I think it's safe to say that most people don't remember what they did for their 19th birthday. It sure isn't considered a big year. When I think of memorable years, 16, 18, and 21 come to mind for obvious reasons. However, my list of unforgettable birthdays will now, always include, my 19th.
On the morning of my birthday, I was woken up by all 21 of our kids around 8am. In their hands, they carried beautiful flowers and many handcrafted cards. Behind them, Auntie Rebecca and Uncle Brian came baring gifts of their own. I was surprised with a hand knit scarf from Auntie Rebecca and a delicious platter of eggs, toast, and bananas courtesy of Uncle Brian. If that was the end of my birthday it would have been a memorable day, I had never had breakfast in bed until then and most definitely had never been woken up by 21 children.
However, my birthday didn't end there. The kids demanded that they help me do my laundry which took place outside in the beautiful sunlight. Once my clothes were hung to dry, we headed for the "river" where we swam in the cold mountain water. This, made for a very fresh start to a new year. Thanks to our matrons, dinner was ready when we returned, lentils and rice was on the menu. After, with the help of many eager kids, I blew out every last birthday candle. Because the kids are notorious for their incredible rhythm and dancing ability, having a dance party was the obvious method chosen for celebrating.
Despite not having my family and friends here to celebrate with me, my birthday was a very special day, thanks entirely to the new friends and family I have made in Njabini.
Flying Kites recently joined hands with the Unite to Light Organization. Unite to Light provides needy families with lights that use alternative energy. Once I caught wind of this, I knew I wanted everything to do with it. As of last week, working locally with this organization is a new task I have gladly taken on.
Unite to Light donated 70 solar powered lights to Flying Kites to distribute around our community. Donating the lights to our school children was an obvious place to start. Each Day Scholar left school Monday afternoon with their own light.
The solar powered lights will benefit these families’ lives greatly. No longer will dangerous and pricey kerosene lamps be the only source of light in these homes. Because there is no cost to run the solar lights, families will save a significant amount of money that would usually be spent on fuel. There is also no health risk when using the Unite to Light lights because there is no flame.
As a way to show the impact the lights are having on Njabini families, we have been asked to collect footage to send back to Unite to Light to be made into a documentary. After asking permission, two other volunteers and I have visited a handful of homes to interview families who have received lights. When reflecting on our visits, one trip stands out in particular.
Two nights ago we took motorbikes to one of our students homes and were welcomed with open hands. The house, which was about the same size of an average American garage, belonged to a family of eight. Once inside the house, and after my eyes finally adjusted to the dark, I realized the house I was sitting in was in very rough shape. I couldn’t tell if the ceilings or the floors were in worse condition. Due to the lack of support, as we walked, the floor boards dibbed down almost a whole two inches, and the ceiling looked as though it could crash in at any second. The children that surrounded me were all very eager to show us how they study by the light they were given. Once they turned it on, a significant part of the room lit up, and their faces did as well. The mother in particular, melted my heart. Tears came to her eyes as she spoke about the impact that the light has had on her and her family. She was incredibly grateful that her children can now complete their homework without having to burn expensive, and fairly unhelpful, firewood or kerosene for light.
Now that the month of January is coming to a close, my hike up Mount Kilimanjaro is closer than ever. I have been counting down the days ever since climbing it has become a reality. Each day February 14th gets closer and I grow more and more excited. I have been running daily and drinking huge amounts of water to prepare for the trip that so many of you have made possible. As of today my fund raising total has reached $2,500. No matter how many times I say it or how many times I see it, it’s hard for me to believe that it’s true. I am a very fortunate girl to have such supportive people in my life, and am so grateful for every donation I have received. With that said, my fund raising goal is $5,000 in the hopes that I will raise $3,000 to benefit Flying Kites. If you or someone you know is interested in donating money to this cause, here is the link to my page, http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/stephrichardson/hiking-kilimanjaro
The end of this month will mark the halfway point into my stay here in Kenya. As I look back on the last four months, I am left with a lot to think about. I have experienced some incredible things that I find myself sometimes questioning whether or not they really happened, I have met incredible people whom I will never forget and I have learned a lot about myself. I have acquired and even deeper appreciation for what I have, and consider myself one of the luckiest girls in the world for having such wonderful people in my life.
I constantly think about everyone back home and hope, other than having to deal with an inconvenient amount of snow, that all is well with all of you!
Love and Kisses – “Auntie Stephanie”
