Perspective Is Everything: Reflecting On Kenya

I'm writing this reflection six years after my experience, yet it remains vivid in my memory. Highlighting it now on my blog is essential because this journey wasn't just a trip it forever changed my life.

Returning to Kenya for my second consecutive mission trip with my high school, Valor Christian, was more than just revisiting familiar ground; it was an even deeper exploration of perspective, gratitude, and witnessing firsthand God's most dedicated believers.

Our journey began in the slums of Nairobi, where perspective took on profound meaning. Walking through narrow alleys lined with makeshift tin-roofed homes, I saw the harsh realities of poverty, yet I encountered incredible resilience and warmth among the residents. Despite earning less than $2 USD a day, the people here displayed a remarkable happiness and spirit that deeply impacted me. Their constant smiles and genuine joy taught me invaluable lessons about gratitude for things I often take for granted, like clean water, reliable shelter, and easy access to food.

The sheer joy and vibrant community spirit of the Kenyan people stood out above all. Happiness here wasn't rooted in material possessions but rather in authentic connections, love, and shared experiences. Visiting orphanages underscored this even more clearly. The children, despite their lack of parents and material resources, radiated pure joy and openly expressed their profound faith. Their identity rooted firmly in Jesus Christ was a powerful reminder of the distractions and superficialities that often blind us in the western world. Their resilience and happiness stemmed directly from their relationships with each other and their faith.

After a challenging yet enlightening week in Nairobi's slums, our mission shifted to one of Kenya's most beautiful mountainous regions—a stark contrast that deepened my understanding and appreciation further. This transition provided a much-needed change of pace and perspective. Here, we worked hands-on, side by side with locals to build mud homes for families in need. The houses we built were modest—small structures with just a few rooms—but the experience was incredibly rewarding. Collecting rocks to form makeshift walls and coating them with mud was amazing, messy, and fun. It remains a vivid core memory, and I'm forever grateful for the humility, memories, and cultural connection we gained through this work.

Following our home-building project, we traveled to a local school to organize a Vacation Bible School. Although my memory has faded a bit over time, I still vividly recall the excitement and wonder of the children upon our arrival. Their instant fascination with our team members' blonde hair created immediate connections despite language barriers. Through soccer, crafts, and shared meals, we bonded with these children, witnessing firsthand the genuine appreciation they had for even the simplest meals. Observing them finish every last bite was a powerful reminder of how much food is wasted back home, further enhancing my sense of gratitude.

Reflecting on this experience today, I recognize that genuine perspective is often lost in America. We rarely face struggles comparable to those experienced daily by many Kenyans. While we certainly encounter challenges, our environment generally provides opportunities and resources access to work, grocery stores, and abundant possibilities. Yet, we frequently overlook these privileges, caught in the trap of comparison and constant pursuit for more. Without perspective, we find ourselves searching endlessly, feeling unfulfilled despite our abundance.

The beauty of perspective is that it can never truly be taken away—it remains with us as long as we remember and reflect. However, failing to intentionally revisit these experiences can make us blind to their significance, causing us to lose sight of what truly matters.

Ultimately, perspective is one of the most powerful tools we possess. It shapes our identity, guides our focus, and clarifies our purpose. With a clear and meaningful perspective, there is no limit to what we can achieve, for our minds become our greatest resource. For me, maintaining this perspective means continually grounding myself in gratitude and faith in Jesus Christ.