Lessons Learned… July 12, 2008
“This is part of what a family is about, not just love, but letting others know there’s someone who is watching out for them. It’s what I missed so much when my mother died—what I call your ‘spiritual security’—knowing that your family will be there watching out for you. Nothing else will give you that. Not money. Not fame.” (Morrie, p. 92)
Being a parent is the most important job that a person can have. It has the greatest impact on a human life and, consequently, on humanity.
This has been my greatest lesson on this trip. If I have taken anything away from this—which I have, many things—then this is it. These young women and girls whose paths I have been blessed to cross have taught me about the fragility and strength of the human person, heart and soul. I have fallen absolutely in love with them, and in so doing, I have also glimpsed the pain and heartache and incredible joy that come with loving a child. I am not a parent myself, so I can only imagine how much more intense it must be, but I imagine that the experience is quite like is often said—it is like a piece of your heart is constantly walking around outside of your body. The experience of saying goodbye to them was quite difficult. I absolutely miss them and have been crying the whole of takeoff.
I know I must go, however. There is a time for everything, as one of the students at , as well as the school even, and write letters. I so want the girls to come visit me in the states—Leah and Beatrice Njoki this year, Ann and Naomi next year. I will also consider the possibility of returning to in the near future. Furthermore, I must act on all of this in the
St. Martin’s Boarding School read today. It is better to leave on a good note anyway. Another thing I feel so strongly in my heart is that I must do something. I must stay connected to
Hekima Place
U.S. as well. Maybe I will work with orphans there. Maybe I could be an advocate for abused children. I don’t know exactly where it will take me, but I do know that my fire for this advocacy has been ignited, that I have what it takes, and that I have a heck of a lot of LOVE to give. Truly.
I also think that this experience has pointed me in the direction of Social Work, particularly with orphans and/ or mistreated children. I also want to adopt kid(s), as well as have my own, and be a good parent. My vocation will be to LOVE, especially in creating a home and family for everyone I can. I must do this.
gave me the Kenyan name Makena, which means “joy/ always happy” in Kikuyu. I will live out my name and share it with the world. I was born to celebrate life and to spread the celebration.
Paris drained me. Spring 2007 in
Europe, though wonderful in many ways, did not feed my calling or my mission of becoming a woman for others. Summer 2008 in
Kenya has done completely the opposite. I feel alive with purpose and goodness. I feel loved and so capable of sharing love. I have seen my natural inner and outer glow return. I have spread sunshine.
Hekima Place
I return home now in thanksgiving, in trust that God will care for these hearts and minds that I have physically left behind, and in faith that He will provide opportunities to follow this vocation that is placed on my heart.
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