The beautiful Kate, my new friend and companion during my time in and around Nairobi
Kate and Dickson are two amazing people I have had the opportunity to get to know here in Kenya. Both of them volunteer for Child Focus Africa which is an organization started by Paul Kenya and his wife, who is from Canada. The purpose of the organization is to support disadvantaged children in Migwani. Dickson also runs a company called Adventure Africa. He has been responsible for organizing all my logistics here in Kenya. I highly highly recommend him if any of you ever want to come to Kenya. He is a genuine, integral and trustworthy individual.
The disadvantaged kids in Migwani, smiling and hamming it up for the camera
On the 10th, we drove up to Migwani so that I could get pictures and updates on where projects of Child Focus Africa are at in their development. This was a 4 hours drive in each direction and the road construction through Nairobi is just horrendous. People in North America would be crying to the government and trying to sue if they had to drive their cars on such roads. But here the Kenyans just made do and do their best. The government does not care if they complain. It would not do any good. In fact learning about life here in Kenya through Kate and Dickson has been a real eye opener. As always, it is frustrating for a Westerner to see how hard these individuals have it trying to make ends meet and they get by with so little money. Really so little. I will summarize this in another post. But regardless, as is often heard, the smiles are endless. The people are welcoming and friendly. So different from Southeast Asia where no one seems to smile readily. All the Kenyans are bright and beautiful.
The great people I have met - Kate, Dickson and Kasina
So visiting Migwani was also moving. The children just love the camera and constantly try to get in the picture. It was so funny, they just couldn’t stop looking at me and copying things I said. They would crowd in as I was taking pictures and laugh and scream when I should the preview. They were adorable. They have nothing but are so happy.
The lovely children of Migwani.
Well done Sara! You have done Child Focus Africa proud.
Thanks Len, it was pretty amazing
Very similar to Jamaican’s … well in a way. So social and willing. It is interesting why one culture can be so solemn and another so joy filled. And so interesting how a smile can transform our impression of a people. I am glad our Mum and Dad taught us to smile a lot! And the health benefits of laughter are documented … perhaps these people are healthy in a way that is beyond their conditions? So happy you are there having the experience.