At this time a year ago I was packing for my trip to Kenya! Last summer I was blessed with the opportunity to work with the Amani Children’s Foundation, an American based non-profit, that partners with the Kenyan based New Life Homes to care for homeless and HIV-positive babies in six orphanages across Kenya. I am a double major studying Film Production and Religious Studies and was accepted to the Amani Internship as photographer and videographer. My goal was to document the success of the organizations, the joy of the kids, and the need for support. However Kenya was the first part of a continual journey to raise awareness of the 2.2 million orphans in Kenya.
Kenya is a beautiful place with beautiful people! The orphanage care takers were welcoming and the kids are full of life as we sang Swahili songs together, played games outside, and laughed the whole day as we fell in love with their smiles. The team of interns traveled to all the homes, everywhere from the stunning mountains of Nyeri to the busy capital of Nairobi. We even were fortunate enough to go on a safari in the indescribable Mara where we encountered lions, zebras, elephants, giraffes, and many more exotic animals!
With Kenya and the kids forever imprinted on my heart, I returned home to put together the video illustrating the exceptional care provided at the orphanages and the wonderful children who live there all supported by Amani and New Life. The video was later featured at the Atlantic Monthly conference where President Obama heard about Amani and the New Life Homes! Amani, and everyone who been touched by the cause, continues to raise support for the New Life homes. Reflecting on my trip it’s amazing to see how so many different people, no matter nationality, socio economic status, or race unite for a common purpose. I learned so many valuable life lessons during my time in Kenya and am so grateful for the opportunity to always be connected with such caring, loving, and world changing people.
