On Sunday, we had the amazing opportunity to visit the Kithoka Amani Children’s Home (KACH) and engage with its founding director Dr. Karambu Ringera. With this being my second time at the orphanage, it was definitely a touching experience. While one of the groups spent most of their time speaking with Dr. K about potential businesses and ideas, the rest of us spent the entire afternoon playing soccer and all sorts of games with the kids. One of our group members Layne Vandenburg had managed to secure close to a dozen soccer balls and 500 washcloths to donate to the KACH. The smiles and sheer joy on the kids’ faces was truly redefined the meaning of ‘heartwarming’. We played and sang and played some more and it was just another reminder of how thankful each and every one of us needed to be for all that we had and for all that we didn’t have.

     While there, I was also able to consult with Dr. K about the options she had of getting internet access to the home. We spoke at length about the possible system configurations we could develop for her and after seeing the container of multiple 500W solar panels recently shipped from Spain, we were both very excited. The current system I travelled with would not have been ideal for her place since it was designed for a location that was far more “off-the-grid” as it contained components that would be “overkill” or simply unnecessary for her set up.

     Before departing, myself and a few others were able to be a part of the ceremonious planting of the International Peace Initiative (IPI) KACH Peace Symbol. For each of us, Layne, Afonso, Tomas, Gwin, Ammy, Jim and I today was just the most fulfilling day – one of which we will all remember in years to come.

-RM