Having returned to the UK from Kenya on Saturday , I would like to add a final thought.
It’s hard to imagine in just over a week, Gemma, myself, other colleagues and family members received two prestigious business awards at The Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. Flew six flights in six nights, landing unwittingly at Nairobi international airport during the terrorist mall massacre. Visited six Eldoret schools, an orphanage and saw first hand the largest slum area.
Beautiful Slum
We had the privilege of staying at the Open Arms village on the outskirts of Eldoret. A beautiful place in the hills with breathtaking views. The founders David and Rachel Gallagher are family friends. I have seen from afar how the village has evolved from vision into reality.
Seeing it first hand is incredible and I am pleased to have finally stayed there.
As a family we sponsor a little 4 year old girl called Esther. Words cannot describe the feelings upon meeting her for the first time. She is a beautiful and extremely funny little girl. Doing so well at the village, orphaned she shares a home with 16 or more other children. Under the love and care of her kenyan house parents.
So onto the significance of my title ‘ in the nets ‘
Well, due to a pesky flying insect that carries life threatening diseases i.e. malaria. We slept under the protection of mosquito nets. Last Thursday evening I lay under the nets and diligently checked for gaps. It is at this point the realization of my life versus those I had witnessed that day, really struck me.
I had the sanctuary of the village with security guards. Nets to protect me plus repellent and even malarone malaria tablets costing £40.
This was my main concern and at most, all I had to really worry about.
Not when or where would my next meal or scrap of food come from? Whether I would be beaten up and abused that night. Would I even wake up tomorrow morning? Which is just a glimpse of the reality and challenges that many children face each day in Eldoret.
Next came the profound. I sometimes listen to music which helps me relax and switch off before sleep. Having put my beats headphones on I scrolled through my itunes library on the iphone. Finally selecting Mumford & Sons and came the track ‘ Awake my soul ‘, this is definitely the soundtrack of my trip.
Personally Kenya did wake up my soul, in many different ways.
Earlier that evening I was invited to visit one of the homes for dinner. The Christian faith is fundamental in the everyday lives of these people. So before dinner everybody sits together for devotions. Which included singing and some prayers. There is something so powerful and moving when they began to sing together.
I found myself almost transported to another place. Even though I couldn’t understand the words, I felt such a sense of peace and security. Despite the terror in Nairobi and other forces of evil around in the world. For this moment it honestly felt that nothing could touch, harm or steal, that which is special to these orphans... A family home.
This trip has been incredible, I feel privileged to witness the good we are achieving through the Solomon Project. Seeing thousands of desperate children receive a much needed meal. Which I feel joins up the vision, a tangible reality of ‘a virtual window into a global village.
Technology helps us to see it, but personal encounter allows us to experience it.
Visiting the Schools, seeing the slums, the smells and sounds. Thousands of faces staring in anticipation of receiving a meal.
Somebody once told me “that you will fall in love with the Kenyan people.” I now know what they meant. Despite all adversaries, challenges and the problems they face everyday. There is something so vibrant and inspiring about the Kenyans, their tenacity and passion for life is remarkable. They have every reason in the world to complain, resent, cry and feel sorry for themselves. Yet they choose to live life...... It is seriously humbling, giving your soul a real wake up call !
Finally I wanted to say thanks to Gemma, Jim and Chris for sharing this adventure with me. You have all been brilliant and I have enjoyed spending the time with you.
Thank you to the work of Open Arms and for providing such great hospitality. Also to Mary’s Meals and our guide / driver Abel who took us safely ( if not super fast and scary), around the various schools to see the feeding projects.
These partners together with kind donations from people of the Ribble Valley and beyond. They have helped us to provide meals to over 8,000 children in schools across Eldoret, Kenya. The strategy is so simply effective, feeding children at school.
In reality however the impact as I witnessed is massive and there is so much appreciation. Both from the children and the teachers. Even local volunteers come and help prepare the food.
In essence for just 6p a day, a child can gain a substantial meal. Which enables them to attend school and focus. Education provides aspiration and hope for a future life.
Furthermore the project is helping break down barriers locally of tribal tension. Which fundamentally is seeing transformation of local communities.
To finish I thank you for taking the time to read this blog and for sharing our amazing journey. If you would like to help then please visit www.thesolomonproject.co.uk.
‘ Little things can make a big difference.’
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