The question really is whether this is the beginning or the end. We started by beautifying a physical facade, which led to the further beautification of individuals, families and communties...and ended in our own beautification... me personally... as I feel I am leaving this wonderful corner of Kenya a much better person.
Our home visitations continued again this morning. We started with the home of Stephen, shared by his sister and their total of 4 children. Stephen was part of the crew the helped paint the medical centre earlier in the week.
At each of the next two stops, chairs, tables, empty water containers.. whatever could be had...was brought in for us to sit on. This is a true sign of respect and hospitality - what is means to have a visitor in your home.
We then attended the Teen's session in the afternoon at the centre. A remarkable group of children that participate in a facilitated session to discuss their circumstances, stigmas, medical treatments etc. They are a confident bunch, so it made for some very animated discussion.
Then it was off to an open patch to kick around a few new Nike soccer balls.
The memory of this trip will remain with me for a very long time. We must first start by acknowledging our good fortune, and then ask what we can offer to those that are less fortuneate... not needy... just a little less fortunate than us. As I have come to learn, what we do is not charity... these people have pride, confidence and the will to change... they just need compassion and an enabling environment.
-Al
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