weeks. I don’t know exactly when that dream began but I know that throughout high school I hoped to
be able to help in Africa and also go on a safari. I wasn’t sure it would happen but with the help of my
parents, grandparents, and working toward it myself financially things fell into place and I headed to
When we arrived in Nairobi, my luggage did not. I had two large suitcases filled with my belongings as
well as clothing and small items for the children. I lived the first week there out of my carry-on bag and
the kindness of others. It was not a huge sacrifice but I am grateful to have lived on less while I was
there. My eyes started to open. After the first week there my first bag arrived.* More than anything I
was glad to be able to give the clothing that others had donated to families in need.
We traveled from Nairobi throughout the southern portion of the country from village to village. We
created bricks and helped build the foundation of a school, we donated funds and work to the roof of a
school in another village, we brought humanitarian kits, school kits, and small toys to children, and we
also had a few doctors in our group who aided the people with many respiratory problems.
We also had the opportunity to see the work of the church there. We attended church and the spirit
was strong and the people had a great love for the Lord. They sang the songs a capella and with vigor
and it was beautiful. The church helped them to receive a huge well of fresh water and they had a large
garden outside of the meetinghouse.
The people there were grateful. They were humble. But most noticeably, they were happy. Not happy
because of the things we brought them but genuinely happy, humble and full of gratitude because
they could see their blessings. My favorite pictures both tangible and snapshots in my mind are of the
children’s beautiful, full smiles.
The weeks quickly passed and we headed on our long flights home. When I stepped into my home
in Orem, Utah I honestly felt a little out of place. I had only been gone for a few weeks but it was life
changing. That night I laid in my bed and listened the children talk and sing on my tape recorder and I
cried. I cried because I felt I had too much. I cried because I missed them. I cried because they taught
me and the Lord taught me what is most important.
Because of the rampant effects of AIDS there, the children are taught to sing “stay alive, stay alive, stay
alive” over and over again. They are taught young how to stay alive physically. I now have 3 children
of my own and nearly 10 years after my trip as I write this I have realized how easy it can be to forget
the lessons once learned. I hope to be able to always remember to stay alive in Christ and to teach my
children that the things of this world do not bring true happiness but the Gospel of Jesus Christ does.
My name is Paige A and I'm a member of the Kanesville Stake
*A year after my trip my second bag made its way home.
