Kariobangi Visit (Feb. 22)

The goal for this trip to Kariobangi was to pick 5 new members to join the school, as sadly, we have lost 3 kids due to family issues jeopardizing the safety of the other students and teachers at the school. It was a difficult decision, but it needed to be done. Those children will always remain in our prays and thoughts. Generally I enjoy going to Kariobangi, and I did in the beginning of this visit. First I saw the kids already enrolled in the school, kids I have known for a while now, and being in their presence and getting a chance to speak to them is always a pleasure. They have the purest souls and their hearts are filled of kindess, even though they are surrounded by such turmoil and hardship. We had a lovely time coloring and I got to catch up with the kids and their school work, which they happily spoke about as they have just finished exams. Then I went with my mom and teacher Esther out to Kariobangi neighborhood to find other children who applied and whom are in need. I have never ventured into the homes and communities within Kariobangi, and I was not prepared for what I encountered. Firstly we needed to venture accompanied by cops, to ward off unwanted attention and protect ourselves. We then  came upon a crying baby who had been left alone in the house, for what seemed like (and was later confirmed by neighbors) the entire day. This poor baby looked so sad, hungry and lonely. Face filled with dried vomit, snot and tears, I have never seen a sadder baby in my life. As my mom arranged to provide the baby with bananas and milk, I held the baby and comforting him, helping Esther clean him up. The baby clung on to me as though he had been aching for someone to cuddle him, to love and pay attention to him. I sang to him and he calmed down, and ceased his tears. We finished cleaning him up and feed him the food my mother arranged, then hiding it so that the neighbors wouldn't steal it. We then set on our mission to find more kids. I had a difficult time and felt extremely saddened by the amount of illness, death, and hopelessness that was so evident in each house we visited. It was difficult on my heart. But i pushed through because there were families out there that needed our help, so I pushed through my aching heart and pounding head.
At the end of the journey, we found 5 new kids to add to the school. After I long hard day we headed back to the Kariobangi I know, with our sweet kids still in the classroom, obediently coloring and just as enthusiastic that we had returned. We succeeded with our goal, and personally, I was extremely affect by this visit, sparking many thoughts about Kenya, and society globally, in my head.