Happiness

A lot of people upon hearing that I'm going back to Kenya react with, "Are you going to see a lion? Don't get AIDS." And if they continue to talk, they'll ask what I'm doing there.
On my first trip to Kenya, I, of course, tried not to expect certain things before I went, of either myself or of the country and the people. What I did see and learn and experience wasn't what I was expecting, or would have expected.

Most people associate Africa with the faces they see on TV - of the children that are in so desperate need of our help, with yellow eyes, and distended-bellies due to malnutrition. Sure, yes, this is a reality - but the feeling you get when you meet these individuals is something so unlike that! There isn't desperation or despair, they have so much passion and zest for life. Although they are poor in material possessions, they are very rich in love and understanding for their neighbours.

Wherever we drove in the lorry, kids would always see us and come running and screaming up to the lorry, rocking the double wave and shouting "Jambo! Jambo!"

The kids were just so wonderful, and so happy, I mean SO happy. I have never met kids like this. When something was funny, it wasn't just funny - it was THE FUNNIEST THING IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. They would scream with laughter. Even though our Swahili was not that great and their English was mostly limited to two sentences ("Whatisyourname?" and "Howoldareyou?" with the occasional "Whatisthenameofyourmother?" thrown in), there was no problem communicating. We would just grin at each other, or resort to tickling, or trying on sunglasses, or playing Stella-ella-oh-la.

As my friend Clare pointed out:
we laugh at home, obviously. But in Canada, we laugh when things are funny: when someone tells a joke, when someone falls out of a chair, when I watch Friends. But I don't think I ever smiled or laughed more out of pure joy than when I was in Kenya. And I know how that sounds, but it's true: sitting in the middle of a big pile of laughing kids, you can't do anything else but grin at them.

As someone said, seeing so many happy people is inspiring, but it also makes you think "How can I possibly, possibly ever be unhappy?" These kids were just so ecstatic for any one thing: a footrace; being tickled; seeing new people; getting kicked out of stella-ella-oh-la; showing us their school, or getting a piggy-back ride. Not only does it give you a slap in the face every time you think of when you've been unhappy  or because you missed a mark on a test.

Not only does it add THAT perspective, but it also really makes you think about what makes up happiness. I've lost sight of some of that perspective since being back in North America.

Who's Alex?

Want to meet Alex? This is Alex:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeIoH_htwus

See that, right there? That's why I'm taking her. (yes, she is that cute to make an application video). 

The other night, I asked her: how you expect to change from this trip/what you would like to get out of it? She responded,

"Life is not meant to be read about in books. Life is meant to be touched, it is meant to be tasted, it is meant to be felt. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest extent possible. Everybody has their own way of getting the most they can out of the life they are living, when they are lucky enough to understand the importance of living it fully. I feel that travelling and learning about new cultures are what make my life real. There is nothing that makes me happier than learning something I knew absolutely nothing about, or being immersed in a new culture, or being confused by things that I can't yet understand, because I know that eventually, I will understand these things. With the help of people like Free the children, ONEXONE and Red Rose Tea, I will be able to gain a better understanding not only of myself, but of the world that surrounds me, and of the future that we are living into.

That's the beauty of this kind of travel opportunity, and it's why I feel so honoured that Alannah has chosen me to accompany her on the Reach Out with Red Rose trip. Alannah has told me wonderful things about Kenya and the Maasai people and while on this trip, I know that I will face my fare share of confusing situations (Swahili, anyone?) and new experiences, and I know that I will come back home ready to inspire change in my community and the world. Sharing this experience with Alannah will make it that much more meaningful, and I know that she will help me put a context around what I am living and learning, and that she will make a lasting impact mean that much more."

!!!!!!!! 

In the beginning ...

This is my first posting as I start gathering myself for my next adventure!
In January, I was on the Me to We Trips website hoping to find something to inspire me and to get the ball rolling on applying for their trip to India this coming July. In the sidebar, an advertisement for a Reach Out with Red Rose contest that involved sending in a 200-word account of our volunteer work and how we're changing the world caught my eye. To be honest, when I first entered, I didn't think I had a chance. I have never known anyone to win something like this and I always enter contests like that but quickly forget. Suddenly, I took notice of my votes going up, up and up! I was gaining ground and finally took a hold of my standings and was going on the inspiration and strength from my friends. I started rallying friends and family for their votes and they passed the link for my story on to their friends and family and, suddenly, I was in top 3 in Canada where my essay would go in front of a panel of judges to see who was going on a volunteer trip of a lifetime to Kenya to build a school with ONEXONE charity partner, Free the Children. Red Rose Tea is contributing $250 000 to ONEXONE to help support the organizations five pillars of:
-clean water
-education
-play
-health care
-hunger
In the end, my story and track record of volunteering both here in Canada and internationally caught the judges eyes and I am now off to Africa in the month of June. Every vote did count, every vote changed a life, and made a world of a difference in many lives. The few seconds it took to vote made an impact that lasts a lifetime. I was humbled by simply the outpouring of love that I received and the amount of votes was truly incredible. Lots of love to you, Canada! Let me be the first to tell you: I will work my absolute hardest while I am over there! I will maximize my impact on the communities that I am visiting and not let you down. Upon my return, I will be more motivated than ever before to continue making change and inspiring others to make positive change both in their communities here and on a global level.

FAQ:

When are you going?
My flights have been booked and I will be leaving June 8, 2010.

Where are you going?
I will be going to Kenya, Africa working with Free the Children.

Why Kenya?
Really?! (also: if you have been, you know it's impossible to not want to go back. Since my return last spring, not a day has gone by that I don't daydream about the trip that has changed my life.

What are you going to be doing while overseas?
I will be building a school house, supporting the Free the Children communities.

Haven't you been there?
Yes, and as stated above, Kenya has made such an impact on me. I am constantly scheming plans to return and Reach Out with Red Rose is giving the opportunity to Canadians to be the change and make a difference. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity and won't let you down!

Do you have a travelling buddy?
Yes I do! The grand prize is a 7-day all-expense paid trip for two and I am taking my friend Alex. Alex has such hope and enthusiasm for travelling and helping others that I am excited to be able to take her to a place that has changed me, for the better. She's inspiring, caring, and this trip will motivate her even further!

How can I get involved?
Reach Out with Red Rose is having three contests to win this amazing trip. The third contest is currently underway and any Canadian (excluding Quebec) who is over the age of 18 can enter here

Please stay tuned for more updates!