There Is No Blessing In Hurry Hurry: Intern Post by Angie Waterfall

Jambo all! I am home safely from Africa and am ready to share the incredible experience I had. Life in Africa can best be described through their saying, “there is no blessing in hurry, hurry.” Africa does not run on a time schedule. I found their time management quite refreshing and embraced their simplicity of life. Their only worries or cares are for that day, not the future. Their daily cares included how they would be able to eat and where the food would come from. As students they worried about walking barefoot up to 10 miles a day to school, if a meal would be served, and having enough fuel (if any) for night to study. One would not be able to see their worries due to the cheerful way they act.Another phenomenon is the youths' desire to learn. They take advantage of every opportunity given to them to become educated. One student attending Taru Secondary approached us with a written letter about his concerns of continuing school. He had to drop out of his first year because he was unable to pay the fees due to his father passing away. His single mother was unable to pay fees this year because of the financial strain of raising 4 sons and 3 daughters on her own. His uncle was able to pay this year's fees but struggled due to his own son attending secondary school. He stated that it “pains his heart that he might not be able to attend school, and that if God willing Kenya Keys might help him and his family.” He advocated his need of assistance to continue school. As Rinda (Director of Kenya Keys) tearfully finished reading Peter Kayeka’s letter my mouth became the mouthpiece for my heart and I decided to sponsor him. For a mere $325 I can make Peter’s dream come true of attending school, it will provide him boarding with daily food, and help ease his mother and uncle’s financial situation. I know that I was meant to go to Africa and that I was suppose to meet Peter. There are so many more Peters out there working so hard to gain an education.The children and students were so wonderful to work with. They had the most brilliant smiles, beautiful voices, and kind hearts. They truly look and act happy. They inspire me to want to work harder, play harder, help others more, smile more, laugh more, and run more. I could go on for many more pages describing the beauty I beheld and the incredible individuals I met. I feel very fortunate and blessed to have a new perception about the art of living. Happiness is not found through my possessions but rather through my relationships and experiences. I will never forget their faces, kindness, handshakes, hard work, innocence, playfulness, voices, love of learning, colorful clothing, and bright smiles. Africa has touched my heart forever.