Ma Boys

When I was a junior in high school, my family had the unique opportunity to sponsor some children from Kenya that were part of a group called "The Singing Children of Africa." They toured to the UK and then to the US to try to raise money for their school and families. This opportunity was one that I will never forget. These children were so happy when they had so little. At a fairly young age, I was extremely grateful that my parents provided me with the chance to learn about what I had and why it was so important.

These kids knew the actual definition of hunger.

These kids had homes made out of mud. Each time it rained, their homes would wash away and they would have to re-build.

These kids didn't know what a birthday was, nor did they know exactly how old they were.

If these kids had the opportunity to actually go to school, it was once in a lifetime and extremely rare.

These children would do everything in their power to succeed in life.

These children had lives that were so extremely rough on so many levels. Yet they were still the happiest kids I have ever met. They taught me how to be grateful. They taught me that I have more than most of the world. They taught me what happiness is: Happiness is simplicity.

A couple of months ago, my parents sacrificed so much time and efforts into getting these children here again...8 years later. Therefore, they weren't necessarily children anymore. I haven't cried those types of tears in awhile. Tears of happiness to see them. And then tears of sadness once they left. 8 years later, my African siblings truly taught me how to live and love. They reiterated that happiness is simplicity and that the less you have, the richer you are.

I hope to travel to Mombasa, Kenya to visit them soon! So, if anybody has any tips or feedback, please contact me.