A taste of Kenya came to Bayfield recently, via members of the Ngumbao family.
Arnold Safari Ngumbao created an African-themed dinner for members and guests at First Baptist Church on May 3. Proceeds from the sold-out event, along with other donations, went into a fund to pay for green cards for Ngumbao's family.
Known locally as "Chef Safari," he is the executive chef at the Strater Hotel. He lived and worked abroad for years to support his family, but his wife and five children left the rising violence in Kenya last year, in large part because of terrorist group al-Shabab. The chef is known for his fantastic carvings from fruit and vegetables, which he has created for school children and events in Durango and Ignacio.
After flying his family here in groups came the daunting cost of visas for his wife and five kids - $20,000.
Combined with previous fundraisers - Safari has cooked dinners at numerous churches in Durango to raise money - the family now has enough to pay the legal fees and costs.
"We sent it straight to the lawyer, and now we're waiting," Chef Safari said. With a bit of luck, his wife and teenage children will get their temporary work permits in three months, and they will all have their green cards by the end of the year.
"We are super happy," the chef said of having his family together for the first time in years. His wife and children began the journey here from Kenya about a year ago. Christmas 2014 was the first time they had spent the holiday together in a long time.
Two months after their arrival, his youngest daughters "all speak very well English," their father said. They love school, and when it's not in session, they ask if they can do homework or chores for their parents. They also have friends from the churches here that have helped the family, he added.
"Me and my family thank every person who has made this happen," he said. "The community has opened the doors for us to help out with every need we have here. It's been really wonderful."
His wife, Lucy Zawabi Kitsao, son, Victor, and daughters Jackline, Grace, Angel, and Sasha arrived on different flights last year, with money for airplane tickets largely donated by locals.
The First United Methodist Church of Durango, which also supports an orphanage in Kenya, has managed the money for the family. While having a family of seven live in a small apartment with no car sounds hard by American standards, the family is simply grateful to be together. They all performed Kenyan folk songs during the event at First Baptist.
"The community in Bayfield and here (Durango) has been outstanding to us," Chef Safari said. "We feel like part of everyone. We are really happy."
Linda Hardy, a member of First Baptist, said the congregation was pleased to sell every ticket to the dinner and to be able to help the family.
"It's a blessing," for both the recipient family and the church to help out people in need, she said.
Donations for living expenses for the family can be sent to First United Methodist Church, 2917 Aspen Drive, Durango CO, 81301.
