Reflections of Kenya – Summer 2012 – Sheridan Tochkin

The big question when arriving home from friends and families was, “How was your trip this year?” I was surprised with how quickly I could respond because I knew immediately what the difference was. Summer 2011, my first trip to Kenya, I found myself emotionally “full” and quite drained each day. It was surprising for me to feel that one day in Africa was like a full week at home, and then more. I was overwhelmed by the poverty and by the conditions that so many people have to live their lives in. It was so difficult to understand and comprehend that people at home have so much, and people there have so little. I spent a lot of time reflecting on this and I found that there just is not any rationalization for it.

The people that we met and spent time with are so appreciative and the smallest of gestures was received with such gratitude. I often had a heavy heart on my first trip for PA-MOJA. I realized while there, that as I get closer to retirement from a profession that has given me such incredible satisfaction, I now have a new passion that I want to throw my energy into. I want to volunteer for the organization of Project Kenya Sister School in whatever capacity my skills lend themselves to.

This summer, it was different for me. I was not overwhelmed by the magnitude of the disparities. I knew what to expect. Rather than having a heavy heart this time, I found myself truly filled with joy and awe. I was fully able to see the progress of the projects and appreciate what our donations have been able to do. I was also able to take time to watch and listen. With so little, the people are able to make do and they are so expressive in their happiness. I often felt like celebrating, like screaming from the rafters of Ol Pejeta House, like dancing through the night! Being able to take our son Jayden and watch him in action with the children was a highlight that will remain with me.

Another highlight was teaching the students at our sister school the song, “What a Wonderful World.” A movie was made with clips of Asia North Poplar and Uaso Nyiro singing the song. Buying cows for some secondary schools and watching the delivery of them was quite an experience. I am still laughing about that! I was very impressed with the drip irrigation system and biogas stations. North America could certainly learn from the Kenyans.

With our school visits, I found the teachers committed, well trained and very concerned for their students. They desperately want the conditions to be improved so that the children can have quality education. The students aspire to have professional careers. I was thankful to see the home of one student in particular, Joel, and to learn that after my departure, a new building for his family had been constructed. It was fun to have some of the high school students, make banners with messages for their sister schools. Spending a day with a Samburu village and sharing cultures was a gift. I could go on and on about other highlights.

I am now excited about another year of educating students to become global active citizens and encouraging them to feel inspired to make a difference. Many are excited along with their parents to be part of the Project Kenya Sister School Club. They already have a lot of good ideas for fundraising and the older students are looking forward to empowering the younger students to play a role.

Africa is a hard place to leave. I do not know when I will be back but I do know that I will be back. There is no doubt about that. I want to continue to see lives positively changed by the work of our organization. It seemed that by our standards, we were giving so little and yet, the impact on their daily lives was huge. I especially feel so grateful for all the people who have supported our organization. To watch the donations at work will stay with me and will motivate me to continue service.

Sheridan Tochkin, Director, PA-MOJA