Working Locally, Serving Globally ~ Work, Faith and Economics

It has been a year since the journey was set and the mission accomplished.

I crossed the Atlantic Ocean and traveled to the Indian Ocean to share hope, love, school supplies and hygiene products to school children in Mombasa, Kenya. On an education mission which proved to be an experience more rewarding than words can adequately express.

As we traveled down an unpaved dirt road to Mnazi Moja Primary School, the dust rose high. The matatu (pronounced: ma-ta-too ~ which is a Kiswahili word. The vehicle is designed similar to a van with a sunroof.)

As we approached the outdoor school, there where 260 smiling faces waiting our arrival.
The children and teachers began clapping their hands and singing in harmony, a welcome song ~ like a well trained choir ~ even better than that. Sitting in the front seat of the matau, I could see the joy on their beautiful faces and hear the excitement in their voices.

We greeted everyone. Jambo!! (pronounced: Jam'-boe ~ in Kiswahili it means, "Hi!/Hello!")
By 10 a.m. the dry, morning Mombasa air had reached nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The children sang a jubilant welcome song while others performed a skit about the importance of saying "no" to alcohol, cigarettes and maintaining a harmonious family structure.

Dressed in brightly colored traditional Kenyan attire, four of the girls danced and sang as their bare feet moved across the soil and bits of rock. The black birds in the nearby tree seemed to keep harmony.
Among the school supplies were spiral notebooks, pencils, flip-flops and t-shirts.
The humbling yet empowering moment was when I handed two pair of panties to each of the young ladies in grades 7 and 8.

Yes, that's right ~ 2 pair of panties.

It was later explained to me ~ that it was a blessing to all of them, otherwise they may not have had that.

Sobering.

In spite of the lack their resources, I was amazed by their focus and commitment to still attend school.

Unwavering.

The truth is they taught me more in a day ~ then all of my degrees ever has. My level of gratitude has increased. My faith has been multiplied. And the introspection is real.

Asante Sana, Kenya! (Thank you, Kenya!)
*** I extend a heart felt thank you to my sponsors who believe in the mission of serving humanity.