The Simple Things

When we first arrived in Kenya a few days ago, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. I was with people I had never met, in a place I had never been, surrounded by things I had never seen. Arriving at the children’s home, none of that seemed to matter to anyone. Everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, quickly accepted us as if we known them for ages. Everyone I met had one clear thing in common; every single person was pure. Everyone was so happy and friendly that it almost seemed too good to be true. Every child, every teen, and every adult was so open and welcoming that it felt as if I had just returned home.
Before lunch today, we all had a long period of down time to spend with the children outside. I was spending my time walking around, introducing myself to various kids and teens, when I suddenly found myself in a soccer match with one of the younger boys. Sooner than later, the match had grown to around 10 other children. It was so enjoyable to see such pure happiness and joy within these kids and within myself. During our match, we didn’t keep score, no one argued or feuded, everyone was just playing to have a good time.
It amazes me how simple these children’s lives are, and how much fun they had with something as basic and general as a makeshift soccer match. This experience showed me how the most beautiful things in life are the simple ones, such as laughter, smiles, and friendship. In the short time that I have spent here, I already feel like I am growing, not only as a student, but as a person.