As a 9^th grader, particularly at one of Tallahassee's largest high schools, I really didn't expect much excitement to happen whether in school or outside of it. Weekends, I work as a US class 8 soccer referee, as I have for 2 years. I go to school five days a week at Lincoln High, board the bus, and go home to struggle with mountains of homework.

However, one sunny afternoon, March 6^th of 2007, the weather seemed to be a premonition of things to come. Everything seemed complacently normal when school ended at 3:10. On to the bus and I was home as usual by 3.50. My mom, Rosemary Ochogo, ( a Registered Nurse and MDS coordinator at a local firm) had already arrived home from work, which was unusually early and was preparing to drive out to 'Maridadi: The Footability Store!', our outlet store for soccer gear. Levi Jawara, my kid brother had already been dropped off from his school, Roberts Elementary, which is closer.

Our routine was still normal until mom asked us to accompany her to her second job at the store. You see, I prefer to get home, do my homework. Levi on the other hand does not like homework and prefers to go to the store to moon over all the new arrivals of soccer equipment.

Levi is an ardent soccer player , especially after he saw Dennis "The Menace" Oliech play live when we were in Nairobi for the Kenya vs. Tunisia World Cup Qualifier in 2005. Though I hate to admit, Levi is the type of player whose skills I wish to possess. Currently, he plays for CSA's Rec Plus division on the Safari Stars F.C.

I couldn't quite figure why we were all at the store at all. My father Dan Oronje is a US class D soccer coach, a Director of Rehabilitation at a local firm, and a Tallahassee business man, was busy with the Celebration of Africa Awareness Month, an event organized by Tallahassee and African Sister City Coalition, T.A.S.C.C. All he'd been able to speak about since almost November was that "the future president of Kenya was coming to Florida."

Honestly speaking, when my parents --normal, hard-working, simple people of Tallahassee--told me a celebrity was coming to town, I brushed it off. My parents intermingling with big politicians? It was too big for me to believe, so I didn't.

The Honorable Eng. Raila Odinga, MP was already in Tallahassee from what I'd heard, but there was no doubt in my mind that he'd remain in his hotel, only coming into the public for press conferences and photo ops--just like any other politician or celebrity.

Dad rushed in at around 4:00pm and without sparing a moment stated, "Agwambo is coming." My mom, froze. Levi and I did not know who Agwambo was, and could not comprehend. Dad went on, "he has agreed to spare a moment to visit the shop."

"When?" Mom asked realizing the urgency.

"Right now," Dad said restlessly and headed back outside to lead the guest into the shop.