Second Time’s the Charm: My Return to Kenya

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to travel to Kenya for the second time on behalf of the Ubuntu Village outreach program. After my first visit, I knew that I wanted to come back and experience more of what this amazing country had to offer. This time around, I was able to explore even more of Kenya, meet more of its people, and discover new perspectives about the culture and landscape.

My second trip to Kenya was a truly remarkable experience. Having already visited the country a year prior, I felt a sense of familiarity and excitement to be returning to a place that had made such an impact on my life. My goal this time around was to serve as a volunteer with Ubuntu Village, a nonprofit dedicated to providing outreach programs and services to disadvantaged communities in Kenya. With an open heart and an eagerness to learn, I was ready to make the most of this journey.

Why I Decided to Return to Kenya

After my first trip to Kenya with Ubuntu Village, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people in need in Uganda and Kenya, I knew I wanted to go back. On this second trip (fourth trip to Africa), I witnessed firsthand the positive impact Ubuntu Village had on a few local communities, particularly on those living in financial despair and lacking moral support for people with disabilities. Seeing how the organization had been able to help empower individuals and families toward self-sufficiency motivated me to return and continue my work. The communities I encountered embody the Ubuntu spirit — their resilience is a testament to what happens when people lift each other up rather than wait for outside rescue.

The primary purpose of my second trip to Kenya was to spend time with the Malaika Initiative for People who have Disability. In addition, I wanted to provide food to 52 families experiencing poverty, in collaboration with donations from Mbogo’s Quality Farm Products. It was heartwarming to witness these families’ struggles to acquire food eased for a few days through the efforts of Ubuntu Village.

What I Did on This Trip

This trip to Kenya was my second, and I could not have been more excited to return. On behalf of Ubuntu Village, the nonprofit organization I founded to improve the quality of life for vulnerable people in rural communities, I had the opportunity to visit with locals and learn more about their daily lives.

I was able to observe firsthand the challenges facing these communities and was inspired by the spirit of self-sufficiency present. It was humbling to witness the villagers’ ability to make the most of what they had to better their lives.

I also had the opportunity to meet with local leaders and discuss how Ubuntu Village could best help develop infrastructure and resources in the region. During my stay, Ubuntu Village provided micro-loans to entrepreneurs to help them get started on their business ventures.

My work here in Kenya will not end with this trip – it is just beginning. I am grateful for the chance to have returned, and I am eager to continue working with these amazing people to create a better future for parents, children, and grandchildren.

What I Learned from This Trip

I had the opportunity to connect with so many amazing people and see the country through a different lens. One of the biggest takeaways from my visit was the importance of self-sufficiency and resilience in a situation such as low job discovery or underemployment. What I witnessed aligns with what science is learning about how mycorrhizal networks in forests mirror the biology of community — everything thrives when it is rooted in relationship and mutual support. Science also confirms what our ancestors knew about how trauma and triumph are carried in the body: the research on inherited ancestral memory shows that the resilience of Kenyan communities lives not just in their institutions but in their very cells.

The communities I visited have thrived despite incredible obstacles and challenges. They have built a sense of self-sufficiency by working together as a community to find sustainable solutions to their issues. Whether through renewable energy sources or innovative agricultural techniques, they have taken control of their destiny and are working hard to ensure their success.

This concept of self-sufficiency is one that I will take with me into my future endeavors. It is a reminder to be resourceful and resilient, no matter the situation. By understanding how these communities have survived and thrived, I am inspired to work towards creating my own opportunities for success.

What’s Next for Me

My second trip to Kenya was an eye-opening experience, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel with Ubuntu Village. Now that I’m back home, I’m eager to put what I learned into action.

I plan to continue my involvement with Ubuntu Village by raising awareness of their mission and helping fundraise for projects in Kenya. I’m also passionate about developing programs to help Kenyan youth access education and job opportunities.

I hope to return to Kenya again and again in the near future and make a lasting impact on the lives of those I met during my travels. I believe in the power of giving back, and I look forward to continuing this journey of making a difference in the world, even if it is just one person, two people, or a few families at a time.