Stay Away From Children...They're Dangerous

I mentioned several entries ago that I wanted to see Africa with my own eyes. It’s now official; on June 4th 2008, I leave for Kenya and Uganda. Currently I have no travel partner. I don’t care, I’m going. Is that dumb? Maybe. I’m still going though.

Why am I going?

This little girl, My niece, Haley.

There’s something about when I hold her. I never knew what would happen to me when I became an uncle. I didn’t know how it was going to affect me. Since December 13th life has been a little different with her around. I don’t get to see her near as often as I would like, but I think about her daily.

Several things have come together since I rolled out of bed that cold December morning at 3am. My passion for children has only gotten stronger. I don’t know why. Again, there’s just something about when I hold her.

Since the summer of 2003, I’ve had this desire to go to Kenya. The past several years I’ve written it off as just a desire, a dream. Shortly after this desire came upon me that summer I picked up a compassion child, Kelvin Mukundi.

I started sponsoring Kelvin when he was three years old. Now at six, I have the pleasure of watching him begin to grow. He lives in a little town just outside of Nairobi. I can’t wait to visit him.

I’ve already been in contact with several organizations coordinating my visit. The details are coming together.

So, what does Haley have to do with me going?

I guess she inspired me to finally go. I need to see these children, this place, the effect of aids on a society, child soldiers, refugees, and the poverty with my own eyes.

I don’t know what this will lead to or if it makes any sense at all. I know I just need to go, so, I’m going.

Don’t underestimate how a child can affect you, change you; it’s something I experience nearly each day. Haley is not even 3 months old, yet looking into her eyes, seeing her smile, as much as I love just her, I want that love to extend, really to all.

The countdown begins…