Gratitude

I don't allow myself to get too excited about going to Kenya. Until wheels up, that is. Then it all hits home, and I'm actually on my way..  After all, anything can happen, and I'd rather save myself from some massive disappointment if something got in the way of these trips and my beloved children in Kenya.  Tonight, as I head east towards the continent I love, my heart is full and everything feels 'right'.   Despite the hardships and heartache of deciding to resign from the battle of fighting for the children, I see a new light, a brighter light.  This light became glaringly obvious the moment I got off the phone with my lawyer John, after telling him to stop proceeding with our efforts to move the children to WWC.  These continuing efforts would only hurt the children and my standing in the community. Then what? I am not willing to risk six years of work to jeopardize this standing in the community and more importantly, the children's future.  I hung up with John and grieved, hard.  Miraculously, the raw desperation I felt at this very moment was tempered by a letter I received from a supporter who put everything in perspective: I believe in you and your vision.  Make it happen. I am here for you.  In an instant, grief turned to appreciation and promise. The tide changed before my eyes.

One door closes and another opens.  This is what happened.  It ALWAYS happens.

I began this work almost six years to the day as I write this.  Every time I have felt doubt, despair and fleeting disappointment?  Strength, perseverance and pure love of the mission have won out.  Granted, my bull dog personality would never allow an unwelcome defeat to overcome me.  But the lesson learned is always the same: trust and follow your heart.  Listen to it.  Act on it.  

Last night I got a call from a young man who needed more information about WatotoWorld before committing funds to the organization.  After a wonderful hour and a half conversation, he told me he felt inspired by my passion and the mission. What he doesn't know is that I feel the same inspiration from him, that I am able to impart the importance of this work to someone willing to listen and take part in the excitement.  Once again,  I have been injected with incentive and increased passion. 

Two weeks ago, a dear friend asked me to come to her home, because her son and his fiancé were visiting for the weekend. They wanted to speak with me.  Cary happened to be home, and came with me.  What happened next rendered us both speechless.  This couple, in their 20's, have decided that in lieu of gifts for their up coming wedding, they will request that donations be made to WatotoWorld.  Imagine.  It's not often I get caught completely off guard, but at this moment, I was completely speechless.  I looked at Cary, wanting help. Help to overcome the emotion of something so wonderful, so purely altruistic.  Cary's eyes were brimming with emotion and disbelief.  She mirrored what I was thinking and feeling.  Yet, as I looked at this couple, my sense was they felt more joy from their actions than I ever could understand.  They had thought this through, and were at peace. Their generosity and compassion floored me.

Last week, I got a call from yet another dear friend who was quite blunt: I want you to buy the land next door to WWC and build another dorm..and I am going to fund this project.  Again, more tears on my end.  Try as I might, but this kind of commitment fills me up and leaves me blindsided.  This, from the person who always tells me: "If it was easy? Anyone could do it."  He has been with me from the beginning, a real champion.

Before leaving this morning, I got an email from a another dear friend who has committed resources to WatotoWorld because she has been with me in Kenya, seen the effects of our efforts and has, by the way, fallen in love with the children :)  Simply put, she gets it. She understands the underlying urgency of rescues, shortages of food and lack of resources. She has lived it with me.

I could write countless stories in honor of those who have supported this work, through thick and thin.  But I have to mention my brother Robert, who has stood by me from the beginning.  This is not to say that anyone else should be diminished by their efforts and support, because that would be unfair and irresponsible on my part.  Robert has been privy to my outbursts, tears, laughter and honest evaluations; we have spent countless hours at our kitchen table laughing and screaming all at once.  Robert has allowed me to be myself as I recount the horrors and joys that I live in Kenya.  Thank you, Robert.

My intention as I write tonight is to honor each and every one of you reading this blog. I could not possibly do this work without you.  Each of you makes this work happen. Your support is tangible and real.  It validates my efforts and the outcome.  It keeps the work personal and completely enjoyable.  Your generosity makes everything possible, and gives the children a future. In short, I am blessed to be spearheading the efforts you make possible; everything comes together, trip after trip.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

To my Board of Directors, thank you for keeping me in line, and pulling the reins back when I want to go full steam ahead. Thank you for your commitment, wisdom and participation. 

To my family? What's left to say, other than "Thank You". I spend, on average, 3.5 months a year in Kenya. I know this isn't easy on any of you.. Thank you for your graciousness and commitment to this work, and me.  I am so very thankful to each of you: Peter, Emma and Cary.  Your understanding of the importance of this work is paramount and critical to it's success.  Again, each of you blesses me with the freedom to pursue this passion. Thank you.  Your gift to me never goes unnoticed. 

Once again, I am so very fortunate to be flying east tonight, staring out the window at an almost-full-moon. I can practically see Africa from here. This is going to be a great trip.  WWC is open and operating. Everything is humming along well.  Tony is picking me up tonight at 8:15. I can hardly wait to see him and get every detail of what is going on at the home.  I am chomping at the bit  to hit the ground running, meet the new children, and hug those I have loved for the past six years.  It's like going home....

I will be at the Rock tomorrow at 1:00pm.  It cannot come soon enough.

See you then.

Nawapenda wote.

With love,

Simmie