 Team Reports |
Sleeping Children in ActionMegan Johnson – Mississauga, ON
I was so excited when the call came in the heart of winter that I would have the wonderful opportunity to travel with SCAW to Kenya in June. The first contact with my team was a meeting at 28 Pinehurst, Sleeping Children's headquarters in Etobicoke, where Duncan, our team leader, briefed us as to the next steps: vaccinations, visas, forms, and some excellent reading suggestions to prepare us for the trip. At first, I was overwhelmed with the details. The following month brought us together as a team to prepare the donor labels and get to know each other. I was thrilled to be in the hands of such an experienced team as four members had travelled with SCAW to other countries, and Duncan had been to Kenya three times. It was a series of big unknowns for me: the first time I wouldn't not know where I was staying, how I was travelling, whom I would meet.
Friday, June 13th we gathered at Pearson Airport and the trip began. Landing in Nairobi at night was our first introduction to the bustling city. Our driver Wycliffe jammed our luggage and the distribution equipment into the van. Over the duration of the trip we loaded and unloaded that van dozens of times. It became an art of organization as each piece needed for the distribution was checked and double checked: the camera, the daily labels, the frames, ropes, and water. For the first few days I watched my colleagues so I could understand each task. Each person's strengths came shining through. I was hesitant at times, worried that I would not be suited to each task. However, once I saw the faces of the children, something clicked and I felt I could do anything! Most overwhelming was to arrive at a site to be welcomed by hundreds of singing children in brightly-coloured SCAW outfits. I was moved to tears and humbled but wanted to continue waving and smiling to all the children in front of us. Some schools danced, others recited poems, and most sang the classic song, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." We felt we were truly in His hands throughout this trip.
I will forever remember the incredibly warm welcome – Karibu – from the many, many Kenyan people. They are unique in their polite but heartfelt kindness that was shown to us in each town, village, and slum that we visited. Each time we sat a child for a photo, we knew that it represented a family, a classroom, a church group, a celebration … a connection from you to them. When you donate a bedkit, someone like me somewhere in the world is placing a label in front of a child, taking their photo, and handing them the gift they will always remember. I was proud to represent you, the donors, and honoured to be involved in sharing your generosity with these people. It was my first time to see SCAW in action and I am grateful I was there. |
