Finding Family and Faith in Nairobi: Emma's Transformative Journey with CMS Ireland

Stepping off the plane in Nairobi with a heart full of hope, Emma had no idea that a three-week journey with CMS Ireland would completely reshape her worldview and forge bonds that would last a lifetime. She writes:

Before travelling to Nairobi, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I hoped to be useful, to serve where I was needed, and to experience a different culture, but I never imagined how much the trip would change me personally. One of the greatest privileges of my time in Kenya was meeting the incredible people who made such a lasting impact on me.

For the three weeks I spent in Nairobi, I was incredibly fortunate to be welcomed and supported by a group of wonderful people: Isabelle Prondzynski, a CMS Ireland Associate Mission Partner; Louise Githire, the School Manager at Tujisaidie Community School; and Lucy Irungu, the Patron of the Tujisaidie Self-Help Group. From the very beginning, they made me feel incredibly welcome and helped me to gain a genuine understanding of both the community and the work being carried out there. Isabelle organised so many activities and visits throughout my stay, giving me the opportunity to experience different aspects of life in Nairobi. Louise was like a mother to me during my time there, always making sure I was safe, happy and supported. Lucy’s love for the community was equally inspiring; she seemed to care for everyone as though they were her own family. Kathleen Anangwe’s kindness and encouragement also made a lasting impression on me, and even simple conversations with taxi drivers often turned into discussions about faith and church. These experiences showed me how naturally faith is woven into everyday life in Kenya.

• 

• 

I am also incredibly grateful to CMS Ireland for facilitating this visit and for the care and support they provided throughout my time in Kenya. Their support made it possible for me to experience this community, meet so many inspiring people and gain a deeper understanding of the work being carried out there.

The children at Tujisaidie Community School stole my heart from the very first day. Despite only having just met, they welcomed me with such warmth, kindness and joy that I immediately felt like part of their family. Their excitement was infectious, and every day they reminded me of the beauty of simple things. They were endlessly curious, asking me questions about life in Ireland, such as whether I used a special shampoo to make my hair straight or whether people in Ireland ate bugs! Equally, they were so eager to teach me about their own traditions, culture and daily lives. Although I travelled to Kenya hoping to encourage and support them, I quickly realised that I was learning far more from them than they could ever learn from me. Their joy, resilience, generosity and unwavering love for one another challenged me in ways I never expected. One particularly memorable moment came when I was teaching a Bible verse and one child asked me, “Who is Jesus?” That simple question led to a beautiful conversation about faith that I will always treasure.

• 

• 

•