St,Mary's is green because it rains a lot and they have so many beautiful plants.
I have surprised myself because I never thought I would be this helpful and teach kids in Kenya. I have also surprised myself by making good friends with a very bright or as they say "sharp" kid named Dennis Maina.
The boy that I feel most connected to is Dennis because he reminds me a lot of myself sometimes.His smile is killer just like mine. We both just have a connection that him or me will ever forget. We both like to to joke around and dance occasionally. It's like I can read his mind. We can just look at each other and start laughing because we are thinking the same thing.
Five differences between Kenya and America is that they have a different toilet handle, sink, egg color, soil color, their gutter is their trash can.
The most difficult part for me so far has been taking showers. It was the most difficult part because i had to use a bucket to get hot water our first day. I had to pour the water then put the soap on it was so confusing and uncomfortable. But we have a shower at St.Mary's.
Yesterday we went to a house in what they call here "the slums". It was a real disturbing sight to see. Basically "the slums" are worse than the projects. It was one room for everything . The kitchen was right next to the bed, the bed was against wall and there were holes in the metal roof. When it rains the water leaks inside of the room. We went to "the slums" because we had one hundred dollars to do the best we could to make one family's life easier. Even with the house looking how it did she didn't want the money she wanted the money to go straight to hers son's education.Ms.Kehn started crying.
I'm so happy to hear that you are making friends. The friendships you make there will last a lifetime. I know that this trip will help you to become the person I know you can be - a smart, caring, and compassionate young man with the sky being the limit to what you can accomplish. I want you to never close your mind if there is something that you may want to do or try take the challenge head on. This trip will show you how much you are capabale of and you will learn to never doubt yourself and become the leader that you were meant to be. On your outing yesterday you saw first hand how others live day to day without the basic things that are needed for survival. Your parents are happy to make you comfortable but education is key, this has been instilled into you from day one, now you see it's not just a lecture it's everyday living worldwide. Now you see the difference between a need and want. I know it opened your eyes and you can see why I fight so hard to try to teach you that education is the most important thing just like the family you went to visit. You are learning to be grateful for what you have and in turn while you are giving you are also getting a lifelong lesson. The family is proud of you and can't wait for you to come back and teach us things that you've been taught. We miss you and love you, until you write again. Write to you later....
ReplyDeleteMy son I Love you dearly and as I watch you grow in size I am always amazed by your mental growth. We share a lot of great experiences but this one is your great experience that you will pass down to your children and them to there's. The lessons of life that you are learning are priceless and will forever be embedded in your memory. These friends are life friends not like some of the friends you will make here in Brooklyn. These friends will always remember you no matter what. You are impacting lives and for that I am so proud of you. Your mom and I have worked together to teach you how to embrace people of all ethnicities, cultures, creed, gender and colors. You are our families spokesperson while in Africa and we couldn't be more proud of where you are and where you are heading in life. I hope these new friends inspire you to reach for the the stars and not just the clouds. As we talk about all the time your "Legacy", You are building a great one with this experience but you must add to your legacy by the connections you make, how you impact lives and the person you carry yourself to be. This is a 24/7 job. Keep it going my son, I love you and as you carry my forefather name into the next generation I ask you to continue to be an inspiration to all whom you inspire. I love you Poppa and cant wait to share your experience with you once you get home. I love you forever more. Your proud Dad.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that I'm very proud to see how mature you've become. Quite a difference from our encounters in 6th Grade. This is just the beginning of many great things to come. Many young men of color will never get an opportunity like this in life, and I'm sure you will be coming back to RELC with a whole new outlook on life. Keep doing what you're doing. Proud of You. Mr. Winston
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