In the afternoons, we were able to spend time with the children although this particular story happened during the morning that we were painting the orphanage. We were in this small, dirty and dusty building that we were painting. I was hot, covered in paint and stopped to take a breath. I glanced over to these 3 small children peering in at me from the doorway.We were only the 2nd or 3rd team to go into this city. I walked toward them and knelt down and said hello. They only spoke Creole. I felt so frustrated. I wanted to talk to them. The little girl touched her chest and said “Jessica”. I told her my name and she grabbed my hand. She then touched her own hand now covered in the white paint that I had all over myself.She started speaking to the other little boys and they all grabbed my hands anxiously speaking and walking me away from the building. My 1st thought was, great. I’m being kidnapped by Haitian children as I had been warned not to separate at all from my group. Then I saw the well. They eagerly walked me over to this well where the little boys pumped the water and this sweet child, Jessica, thoroughly washed my paint covered hands, even taking the time to clean out the paint in the cracks of my nails. All the time she had the most beautiful smile on her face. Jessica became my little friend that day.After cleaning me up we went back inside where she kept grabbing the paint brush from my hands and painting the walls side by side myself and my team mates, only handing it back to me looking up with a smile that meant, time for me to go get her more paint!! These children wanted nothing from us but love and affection. Jessica was like an angel and I will never forget the her beautiful face and the kindness that she showed to myself and my team mates.
Learnings From Kiu, Kenya
April 16, 2024
Our partnership with Kiu community started way back in 2009 making it one of the first communities to partner with the 410 Bridge since its inception in Kenya in 2006.
At the 410 Bridge, we work through the community leaders who ensure continuity of the community’s development even after graduation. During our partnership journey, we walk alongside indigenous community leaders and church leaders as they mobilize and unify the community to participate in their own development – shifting their perspectives and owning the solutions.
