Some experiences in life lend themselves to life reflection and reassessment. I have had quite a few of these experiences since I arrived in Africa on May 5th, but this one is markedly different.
Becca had told me a little about the Upendo house and Sibo’s hope to provide both shelter and loving care in addition to education for children in need in the community. So when I went to the celebration for the finished Upendo house I thought I knew what I was heading to. Once we arrived, however, I quickly realized how unprepared I really was. We walked into the house and I saw a painting I had watched Oko paint a mere day before (when we went with Ramsey to Upendo), and I saw the chairs and table, the computer and the different rooms. I was awestruck, to say the least. I sat in the house the entire night with tears threatening to create salt trails down my cheeks.
When we arrived Sibo showed us around while Madam Salma and Bibi placed candles around and began to prepare our dinner. Chelsea, Becca and I walked around in awe and with our hearts full of love. I wish I could accurately portray what an unbelievable experience this was, but I just can’t find the words that really portray what it felt like to be there, to be part of something so much bigger than myself and to see firsthand a movement that will tangibly change children’s’ lives. The seven children that were formerly living with bibi and the three Uru kids now had a home in which they could be shown copious amounts of love, be fed and taken care of and still be close to school so that they can learn and grow! I sat and contemplated what it would be like for the kids to live there, and tried to imagine the faces of the Uru kids as they entered their new home. Going from a mud and stick shack to a house with beds, a computer, food and other children is going to be a huge shift – but an amazing one!! This was a time I wish I could capture on film, as though my head was a video camera so that everyone could experience even just a piece of what I was feeling.
Sibo showed us some of his older paintings and mixed media as well. They contained so many messages of hope and conveyed his deep passion for change. One was based around the Kilimanjaro marathon and it showed the different people and organizations that came together to help people and children in need. It was so beautiful to see the both a desire to assess the needs of the people and the ways that the needs were being addressed. I was very inspired by his recognition of the reality of broken homes and children in need that were living on the streets. It also made me reflect on my desire to help children and my love of art. I hope and plan to use my art to change lives and influence children in need. I would love to be a part of a Performing Arts school here in Moshi and to help orphans realize their talents and their dreams.
Dinner was delicious, we had amazing company and beautiful times together. It was one of the moments that I felt completely overflowing with love. I have had life-changing moments that have affected my heart – surviving cancer, having my sister as a guide through growing up, talks with my mom and best friends, camps, living through so many things with Danielle, living a life full of music, dancing experiences, losing Paul, living despite feeling like I couldn’t, meeting Becca and others in Africa, and loving children and being able to work with them in many different capacities. This moment immediately made the list (even compared to other things I have experienced in Africa). I remember reflecting on other moments (such as the ones above) and thinking about what a beautiful life I have. I never wanted that evening to end, and it solidified my knowledge that I will never be able to fully leave Africa. I have been changed forever.
upendo kila siku.
[kuwa mabadiliko unataka kuona katika ulimwengu]- Ghandi Africa status!
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