What my eyes and heart have seen cannot be expressed in the writing of this article. During April, my 10-year-old son and I embarked on a Relief- Aid Mission to rural Kenya. Very soon we discovered the modern conveniences of home such as running water, electricity, garbage collection and abundance of food were absent. Somehow we adjusted, accepting the African customs and lifestyles as if they were our own. This lead to an experience we will never forget.
I learned of Compassion Works International (C.W.I.) two years prior. A small Canadian charitable organization in its infancy stage, inspired by Daniel Kibarita, a young man sent to Canada years ago with support from the elders in his remote village of Mukeu, Kenya. Over the years Daniel has remained loyal to his people, re-building his small village with the assistance of a few Canadians who have volunteered their time and efforts. Past projects include dental/medical solutions, HIV/AIDS support and surgeries for children, and academic sponsorship for young students.
Asking oneself to set a goal and follow through can be a challenge. My son Alec set a personal goal to raise $1000 to provide medical surgeries to the children of Mukeu. Thanks to the wonderful support of family, school friends, and work colleagues, Alec exceeded his goal by $3100! While there, he witnessed the poverty and living conditions, realizing every little bit makes a huge difference. As a mother, I was extremely proud.
The post Presidential Election crisis in January of this year claimed over 1000 lives, stemming from tribal clashes. At least 500 000 had taken sanctuary in Internal Displaced Persons Camps across the country. Sadly they still remain there, waiting helplessly. Many escaped their burning homes, with only the clothes on their back. Many times I was brought to tears learning of how mothers ran and stumbled in the dark, with their small crying children in tow.
A few weeks prior to our departure, our small team from B.C. scrambled to raise additional funds to assist those displaced at the I.D.P.Camps. We were able to assist over 350 families, suffering through unimaginable living conditions. Some were living under plastic tents, sleeping on sawdust and thin blankets. Other camps had up to 5 families sharing living quarters in old agricultural sheds, separated only by tattered sheets. There is no electricity, no running water and no work for these people. Many approached us begging for jobs, some even willing to sweep. Regretfully, donations from the locals are slowly dwindling down. You cannot imagine how 4 kg of maize flour, 2 kgs of cooking fat and bar soap used for laundry/bathing, could bring grown people to tears with gratitude. Our meager contribution felt like a drop in the bucket, but to them it would sustain them a few more weeks. More aid is desperately needed. A personal highlight was building a 15 by 9 foot home for a single mother Mary, and her two small children. My heart is still overflowing with emotion when I think about the impact this had upon me.
Future plans for C.W. I. include building a small library and music school in the village of Mukeu. Books in schools and homes are non-existent due to the lack of extra funds. As Canadians we cannot imagine how people struggle for their daily bread in many parts of the world. I observed very young children walking miles to school and homes that are simple wood shacks with dirt floors and newspaper on the walls for decoration. I was shocked to see many women sitting in the scorching sun with their babies, trying to sell a few bananas on the roadside. Despite their hardships, they all seem to bear huge smiles when given a hand to shake, a hug or a story to share. Most of the children we encountered were small, dressed in torn clothing and without shoes. They were overwhelmed with the few soccer balls, Frisbees, skipping ropes and candy we distributed. Many had never seen a “Westerner” before, which sparked memorable moments for my son and me. The biggest thrill was showing them their instant image on my digital camera, some for the first time ever.
After 3 weeks, we wrapped up our mission with a safari. While I was overjoyed with the comforts of a comfortable bed, bathroom amenities and western food again, my thoughts were still with those who had touched our lives. We found this extremely emotional. Caravan Safaris in Nairobi had lined up a tour unlike anything I had encountered in my 20 years of global travel! The five star lodges were magnificent. Many overlooked watering holes where you could enjoy a civilized cup of tea, while watching the baboons scampering below. We stayed at Amboseli Serena Lodge, Kilaguni Lodge in Tsavo West and lastly the Voi in Tsavo East. The sounds of all the night creatures, including hyenas were unforgettable. Most lodges in the game parks are currently below twenty percent capacity, still suffering from the election crisis in January. It was heart wrenching to hear how 70 percent of the staff had been laid off, many still without work. I discovered it was very safe to travel throughout the country, including Mombassa. The beaches were stunningly beautiful with white sand, warm waters of the Indian Ocean and not a tourist in sight. Tourism is suffering in Kenya, yet the people are some of the most sincere and welcoming I had ever met in my travels.
Compassion Works International opened a door for my son and me that left us feeling thankful, fulfilled and extremely humbled. This excursion greatly exceeded my expectations, having learned many valuable lessons throughout this journey. The most important, once again being reminded that we are here on earth for a purpose; to care deeply, give generously, and live life with love and compassion.
