“Have you ever stayed in Hotel California?” – (question of the day)
As a child I remember watching the discovery channel about far off tribes that do not have power, running water, television, cars, or movie theaters. At the time I couldn’t imagine what life would be like. However, now I can see it. Yes, these kids are exposed to power and water. (yet both go out twice a week) – Cars and very little television Today I asked them if they new what an Ipod was. An iphone, H2, a flat screen tv, NBC, CBS – to all of which they replied “no” with a funny look on their face thinking I was making fun of them. It’s funny, material possessions that are highly sought after in our society, these children don’t even know they exist. They survive with next to nothing – and yet they still love life and have a passion to live.
Their running team was invited to attend a seminar with a gentleman that has won the Boston Marathon twice! The children received sponsorships enabling them to travel 4 hours away and stay in a hotel. (which is a big deal for them). Perfect timing, because we were able to give them brand new running shoes! We lined the running team up outside and started handing out shoes biggest to smallest. As we placed the shoes on their feet they didn’t know what to think. They smiled a little, said thank you and walked away. As I walked around about an hour later I could catch them putting them on and then taking them off to admire them. Each one treated them as if they were gold, placing them in special spots in their room for safe keeping. Now, keep in mind, these are the used shoes – forgotten shoes donated from Americans! To them, they were a priceless gift.
I spoke to the Reverend of the orphanage and asked him “What do the shoes mean to the children?” – He replied, “Love. These children were left behind by their families, forgotten about, the only love they receive is from their friends here and staff. These shoes are signs of love from caring and heartfelt individuals from around the globe.” – He couldn’t have said it better.
Today I met a teenager that stole my heart – here is his story:
I stepped away after a bit to take some artistic pictures (it is beautiful here!). I sat down with a student named Christopher. Christopher has always been the nicest dressed student. Wearing nice jeans, watches, new shoes, etc. I asked him were he got his cloths. He said from the University.
You see, Christopher left the orphanage last year to attend the University of Nairobi. While in university he said his eyes opened up. He – like us – was slapped in the face with the real world. Learning of Ipods, Iphones, H2’s. etc. . . – But he said he felt he wanted to bring back what he learned from the outside world to help the other children in the orphanage, the ones he’s been a big brother too his whole life. . . his family.
He has designed several business projects to help the children learn business, public speaking, and goal setting. One of the projects he has helped initiate was a crop. Students have been farming the land (about 1/2 acre) and yielding enough produce to give the orphanage a several week supply of cabbage and still having enough left over to sell in the local markets to start their next rotation of crops. They learn how to sell, market, and track profits and losses.
This week he has organized a talent show. They are being graded on several factors, with the last being the “talent”. He said their are students that are shy and he knows that if they are going to “make it” it in the real world they need some help. This project is geared for the shy ones. He, out of his own pocket, has been saving money for the prizes. He showed us the list of prizes – he had the cost of each one itemized. . . very well organized. As an act of kindness, we payed for all the prizes. Also I’ll have you know – I will be competing in the talent show with a musical martial arts form! Other students can do anything, dance, sing, read, etc. – It will be an amazing event.
Christopher also told me that he has received a scholarship to play soccer for the University of Nairobi. I immediatly smiled and gave him a high five – yet, he smiled very little and turned his head. He said that he loves to play soccer, yet he cannot affort the cleats to play. – Call to action: If anyone wants to donate cleats, I can give you the address. (UBBT – anyone step up?)
I sat down and spoke to Christopher for a long while. Talked about his past poverty, family abandonment, abuse, and life in the orphanage. I asked questions of why he would leave the city and his minimal amount of money and come back to the orphanage. He said because he knows he can make a difference with what little he does have. We shook hands and I gave him a quick hug before we parted.
Later our Think Kindness team was cooking dinner in our little “apartment” – Christopher came to the door and knocked. He said I have given him hope and inspiration and that he had written me a poem. He said he loves poetry because it allows his heart to speak- and this one he had written for me:
THE GIFT OF A FRIEND
Friendship is a priceless gift.
That cannot be bought or sold.
Buts its value is far greater
than a mountain of gold.
For Gold is cold and lifeless.
It can neither see nor hear.
And in time of trouble
It is powerless to cheer.
It has no ears to listen.
No heart to understand.
It cannot bring you comfort
or lend out a helping hand.
So when you ask God for a gift.
Be thoughtful if he sends
not diamonds, pearls, or riches.
But the love a real friend.
With Kindness,
Brian Williams
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