The Most Incredible Individuals

Attention: Grammar will not be correct. I love spending my time with the children here...not really to focused on checking my grammar. Sorry in advance. 

During a new journey in your life you meet the most interesting people; sometimes creepy, sometimes extremely funny, other times annoying, and other times you are lucky enough to meet someone who changes your life (or has the potential to change your life). I have only been here for two weeks, but I have met so many people that I know will have a great impact to my life. I am sure this list will grow as the summer continues but right now here it is:

Paul-Director of the CYEC. INCREDIBLE. He created the idea and completely started this program. He just simply noticed the need for a place for street dwelling youth to live and then created the center.

The very first morning of being in Kenya we were in Nairobi and had no clue of what we should do or where we were. We were standing in the hotel lobby and all the sudden this man walked up to Bailey and said "I want to shake your hand." My thoughts-great another friendly creeper- cool. However, this guy was different. He had a huge smile on, greeted all of us, and talked about how he was so excited to finally meet us. We then realized this man was THE Paul we had heard so much about! His kindness instantly calmed all of my nerves down.

Through our conversations I realized he is the kindest, most sincere, loving, ambitious, passionate, gentle, intelligent person I have ever met. He truly cared about getting to know us, making sure we were comfortable in our new home, making sure we were having fun, and finding us challenging task that fit our skills. He is so passionate about life, the centre, serving others, and most importantly the children. He is a very inspirational person.

Chris- One of the first workers at the CYEC and now attends University in Nairobi. We met him the first day in Kenya. Right away he greeted us with the friendliest smile and a couple jokes. He then showed us around Nairobi, took us to a museum, checked out a film festival, and more! He was so kind whenever he spoke and always very upbeat. Chris made everything so fun! For instance, in Kenya you just cross a road, there really are not too many traffic lights. The first couple of times you attempt to do it you are terrified, but he just made fun of us freaking out and told us to “free lance”. Our whole team now loves to just “free lance”. Chris is one of the first friends I made in this country and he really made me start to fall in love with Kenya. He has shown us around to Thompson Falls and a cave this past weekend, His kindness and humor is like no one I have ever met before. He is an incredible person.

Gladwell- Accountant at the CYEC. I met Gladwell the first day at the center. She instantly made me feel at home. She is very new to the CYEC also, so we are learning some things together. However, she is always incredibly helpful and insightful. She guided us into town for the first two times. Without her we would have been very lost. Without her we would not have already completed one project. I know I can always go to her with any questions or problems. It is very comforting being away from home but still know there is a person that is supporting you.

CYEC Staff- All of the staff here is so friendly and loving. Anytime I see someone during the day they always greet me with a friendly handshake. All of the staff here are part of an incredible vision. They all love the children. They are all willing to do whatever they can for these children. I am so excited to be able to work with such an incredible group of people. I am really building some incredible relationships with staff members. 

The Children- SO GREAT. All of the children have gone through some awful things in their life, but they still are so loving and kind. I cannot get over how much they have been through and how they are just give so much love. It is amazing. I am 98% sure that one of the girl’s laugh is so adorable it can fix any problem, her laugh instantly melts your heart. I am also 97% sure that all of the children have a special gene named the “incredibly adorable” gene…I think I learned that one in biology…or in a magazine... or something. I have my favorites that I just completely adore, but I love spending time with all of them! These children do not ask for much, they are more than happy with what they have. I have already learned so much from them and I have only been here for two weeks.

To sum it all up, everyone here is terrific. The tour guides, storeowners, waitresses, children, staff, ect. ect. are all so kind. I am completely surrounded by truly kind and loving people. I cannot wait to build even more life long friendships with these incredible individuals.

Talk to you all soon!