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Pamela Lange (centre) saying kwaheri (goodbye) after Olympic day
JAMBO! JAMBO! JAMBO! The sight and sound of children running out at full speed from the bushes waving frantically and shouting “Jambo!” as we arrived in Salabwek, Kenya, will forever be in my heart. Their eyes sparkled and their smiles were radiant as they greeted us. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with these people, each one of them so precious and unique. As I sat sipping tea under an acacia tree with Janet, a Grade 1 teacher, our mutual passion to develop responsible citizens out of our students bonded us immediately. Whether I was teaching, building or playing with the kids, each moment was precious.
One afternoon I found myself being pulled into a classroom by several Grade 7 girls who couldn’t wait to chat. Within seconds we were discussing drugs, drinking, HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy and what is being done to educate young people in Canada and Kenya about these issues. Then came questions that knocked me off my guard: “Do you have poor people in Canada?” They were flabbergasted that we had homeless people in Canada. How come we don’t take them in? This shook me to the core. I was dumbfounded at the wisdom of these future leaders. They understood community.
With new friends, new insight and a strong conviction to be the change, I returned to Alberta with a part of my heart missing. As I await the arrival of my precious students today, my Kenyan students and colleagues come to mind, and I am reminded to let go, be fully present and love with intention.
