Christina G – Kenya 2025 Story

But they have nothing…..

This was something I heard so often about people living in impoverished places. That narrative is everywhere. In the news, on social media, and sometimes from people that know someone who has visited an area. Some people want to be a savior or teacher of a better way when they go somewhere not realizing that is the very people that you believe you are impacting that are affecting you in return. We believe that in our world everything is better and we have all the riches we could ever want. We have so much stuff. People want bigger houses just to add more stuff to their house, but then they spend all their time working away from their family and are not even able to enjoy all the stuff they have collected. Society teaches us that consuming is what life is all about.

When I thought about why I was going on this trip I truly just wanted to help where I could. I am new to mission trips and wanted to continue spreading the love of Jesus as far and wide as I can, but it was me who learned lessons while I was in Kenya. I learned that it’s not that people there have nothing, it’s that we are looking at it through the wrong lens. People in Nairobi who have come to the center and know God have so much. They have community, love, faith, and hope. Their love for the Lord is unshakable. Children as young as one and two years old know Bible verses backwards and forwards and they don’t just repeat them, they live them. It is such a beautiful site to see how many children love with their entire heart and give with their entire being. They have discipline more so than any child I’ve ever met here in this states. I remember we walked into one classroom at one point and when we asked where the teacher was they politely said ‘oh they left for just a moment” and every single child in that room remained in their seats quietly studying their assignments as if the teacher were in the room with them. They had respect for all of their belongings, pride for the art and writings they made with us. Gratitude for the gifts and love from others was unlike I’ve ever seen. Every single child is special and not only the children, but the teachers as well. You can tell that the teachers truly care for each and every child and each and every child truly cares and respects and loves their teachers.

Having a childhood dream of being a teacher, but never being able to fully actualize that as an adult in my life has always been a little bit of a struggle for me. Going to Kenya and being able to teach and even learn with the students there was a dream come true . Everyone was so helpful and encouraging. My heart will always be heavy for the struggles that they have to endure every day just to exist, but my soul rejoices in the fact that I know the Lord loves each any every person that I met and their hearts are pure. I am forever grateful and forever changed.

Christina Griffin