Our trip to Karima, Kenya was a life-changing event for me and for our entire group. We had 21 people from Texas, New York, Alabama, North Carolina and Atlanta, GA and most did not know each other before we left and our bond today will never be broken. We were able to help the people of Karima with a vital water project, where hopefully within 12 months for the 1st time, they will have clean, pure water running throughout their community. We also went to the local children’s school where there were over 1,000 students in a very small space. We were treated like celebrities. The children were so happy we were there and we spent most of the day doing crafts and playing games & sports. Once the water project is complete, The 410 Bridge is planning a 2nd phase that will address the educational needs there. I think the thing I remember most were the people. They really don’t have many material things, but they are rich in time and faith and it will rub off on you, whether you want it to or not.
Jennifer Ward, with The 410 Bridge was our leader and did a fantastic job with keeping our group focused and calm. Her husband, James, joined us in Nairobi and was a great addition to our group (especially when we taught the teenagers of Karima to play American Football – he has hands like an NFL tight receiver). Because the entire trip was done so well through The 410 Bridge, I don’t know if I would ever take the chance to do it with any other organization; I think I would just always compare it back to this one and it wouldn’t live up to it.
Amazingly, our group just had a reunion and people from all the places above came to Atlanta to relive the memories. We have also talked about going back to Karima in a year or so, once the water project is complete. We would want to also start helping them with the educational needs there.
Take care and God Bless,
Randy
