"I WENT TO ALLIANCE" - Dallienst Marshel

Yes, I went to Alliance Girls. Twice, actually-- not as a student, and not alone. I was there with my team for a church program-- a Music Sabbath. And here’s my story.

It all began the moment I stepped into the compound, determined to experience for myself what Alliance Girls’ National School-- famously nicknamed Bush-Gee-- was all about. I was now walking through one of Kenya’s most prestigious national schools, a place that has shaped countless achievers. It was a place my community and I once dreamt of being a part of-- only this time, I was walking through the girls’ version.

From the start, my eyes took their own silent tour. The landscape was breathtaking. Trees lined the path like a natural avenue, silently whispering, “Keep walking.” Flowers beamed quietly, giving testimony to the serenity of the space. Everything was neatly organized-- from the entrance to the pathways-- and the signage and trees seemed to guide your steps as if they had something to say. I didn’t pay much attention to whether the signs were for vehicles or pedestrians; I just followed.

Near the gate, gardeners were at work around a newly constructed building. True to form, final touches on both the exterior and interior were underway-- a familiar scene for any ongoing beautification project. What stood out to me, though, was the silence. Tools clicked and scraped, but there was no loud chatter. Just purposeful work. Rare, but refreshing. I continued walking.

The next highlight was the roundabout. A wide, open space greeted me-- a clever contrast from the narrow entry path. It was an intentional design move, no doubt, one that any landscape designer or greenspace manager would appreciate: a circular space opening from a linear one gives a feeling of arrival. And truly, I had arrived.

Some “Bush-Gee citizens,” as they’re affectionately called, moved quietly about in their full school uniforms. Judging from their small numbers and direction, I assumed they were heading to the washrooms. I found myself in awe-- not just of the campus, but the students themselves. “Full school uniform on a Saturday?” I thought. No prefects shouting. No teachers wielding canes like in my old high school. Just calm, collected girls who looked like they knew where they were going. Ties well done, socks white and straight, shoes polished, and natural hair--neat, whether long or short.

“This is discipline,” I whispered internally. Looking back, I can say it with confidence: Discipline lives at Alliance Girls. Perhaps they even breathe it. (Scientists should probably study the air there.) And maybe, just maybe, it’s part of why they succeed.

I was a few minutes late to church that morning-- just past 10 AM-- but grateful to have made it. Church has always been a joy to me: learning, fellowshipping, and listening. The service was being held in the usual chapel near the roundabout. On my way in, I noticed a few girls seated on a bench outside, deeply engrossed in a heartfelt conversation. Later, I came to realize they were walking through a problem together. Ubuntu in action.

Inside, the only voice that rang through was the facilitator’s, and occasionally the speaker’s when engaging the congregation. There was no murmuring-- none that I could hear at least. Everyone listened keenly. The girls, still in their pristine uniforms, followed along in their Bibles every time a verse was read. The sound of turning pages-- soft and unified-- was its own kind of music. This, I thought, is what I love about my church: sola scriptura. No wonder we’re called people of the book. I wonder if that title still holds.

The program unfolded seamlessly. I had a short presentation-- just six minutes, as per the schedule. Besides good vegan food, few things bring me as much joy as sharing thoughts about God and life. I spoke, then we sang-- as is custom on Music Sabbaths. More speakers followed, alternating with singing, then tithes and offerings, and more singing. It was beautiful.

Lunch was a familiar and well-prepared plant-based meal: rice, potato-bean stew, and cabbage. Typical Sabbath food in my church. It was self-service-- and plenty! I remember wondering who had prepared such quality food for over 20 guests. *Could generosity be part of success?* I pondered. I wasn’t letting anything go unnoticed. I was watching, learning.

One thing I’ve learned about the Church-- the body of Christ-- is that within it are many spiritual gifts. One may preach; another may exhort. As 1 Corinthians 12:4 reminds us, there is a diversity of gifts but the same Spirit. So, whenever I’m called to serve in any capacity, I ask God to take full control-- not just of my part, but of the entire program. I prayed that prayer that day at Alliance Girls, and in my own measure, I believe God answered. The service wasn’t about elevating individuals. It was about glorifying God.

The entire experience was a blessing. Not just to the girls, but to me too. That’s how the word of God works-- it touches the speaker and the listener alike. It’s a double-edged sword, reminding us that God is interested in both.

From my visit, here are a few life lessons I carried home-- things I believe are marks of truly successful people:

God

Did you know Isaac Newton wrote more religious texts than scientific ones? Every bit of knowledge we have is borrowed from the Source-- God. All innovation finds its origin in creation. Yet many today use knowledge as a path away from God, rather than a reason to fall in awe and worship. The choice is always yours: autonomy or theonomy. Connect more deeply with God and you’ll grow-- not just in character, but in intellect and wisdom. You were made for greatness, but never to dethrone God. Stay connected. You’re far stronger with Him.

Discipline

Discipline is the foundation many ignore. It’s about obeying the rules and principles that govern life. Whether it’s Bernoulli’s principle in aviation or moral discipline in daily life, the truth is this: You don’t invent principles; you discover them. And while you may not always like them, you must obey them. That’s how success is sustained. Hard work gets you there-- discipline keeps you there.

Generosity

Alliance Girls showed us generosity in action-- they fed us without hesitation. Generosity makes room for more. When you give-- to God, to people, to causes-- you open doors. And generosity isn’t just about money. It’s about sharing time, wisdom, and kindness. Sometimes, a heartfelt “Thank you” or “God bless you” is worth more than a paycheck. Blessings go where money can’t.

Community

We live in a world full of houses but lacking homes. We’ve got friends but little friendship, knowledge but little wisdom. Alliance Girls reminded me of the power of real community-- like the girls I saw solving a problem together. Be that kind of friend. Be that kind of support. Yes, there’s a lot of faking these days, but you be the genuine one. And you’ll attract the same. Like attracts like.

Order

I’ve wrestled with this one for a long time-- but progress is possible. Organize, don’t agonize. Plan your work and work your plan. If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail. Even God created the world with a daily structure, and Jesus made strategic decisions before acting. So why not you? Start today. Say no when needed. Be deliberate. Get organized.

There’s wisdom all around you—if you’re willing to look and learn. God is speaking through people, nature, His Spirit, and His Word.

Proverbs 2:10–11

When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.

Let your eyes be open. Let your heart be teachable. God is always speaking.