Earlier this month, we were thrilled to have our friend Darren come visit us in Kenya. If you follow Canopy Life on Facebook or Instagram (which you should – amazing things are happening every day and you won’t want to miss one post!), you may have seen Darren tap dancing with James or using his super long arms to take a selfie of himself, Christi, and all 19 of our students.
Today I had a chance to ask Darren a few questions about his time in Kenya. He had lots to say about how incredible his trip was, and below are some snapshots of the conversation. If you want to hear more, I’m sure he’d love to answer your questions over some sweet tea or a paddle around the lake. Thanks for sharing your experience, Darren!
What prompted you to visit Canopy Life Academy?
As a new board member, it was important for me to experience the school first-hand, and have an opportunity to meet the kids and staff. As I seek to support Christi’s leadership and help guide the school, I want it to be from a position of knowledge and experience.
What did you enjoy most about your trip?
I have been friends with Christi, Canopy Life’s founder, for several years, and for awhile have been dreaming with her about the idea of a school like Canopy Life existing in Kenya. It was cool to see that long-awaited dream be a reality – with 19 kids, staff, teachers, and classrooms – and to gain a vision for the future.
An additional highlight was being able to have both silly and serious conversations with the students and to see them interact with their sponsors through Skype calls and letters. To those of you who are global mentors and child sponsors, thank you for the investment you are making in Canopy’s students. The way their faces light up because of you is indescribable.
Is there something specific you learned about yourself and/or God through the experience?
Ten years ago, I came to Kenya for the first time. I came with a group of other leaders from the church in which I was on staff, to explore the idea of a partnership between our church and the village of Karogoto, with assistance through The 410 Bridge. For a decade, I have been able to watch development and growth take place not only in Karogoto, but in the hearts of my close friends and family as well.
Being back in Kenya on the tenth anniversary of my initial opportunity to help communities and families in Kenya, was a powerful reminder of how faith over time produces results. As I think about the school being in its first years of existence, it is encouraging to think about how God, not only now but in the years to come, will use the faithfulness of its leaders, staff, and students to enact change in their Kenyan communities.
How would you encourage a friend who is considering going on a trip with Canopy Life?
The whole experience of being with Canopy’s staff and the kids was so inspiring. I’ve known great things are happening at Canopy Life, but nothing can replace getting to witness the teachers’ passion and dedication, and seeing how far the kids have progressed and developed. If you want to be inspired, encouraged, and blessed, then jump on over to Kenya this summer.