing, “This is a What” African-style. This group had so much fun learning, they were amazing.
We had 17 core people in the Basic Intensive Week in Reality Therapy and Choice Theory®. There were others who joined in when they were able but 17 partook in the entire week. The participants were very eclectic. There were men and women, some college students, a college professor, a counselor, a teacher, a pastor, missionaries, business owners, secretaries and others.
Something that always surprises me about Choice Theory® is universality across cultures. These participants understood and accepted the five basic needs and the fact that external control was ruining relationships. They became committed to implementing the Caring Relationship Habits in their lives. They were eager to try Reality Therapy as a self-evaluation process in their own lives and in the lives of those they influence. They learned to focus on the things over which they have control, as opposed to circumstances and other people they don’t control.
In the process of teaching them Choice Theory®, Reality Therapy, Lead Management and Quality School concepts, I learned so much. I learned about their culture. I learned to appreciate the wealth of material things I have available to me. I learned people can be very content and fulfilled even when they are economically disadvantaged. I learned there are some basic things that connect all humanity.
I wouldn’t trade my experience with the people of Thika for anything. The experience changed my life and I am hopeful one day I will be able to return.
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