Children remind us to live, not just exist

Children remind us to live, not just exist

“Its not just the places we go, it’s the people we meet that capture the heart”

It’s the very foundation of what Jennifer Adams created just under a decade ago, and the primary reason I am here today.

It’s the people I meet whilst travelling, who make my experiences what they are. The places I see would be somewhat insignificant if they were not shared with people who enhance each and every moment I have abroad.

I’ve always said that the physical world is somewhat stationary – so no matter when or where you return, the spaces in which you move remain relatively unchanged – so why do the experiences we have differ so dramatically?

Because of the people around us: the impermanence of travel, the facet that is forever changing and the notion I am most drawn to.

Africa is a continent I have forever wanted to explore, to meet individuals who have found happiness in environments free of western pollution.

And a few years back I did exactly that – I flew into Nairobi (alone) and made my way (by local overland truck) to Cape Town over a four-month period. The vistas were incredible, food unique and seeing wild animals roam free was breathtaking BUT they’re not the moments I hold close.

I met so many remarkable people on that trip. From all over the world, both travellers and locals – all present for a different reason, each with their own story and life plan.

But it was this particular moment that I wanted to share with you. The day we spent playing with the children of Saidia, an orphanage north of Nairobi in the town of Gilgil.

With us we brought stationary, toys and offered donations to aid the workings of this non-for-profit facility. But that’s not what it was about – donating money and goods is simply a chance for us to assist in ways that we are capable of.

It was actually the opportunity to simply hang out with these kids and just muck around, laugh, sing, play – find happiness in simplicity, the only way children know how – that’s a day well spent in my eyes.

Making someone else’s day brighter using only our imagination, smiles and heart.

Children have this remarkable ability to remind us of what we have lost along the way – our imagination and gratitude for the opportunity to simply live. Not exist, but live.

As I pushed the merry-go-round she smiled and laughed with great excitement, her face was alight and happiness contagious…