I was recently asked, "How can there be hope when such horrible atrocities happen in this world?" My immediate reaction was to agree with the gross behavior of humans and to claim that hope
was a bit of a "moo point". I thought, well at this point in life, we
have committed such horrible sins against our brothers and sisters that
we cannot undo our mistakes, really there is not much hope for change at
all. But then i realized how silly and brash that comment was. If I
truly believed that humans were as evil as I was declaring, then what
was the point of traveling abroad and doing volunteer work? Something
had to drive me, to fill my heart with a beat of love for others, to
keep me strong in the worlds weakest moments. And I realized, the only
way for such passion to exist, is with thee guidance of a heart filled
with hope.
Many people may know that when I wrote my first
journals last year, I reflected about how angry, hurt, and annoyed I was
by the American culture. Especially after seeing the contrast of
African life to our own. I was amazed at how much neglect we were
showing to people who should most recieve our helping hand. I still feel
agitated when I see the complete lack of consideration from our fellow
American. Like when people shove their faces full with food for pleasure
rather than nourishment, or when there's a large screen tv in a home
where children are baby sat by the screen. These things really do
disgust me, but this is a path that I cannot control and that I have no
right to judge. I can only accept that past all of those behaviors, are
hearts that want to show love.
I have come to accept, that most people want to do what is right in this world. Most people really do desire to help and to give what they can to those who cannot thrive on their own. The only thing stopping them, is awareness and support.
I am not an upper-class citizen nor do I come from a family who lives
an upper-class lifestyle. I do not have extensive training and I do not
fall into the category of a successful standard of a 4 year degree
graduate. I think being an average American, has really helped me
succeed in sharing and showing the possibilities to my fellow man how we
can all share a bit of our lives and help others in our own unique way.
I have been so shocked an amazed at how many people actually desire to give back to those in need. There is so much passion
waiting to be unleashed. Now we only need the door to be unlocked, for
the avenue of to change to be opened, and for our personal dreams to
guide our journey. The best blessings I have received in this last year,
is seeing how friends, family, and people I never knew were willing to
help me with my own journey and give back to the communities I was in
contact with. I realized that humans really do want to do what is right
in their heart and to share love with people who are often neglected.
Many people just needed a liaison to help them get started in their
process. I am proud to say that I have been given the chance to be a
liaison for some of these people.
Over the past year, I have
worked constantly to learn about connecting communities on different
parts of the earth. By directly engaging volunteers and friends with
places I had been during my first trip to East Africa, I felt as if I
was 'paying it forward', helping people as I have been helped. I was surprised to see how many people wanted to travel
abroad or wanted to volunteer. Couch surfing is one of the best ways
for us to travel while meeting people on a no cost obligation. One of
the best things about this sharing community, is that I wasn't dealing
with people who were seeking large touring companies and expensive
safari trips. Rather, I found people who were enamored by the idea of
delving into communities where most people had never been. To get into
the "real" lives of those who are so much like ourselves.C-surfing is one of the engines that has fueled the experiences that people have always dreamed of.
In my opinion, it is the best networking website that exists today. It
is one of the only places where people connect with one another on a
humanistic level. No money, no obligations, safe, and rewarding. I
encourage everyone who wishes to meet people or travel to get on and
start seeking people who you will find, are very much like yourself.
The journey....
- I am 24 hours from getting on the plane. Once I start, I will be
going for 24 hours on a place and 37 total travel time until I reach
Uganda.
- After 5 days, I fly to Malawi for "Lake of Stars" music festival
in Malawi. (http://www.lakeofstars.org/) This is a festival that has run for over 5 years and is
claimed to bring in millions of dollars for their communities and has
aided the country in reaching their standard of successful
independence...it is amazing how music and art can heal a nation. After the festival I stay to volunteer for 1 month in a rural community in the southern region near Phalombe.
- Then I'll head to Zambia for another month or so of volunteer work
in Solwezi, NW ZA with my friend Jack who I will reunite with after
being apart from him for 5 years. We will also be playing in the Zambezi
river and jumping into the Devil's Pool at Victoria falls.
- I will then swoop back up through Malawi, to volunteer for a few weeks.
- Then I bus up to Tanzania for a short volunteer program and a visit to Zanzibar.
- In February I plan to be in Kenya where my friend Philemon is hosting me as I participate and organize more with the Congolese Refugees that I work for.
- If I have time I will be stopping by Botswana and Namibia as well.
- Finally I return to Kin Initiative where I will stay for a few
months until I leave in April to return to USA...to my home, to my
family.
I wish I could name all the people who are supporting me now, who
have donated to the cause and who have given me moral guidance but I am
blessed to say the list is too long. You are all so amazing. Please know
that your light shines no matter where you are and what you are do.
Feel empowered to share your unique talents, people will listen and you
will be heard.
I will say however a special thank you to my
parents and grandparents who's genes gave me life. They have done so
much for me and I do not know how I will be able to repay them for all
the blessings they have given me.
May peace find you all, take care of yourselves, and take care of your neighbors too!
PEACES AND ONE LOVE
Sister Kena Mbabazi Achieng ;)
Volunteer Coordinator for Kin Initiative(CBO)of Uganda
kenaafrica@gmail.com
kinintiative.org
