Day One: Kenya
The beginning of the day was a real struggle given that I’ve been up for almost 30 hours straight and only 6 hours to remedy this lost slumber. Even with that being said, I can say that I’m in love with this country. The people are so loving and amazing of every blessing they have and being able to take part in their lives in even the smallest of ways truly humbled me. We had the chance to go to a sort of community “rec” center where kids are invited to go to after school and on the weekends. We talked to the director of said place and he told us the purpose of this community center was to get kids out of the streets and away from drugs and other illicit behavior. This is where soccer comes in, as almost every kid here loves this sport and is truly gifted at it as well. What was so amazing was the fact that none of them had proper shoes and yet that didn’t stop them from doing what they loved, and doing it well to say the least! We provided them with books for their library and soccer balls and Colorado Rapids Jerseys. When we gave these things to them, the older kids cried with joy and it was such an overwhelming moment to experience. We then were able to play a game with them and that was probably one of the most fun game of soccer I have ever played. Truly a blessing to be out here with such a wonderful team. Love and prayers to my family and friends. Stay out of my room Conrad.
With Love
-Calvin
Like Calvin said, we were running on a few hours of sleep, all still stuck on Colorado time. Anyhow, everyone woke up in the morning full of energy, ready to take on what Kenya had in store for us. Once on the road, everything became foreign, the roads, the driving, the temperature, the culture, and most importantly the people. We first visited Anthony’s childhood home and then his grandma’s house for a big lunch. We ate serving after serving (Peyton Morfe) and shared quality time with each other and Anthony’s family. Pure love was experienced today and it was evident to each of us. His family and our team, people on complete opposite sides of the spectrum, bonded over some good food, God, and genuine love. This same love radiated from the children in the slums. We have learned, or attempted to learn, a few Swahili words: sasa, jambo, poa, simple words right? Wrong. Once the kids heard us say even one word in their native tongue their faces lit up, smiles that you would see in the movies. This joy of simplicity also showed in the community center, as Calvin said. There, the sewage runs in a “river” right by the field. Once we began to play the game, kids started to watch, but, once the ball fell into the sewage the field stopped, waiting to see whether or not we would continue to play and we thought nothing of it. We kicked the ball and continued to lose, but Anthony later told us that this one simple act, changed these kids whole perception of Valor and our team.
It’s currently 10:00pm here in Kenya and we are all going to try and catch some sleep before a big day tomorrow in church and the Kibera slums.
Much love to my family and friends who are reading this. I love you all so much! Thank you for supporting this experience.
Love, Abby
With Love
-Calvin
Like Calvin said, we were running on a few hours of sleep, all still stuck on Colorado time. Anyhow, everyone woke up in the morning full of energy, ready to take on what Kenya had in store for us. Once on the road, everything became foreign, the roads, the driving, the temperature, the culture, and most importantly the people. We first visited Anthony’s childhood home and then his grandma’s house for a big lunch. We ate serving after serving (Peyton Morfe) and shared quality time with each other and Anthony’s family. Pure love was experienced today and it was evident to each of us. His family and our team, people on complete opposite sides of the spectrum, bonded over some good food, God, and genuine love. This same love radiated from the children in the slums. We have learned, or attempted to learn, a few Swahili words: sasa, jambo, poa, simple words right? Wrong. Once the kids heard us say even one word in their native tongue their faces lit up, smiles that you would see in the movies. This joy of simplicity also showed in the community center, as Calvin said. There, the sewage runs in a “river” right by the field. Once we began to play the game, kids started to watch, but, once the ball fell into the sewage the field stopped, waiting to see whether or not we would continue to play and we thought nothing of it. We kicked the ball and continued to lose, but Anthony later told us that this one simple act, changed these kids whole perception of Valor and our team.
It’s currently 10:00pm here in Kenya and we are all going to try and catch some sleep before a big day tomorrow in church and the Kibera slums.
Much love to my family and friends who are reading this. I love you all so much! Thank you for supporting this experience.
Love, Abby
Comments
Post a Comment