New Church Life Mar/Apr 2015 | Page 51

Extraordinary Ordinary Moments:What Ten Weeks Volunteering in Kenya Taught Me Cailin Elphick S ome of the best things in life evolve when we are miles outside of our comfort zones. I’ve begun to understand my innate need to push myself constantly to the edge and take giant leaps of faith. I’ve been back on American soil for just over four months after volunteering for 10 weeks in Etora, Kenya. I returned with tan lines, bruises, new scars, new perspective, gratitude, a newfound appreciation for hot water, and an expanded heart. Life in Kenya is so different from life here in America. From their interpretation of time to the color of the dirt, Kenya has a different pulse. I miss bucket showers, eating cooked bananas, dancing to music that gets into your bones, teaching the kids yoga and art, and constantly getting caught in the rain. I spent enough time there to actually feel settled, as if I lived there. And spending time with the kids at the Sacred Care Orphanage was one of the most enriching experiences I have ever had. These kids have each overcome hell, being found in toilets, abandoned as babies, or abused. They have lived heartache, and yet their smiles are entirely genuine and full of life. They lead vigorous, joyful and content lives, and are incredibly well cared for by the staff at the orphanage. They taught me that hearts are built to be broken, to know the dark in order to fill it with happiness. Each person I met in Kenya further proved how true that is. I left in August with my friend Kira Kerr, a backpack full of belongings, and a list of tasks to do for Helping Children in Crisis (HCIC) while I was there. I was equally excited and terrified for what the next few months would hold. 161