SHAKA & KAVUNZONI – REPORT 5

Hello Family & Friends,

 

“Grant Victor Cares, indeed you care,” recited a young learner in Shaka. He presented us with an original poem, playing with the name of the non-profit organization as he expressed gratitude on behalf of the students. After delivering sanitary pads to the Shaka secondary school, primary school, and dispensary, the GV travel team had come to a brief handing-over ceremony of the clinic staff quarters built by Koins for Kenya. 

 

Clearly nervous, the 8th grade poet had to be told three times to speak louder and he finally read his poem when he forgot the lines. As soon as the program ended, Ashley found him to tell him that he did a great job. This is the perfect example of Ashley’s thoughtfulness. From our first drop-off to our final farewell, Ashley extended love and care as she connected with people one-on-one. She noticed individuals, asked them questions, and took the time to convey sincere interest. 

 

Accompanied by a drum and the phenomenal group of mothers who carried all the water to the construction sites in Shaka, we danced our way through the new facility. Somehow the members of the travel team managed to join in the celebration, even though Chelsey reported, “my knees are wrecked,” referring to the intense game of soccer the night before. The GV dream team consisted of Melanie, Aaron, Dax, Chelsey, and Rhet, with Ashley and Michaela cheering with the kids and helping Juma with crowd control. The game got even more thrilling when Jeff upgraded their soccer ball for a glow-in-the-dark ball that extended the game an extra hour after the sun went down. Frenzied spectators all had glow sticks, adding to the party atmosphere on our last night in Kenya. Dax said “we brought our A game,” but the Rabai team of barefoot children beat them 5-4. Melanie explained, “they were lightning quick and had amazing skills!”