Somebody Wake Me: Guest Post by Samson Charo

When I first came to the U.S. I felt like I was living a dream. I kept thinking someone would wake me up. You seat side by side with people you have heard of. Chat. Ride in the same car. Still unbelievable as the heart pounds hard.But my heart was pounding hardest when I was about to meet my sponsor – someone who had lived only in my imagination as the most humble and influential person in my life. I went to see him stand and address a congregation I was part of. In this service, this man stands and addresses me. He talks to the inner me. As I sat on the bench, only one thing was going through my mind. “When does he conclude his teaching so that I can shake his hand, feel the warmth and share my utmost gratitude? Say remarkable words I had wanted and longed for years to speak to him directly?” After his teaching, I rise and approach him with a grin all over my face. His family has been with me (as sponsors) since my time in undergraduate studies at Egerton University. We shake hands and embrace each other. For once, and uncontrollably, I was almost running into tears of happiness. This was the first time I had met the man behind my college sponsorship.Soon after I got to meet his wife. We talked and it seemed like a second dream in a week’s time. My eyes got wet and my speech slowed down – characterized by some instances of stammer and self-doubt that this was actually happening. She was so nice, humble and inquisitive to get to know how it has been with from the time I started college. We could not discuss all in details but for sure the summary about my experience moved her into tears. I fully understood and realized how God miraculously give hope and plays a pivotal role in our lives. She sounded comforted and grateful she finally met with me too.This family had shown me so much love. They taught me to trust and give hope to many other young people, for they sponsored my education. Through this college education, I have been able to interact and engage in more healthy discussions in support of education in my rural village. Through this education I was able to apply for a Master’s degree in the UK.Getting a degree of any kind started far off my radar. Such things were unheard of for a child like me. Having three meals a day was a luxury for me. I started out going to school for food, not education. My humble beginnings as a student involved working half a day in the field and studying the half, while all weekends were devoted to work.Now I not only have a graduate degree, but I have been to the U.S. The respect, love and support I saw among the Kenya Keys team and donors has made me forever grateful. I acknowledge my deficient capacity to express in writing what is deep inside me. I am touched and challenged. For sure God has a way of connecting people and making dreams that become real.