There but for the grace of God go I.

I’ve realized a dream to travel to Africa.

An opportunity arose to go to Kenya recently and it was Happy Villages that made the yearning ever stronger. A desire to see this wondrous place and meet the people I’d been connecting with through the Happy Villages family.

The trip was wonderful. Full of wonder. And I’m most grateful for my experiences. I visited Kisumu on Lake Victoria and met Kenyan families and visited villages, witnessing their lifestyle and endeavours. I saw much countryside in my overland travels in Kenya and Tanzania, many amazing sights, both natural and of mankind. I also went on Safari – camping at the iconic Masai Mara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater - saw Mt Kilimanjaro and the jewel-like waters of Zanzibar, amongst many other places full of awe.

The most uplifting part was meeting & engaging with local people. Witnessing their strong family and friendship ties, connected community life, often their strong faith, their gentile and kind regard for one another, and for me. By far the most difficult part was seeing their environs, particularly the slums, and knowing the difference between that, and its consequences for them, and what I am fortunate enough to take for granted at home and the available opportunities here. Knowing how life can be.

Just one basic example: what seemed like the majority of villagers having to carry water in very large containers back to their homes. Often children helping with this task. Usually these containers (think 20 litre plastic drums) are carried on their heads as they walk along the roadside seemingly great distances. Perhaps lucky to have found available water. In this day and age, still such a basic need. Amazing.

I appreciate the answering of a long-held question, why do Africans have more or any children when poverty prevails and learning that without a welfare system the children become just that - your family, your children are your support system. Often your only support. And with a high prevalence of child mortality, having more than one child is therefore a must. And of course that basic human need to belong, to connect, to care for one another.

I also talked to kids about school, their hopes and desires. We’re not talking playstations here.

Anyway, I’ll leave the orating of African life for others to better articulate.

The Happy Villages holistic approach, working with the villagers and helping them become better equipped, stronger, sustained, with the positive consequences that flow from that, simply resonates as a practical, intelligent, kind assistance.

We’ve heard many stories about the need in Africa and I’ve never doubted this. I’ve never doubted our ability to help either. We are blessed with plenty. And simply by being aware that there is a need for our help we then have only 2 choices. To help or not.

I just wanted to say Congratulations to those who had it in their hearts to help and developed the Happy Villages method of alleviating suffering and provided a vehicle for us to act kindly, to help practically, to connect, and show we care.

Sue Baker, Australia. Happy Villages member.