Reflections of my week at Cura part 2

It's a weird feeling, coming back to the luxuries I had before. On the plane, I was served a hot meal with seasonings and a cup of pudding. My stomach didn't really agree with it, making me a bit sick for the duration of the first flight. Stepping into air conditioning was also a bit bizarre after becoming used to the heat. Although Kenya was not miserable hot, there was just a permanent warmth day and night.

After speaking with Hayden, I've been approved to "adopt" one of the children in the home. Incase you didn't get to see the early posting about adopting, it's not adopting in the traditional sense. It's more of a sponsorship of a child. $850.00 USD per year to feed, house, and pay for education. Once it's all settled, I'll let you know who I've sponsored. :)

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for the support and well wishes you have been giving me! Some of you have even donated to Cura, which makes my heart smile! I've been catching a bit of hate mail regarding this blog and my travels. I never started this blog for self promotion nor did I ever expect it to become as followed as it has. Those of you who have supported me with words of encouragement, and have support for the children, it does not go unnoticed.

I can't understand why someone would stand by and watch as other people are suffering. I've been guilty of this! When I would hear of the atrocities in Africa, the problems in America, and the situations around the world, part of me would think, "oh that's horrible! I'm on the opposite side of the planet. What could I possibly do to make a difference?" I idly sat by and watched. The people at Invisible Children have braved the critics and continue to work towards bettering the lives of others. I applaud and admire the for being so courageous. The people who say, "Africa doesn't want their help," I'm here to tell you that's a lie! I've heard from the source that the people in Africa are thankful for the support. It's in their news, it's on their radios, and the people are talking about it. Just this morning on the drive to the airport, the radio was talking about how Kony has been driven out of hiding. The work of both IC and the people of Uganda is working! And that is something to applaud, not discourage.

When I was asked to be involved in Cura, I treated the project as a vacation. I didn't know any better. It wasn't until I stepped out of the car in that remote community an hour outside Nairobi that I realized this wasn't a vacation, but an obligation for me to help someone else in need. No I'm not the "mzungu" (white man) stepping in to save the day. I am the brother, the friend of these people who gives a damn if there's food on the table and shelter to reside. Life this week was colorblind; people of the community would just come up to me and say, "we are together." My wish is that by taking this footage back, it will inspire others to take action. Whether it be in America, Africa, or elsewhere in the world. Whether it be by donating time or donating money, any action to better the world would be a good action. I know once I finish up this project, I'll continue to work/travel to Cura, to spend time with the community that took me in and treated me as one of their own. I'll be posting photos soon that I took from the trip- nearly 1,000. You'll see why I've fallen in love with Cura.

CuraOrphanage.org