It has been about 2 weeks since returning from Kenya, and many prominent things have been entering my life as of recent. Every morning I open my door to hear the birds chirping from the tree branches which connect to the tree that stands on my front lawn.
It has been about 2 weeks since returning from Kenya, and many prominent things have been entering my life as of recent. Every morning I open my door to hear the birds chirping from the tree branches which connect to the tree that stands on my front lawn.
I look around and see little black squirrels bouncing around, and take a breath in deep, only to smell gasoline and moisture. I see the cycle of life slowly beginning again, leaves becoming bigger as the days pass by; flowers opening and closing as if to wave hello during the day and goodbye at night.
After seeing everything that I did in Africa, I have quickly realized how truly lucky I am to be wearing these shoes. Everybody that has asked me about my trip, I’ve always received the same question: Did it change your life? The answer is no, it didn’t change my life. It’s not like I came back and colours were more vibrant or there was a mystical energy that magnetized everybody to crowd around me and see me in a different light. Something changed, yes, but I can’t quite say the path of my life or anything in my life for that matter changed; what changed were my perspectives.
I don’t see differently, however I think differently. I look around and see the same old tree on my front lawn everyday, I hear the same old birds song-singing the exact same tune. I can’t say my literal view has really changed at all, but the way I think about things have. I am grateful for the tree on my front lawn which breathes life into our atmosphere, and it makes me upset to see everything being torn down into one giant metropolis of development. I realize for those trees to grow into the strong structures they are, they need water – something Canada possesses more than any other place on earth. Seeing all of these trees torn down makes me sad to think that, although close to impossible, the water that it took to nurture that tree could have went to nurturing a Kenyan or underprivileged person.
I realized that those annoying birds are really a blessing, and to wake up and actually hear something harmonious rather than the sound of crying children or grumbling stomachs is a privilege as well. The tents I slept in for 3 weeks straight gave me the appreciation for the always dry bed I sleep in every night (Which was difficult to first fall asleep in after arriving back, might I add). One thing I always took for granted was school – this place was a jail cell to me. Now, going to school and looking back on what I thought about it before, I realize how unbelievable it is to celebrate education in an air conditioned, enclosed, and safe school like the ones we are fortunate enough to attend.
Things have been hectic for me since coming back however. I recently lost a friend by the name of Eric Leighton, whom was one of the happiest and cheerful people I’ve ever known – he was only 18 years old, and he had just went to prom 2 days before an explosion in auto shop left him unconscious and unable to fight for his life. After hearing about this, I tried to contact everybody I love and tell them how much they mean to me. One minute you’re here, and the next you’re not. Not only the experience of Kenya, but this heartbreaking experience as well has given me a strong appreciation for the value of life. Life is more important than anything. Without life, there would be no love. Without love, there would be no happiness. And without happiness, the world would be a dark and empty place. I think I’m beginning to fully understand why the Kenyans appear to be so happy. Watching people they care about most pass away regularly give them a strong appreciation for life like the one I’m quickly developing. It gives them the freedom to smile and appreciate that their still kicking.
Here in Canada, we are such a consumerism society that because our close friends are not dying around us, it makes us forget about what life is really worth. It’s unfortunate that this eventually translates into spoiled children, people getting into drugs without reason, and people hating the idea of life overall which sometimes can end in suicide. What have I taken from this experience? I’ve taken the respect and value of life back with me to Canada. My perspective on life has changed, however my life has not. I’m still an average Canadian kid living an average Canadian life – which I am ever so grateful for. If I was writing this blog a year ago, I would have probably said, “I’m a normal kid living a normal life.” But I’m not a normal kid in this world – I’m luckier.
Signing off, Roger Collins
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