When I was asked to go on this trip I quickly said yes. I had seen
pictures and heard stories from the past trips and I thought it
sounded like something that I would really enjoy. What I didn't
realize was that no amount of pictures I had seen or stories I had
heard could have prepared me for the experience I would have.
I experienced a whirlwind of emotions on the trip. It broke my heart
to walk hand in hand with the orphans home from school and watch
them disappear into the cornfields knowing that they were going home
to a lonely house with no parents. It was refreshing to see first
hand a culture that although experiencing such turmoil with sickness
and death had so much love for God, life and each other. How
thankful they were for everything they had. I was overwhelmed by the
beauty of the voices of the Kenyans as they sang for us, welcoming
and thanking us.
I too took hundreds of picture hoping to capture a small part of my
experience and to give a glimpse into the world of those I met. A
photograph is suppose to be worth a thousand words, but I don't
believe these pictures will come close to justifying the beauty of
the Kenyan country side, the brilliance of a Massi clock, or the
innocence of the childrens' laughter.
I could try for days and days to describe what I have seen and felt
during these past two weeks to my family and friends but I think it
is something one truly has to experience to understand.
I am therefore so grateful to have been on this mission trip. It has
been the most influential and eye opening journey in my life and I
hope that I am so lucky to return for many years to come.
I still don't think the realization that I am living a life long
dream has sunk in yet. For as long as I can remember I have wanted
to do service work and travel Africa. I love the beauty and all the
many differences that Kenyan culture brings. This place, Kenya, is
so rich with spirit and warmth that I have not felt uncomfortable at
any moment on this trip. It breaks my heart to know that there is so
much more we as humans can be doing for our fellow humans and yet we
are not.
I value the time and relationships that I gained and the insight
into a culture I can not describe nor could ever have imagined had I
not been part of this mission trip.
It was a awesome experience for me to be in Africa and to see how
beautiful the country is and to have the opportunity to see where my
race came from and had its beginning. I was saddened by the living
conditions, sickness and poverty of most of the people there,
especially those at the Wire Clinic. It was hard to see so
much beauty and poverty at the same time. My overall feeling are
mixed with joy and sadness.
"The whole time I was in Kenya
I never saw any TOYS... Lots and lots of
children, but no
toys." -- Nancy Gary of St. Matthews
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Hearts4Kenya. All rights reserved. 502.459.4582