Two years ago (nearly exactly) i travelled to Eldoret, Kenya to work with a non profit NGO called Open Arms International. Before i went i was very content with the way my life was, i had always been interested by the thought of charity work, but i was interested in it from a comfortable and distant place.
Very soon after being with all of our 'orphans' in our homes i decided that this was the comfortable and not so distant place i wanted to do charitable work from. It is very strange to live somewhere for 19 years and think it is every thing you need for satisfaction; and then to be some where for two weeks and realise that it is your home, your mission and your destiny.
(i am in this picture, just engulfed in kids lol)
Some of you may know that in the two years since first visiting i have qualified as a level two counsellor and have nearly completed my level three, my primary role while at the village will we to help our kids work through their past in order for them to have positive future! Whilst in Kenya i will be working as a volunteer, yes unpaid. Who would have thought hey! No more Selfridges and M&S for me! I am in the process of fund raising, from one off donations and continued support both from individuals and organisations. Hence i am having a fund raising dinner next year, i would love for as many of my friends to come as possible, tickets are £30 and you'll get to hear me chat and show pictures of all our beautiful kiddies!
To some it can seem mad that i would move half way across the world to a country that isn't the safest at the best of times, to give up a paid job in order to volunteer, to move eight hours flight from any blood relation. But i have the wonderful gift of peace. Peace is something that can surpass all understanding, and it certainly surpass's my understanding! I have peace about all dangers, illness and uncertainties. When you know your path, and you know who is controlling it you get an unbelievable calm. Life is a lot more simple when you relinquish your control. And if anyone needs more convincing of why i would go...
and there it is! Simple!
Just as i finish this off. Are you happy with where you are? Are you in an O.K place or are you in a Great place. It is never too late, or too soon to change your path and do what you are meant to do, not just what you have to do. Don't settle for second best because you were designed to be a winner!
Wow! The heart behind these words is very familiar. Oh, and I've never met El, just someone with a similar heart.
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