Nyumbani Village

Dear Kenya,

You are incredibly adventurous and exciting. You allow me to explore you but give me no time to write it all down to tell my friends and family at home how much of a wonderful time I am having. So I will begin with last weekend.

Last weekend our program took us for our first overnight excursion at a rural village called Nyumbani Village. We were told that this community was self-sustaining. When we arrived, two volunteers and the volunteer coordinator greeted us. After introductions and lunch, they took us on a tour explaining how the community worked. We saw the barn where they sell chickens for their own profit, give eggs and chickens to the people who live in the community and they get to decide what to do with them. We then saw the greenhouse where they grow their fruits and crops, but also develop their own fertilizers by the herbs around them. We were shown how the community uses solar energy. Because this community is keen on sustainability they use the sun to power their electricity. We got the chance to see their clinic, schools, and little shops. Throughout this tour we some of the children followed us and joined out tour. While walking we talked to them, and played with them. When our tour concluded, we all took a little break and headed to the field where the children played. Children were so excited to play with you. Many played Frisbee, Soccer, others wanted to play with my camera. So I let them take pictures of themselves and of me (some of the pictures posted on Facebook were taken by several children). The children there were so happy and playful. Towards the end one little girl befriended me. She ended up getting us back to where we needed to be for dinner. We danced the makarena, sang Waka waka (her favorite song), had a tickle war.

At dinner we all sat down exhausted from our day and talked about what we experienced. We all had the most fun we have had in a long time. Personally, staring out into the darkness and up at the sky full of stars, I felt a peace I have not experienced before. Something about playing with these children, with the knowledge that they were orphans and that 70% of them are fighting AIDS/HIV made me feel something I could not explain. I realized that I knew before entering the community the story behind these children. But when we all played together, it didn’t matter, I didn’t think about it. I saw not orphaned children struggling with a terrible disease. I saw children being children, playing, getting dirty, making friends, smiling and laughing. After the day I thought about how these children are not suffering. They are not in pain or sad. They are extremely happy. They are full of life. Yes they struggle through a disease that may shorten their life. But maybe, subconsciously or consciously, they don’t let that hold them back from living life. These children inspired me to change my perspective yet again. They taught me to be more than appreciative of my life, but to understand that life is a gift that should NEVER be wasted. I know that these children, who I do not personally know, touched and will always be in my heart.

Love, 

Angie