Footprints of Kindness in Samburu Sand
The drive from Nairobi felt longer than usual, stretched by the shimmering heat rising from the road. Yet the sweeping landscapes softened the journey, and with every mile the anticipation grew. Soon we would see the children we had only known through conversations and video calls.
Eva and friends of Dry River Children Charity helped load the car with donations shipped from the UK, along with the supplies Njeri had flown in with. We set off from Kitengela in Kajiado County, where we were staying, and the journey took nearly eight hours, slowed by pit stops and irresistible photo stops to capture the breath taking scenery. We drove through 11 counties from Kajiado to Samburu.
A wave of emotion washed over us when we finally saw the Welcome to Samburu sign and the Ewaso Nyiro river marker the very names that first inspired the charity name.
When we reached the home, the children burst with excitement. They eagerly showed us around, their warmth and energy filling every corner. Their joy erased every mile travelled and every hour of hard work behind us. In that moment, I wished the entire team could stand beside me and witness what Tony and I had envisioned when we first visited Samburu.
After the tour, the evening blossomed into song and dance as we moved to their favourite Bongo music. Njeri joined Francis in the kitchen to help with cooking, delighted to learn he shared the same name as my father. Meanwhile, Cinda, Sheila, and Manu kept the rhythm alive in a joyful jam session.
Mosquitoes swarmed in determined clouds, forcing me to wrap myself in lesos (Kenyan sarong wraps) to protect against the many bites I had already collected.
Before we left for the night, Francis gathered everyone and asked us to say a prayer. The children were already counting the hours until morning, eager for our return.
God bless the children of Samburu.
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