After visiting the village, they continued their documentation process with renewed purpose. Bibi Aisha moved with surprising energy for her age, leading them along paths she remembered from decades past.
At specific points, she would stop, sharing stories that connected the physical landscape to family history.
"Here is where your grandfather built the first house, just after independence," she said, indicating a clearing where only the faintest outline of a foundation remained.
"And here," she continued, moving to a massive mango tree, "is where your father studied as a boy, saying the shade helped him think clearly."
Fatuma followed, recording these testimonials on her phone while taking photographs of the locations.
Mzee Bakari added his own knowledge, pointing out boundary markers certain trees, rock formations, a small seasonal stream that had traditionally defined the property lines.
