Our trip to Kenya in July 2009 was incredible, fun, life-changing, educational, enlightening, etc. and that is just our side of the trip. I believe our Kenyan brothers and sisters in Christ would tell you they were greatly encouraged by our visit.
For me, one of the highlights was to experience the entire trip with my family watching as each of the kids learn, struggle, pray, play, and bond. I give you their words for what they learned.
Jack, age 11: I have two things that I learned from our trip that really stand out to me. One is that I found out it is really fun to give. I got to give several soccer things- cleats, jerseys and shorts- to some of my new friends. When it rained a lot this summer, we were all bumming about our sporting events being cancelled. While we complained, I thought about how thankful the people in Kenya would be to get this rain. These memories help me check my selfishness now.
Margaret, age 12: I think the biggest thing I learned was to appreciate the education I am given a lot more than I have in the past. Before our trip I thought, “Yuck, summer reading” but when I got back I worked to finish my summer reading with a lot less complaining. I saw kids studying and learning in spite of all their struggles.
Kathleen, age 14: I would like to tell you something about our trip to St. George’s Island with our cousins in August to explain things I continue to learn from our trip to Africa.
When we were at the beach house we gotten woken up at 4:45 in the morning by a drunk lady beating on the door trying to come into our house. The door was very close to the window that was next to mine and Margaret’s beds. I was really scared when I woke up. My uncle was already on the phone with the police when I woke up. The police got there very quickly and took care of the lady, and we were all safe.
I thought about how crimes happen in Africa all the time and no one is there to help them. Often times the police are either not around to help or they are not trustworthy either. I thought about a story we heard about from a man who watched his family get killed during the post election violence. No one helped him and no one helped keep his family safe.
So one thing I learned was to appreciate how peacefully and safely we live. Another thing I’ve learned is to appreciate the things I have more and realize that the things I want aren’t necessarily the things I need. Like I really wanted a high waisted skirt from Forever 21, but I didn’t have the money to buy it. I was bummed, but I also realize that I have so much already.
While getting to know the people in Africa, I was impressed with how they persevere, work hard, and trust God. I also saw how God works in crazy, mysterious ways, but He is there with them, helping them.
Ellie, age 16: Even though I have been to Africa twice before, this trip was very different for me. I looked at what is happening there with a different set eyes this time which made the trip harder. I saw how hard their lives are and felt more of a responsibility and privilege to help.
