I do not have new case law to write about. I do not have any brilliant insight into how to win your next trial. What I do have, is a way to change your life and maybe a way to make a difference in our world. I am writing to tell you about what I thought would be just another adventure. It turned out to be a journey that has forever changed me as a woman, a person and even a young lawyer.
One of the things that had always been on my “bucket list” (things to do before I kick the bucket) was to volunteer at an orphanage in Africa. I had been thinking about it for years, and this year I finally took the plunge.
One of the scariest moments of my trip actually happened before I left the United States. I had to figure out a way to convince my managing partners to give me a leave of absence for two months, not to mention trying to figure out how to survive without income during my absence. Both prospects were more than a little bit frightening. So, I took the first step. I scheduled a meeting with a few of the managing partners at my Firm. I felt a little shaky when I asked for a two month leave of absence. My partners’ response could not have been more gracious. They allowed me the leave, and almost before I knew what had happened, I was making the final arrangements for the journey of a lifetime.
The weeks between my Firm’s approval and when I found myself on a plane heading East over “the pond” went by quickly. Arrangements were made for other attorneys to handle my cases, plane tickets were purchased and I put my life in Indianapolis on hold for two months. I was on my way!
My arrival in Africa felt absolutely surreal. I literally told myself over and over “you are in Africa,” as if it was only a dream. However, when I left the airport in Kenya, I immediately knew I was not in Kansas anymore.
The poverty in Kenya is indescribable. Even in such poverty, the people, and particularly the children, of Kenya have a spirit and kindness that is unimaginable. The village I went to is a six hour drive from Nairobi, called Dago Village. I volunteered at the Dago Dala Hera (Home of Love) Orphanage. I still cannot find the words to describe how gracious the people of Dago were to me. They made my mere presence seem like a “blessing” to them.
Each child’s face would literally light up when they saw me. They would come running from buildings to greet me, and a simple wave by the Mzunga (white person) would bring smiles to their faces. A blessing to them, the real blessing was what they taught me about my own life. Never again will I take things that we consider simple – a hot shower, tap water, electricity, shoes, ice cream, clothes – for granted.
Thankfully, with the generous support from my family and friends, we were able to purchase uniforms, shoes, and school supplies (and even ice cream) for all the orphans. I never thought I would see children actually happy and cheering for school supplies, but I did at Dago Village. The children were so happy to have something new, probably for the first time in their life. Many of the children played while still wearing their backpacks after school and late into the evening. Another volunteer delivered soccer balls to the children. The joy they displayed was much better than any reaction Oprah could glean from giving away a brand new car. I never knew that a simple ball could bring such joy.
I could write for pages about the needs of the children I met. What they have an abundance of, and what we sometimes forget, is a true appreciation for life. Even in such poverty these children were hopeful. I learned many things during my leave, but the greatest lesson I learned is to appreciate and be present in my own life.
Susan Gainey
July – August 2008