Returning Home: Reflections After Six Weeks in Samburu, Kenya
After six unforgettable weeks in Samburu, Kenya, returning to the UK feels both comforting and surreal. The familiar rhythm of home life has resumed, yet a part of me remains deeply rooted in the red earth, wide skies, and warm smiles of the community I was privileged to serve.
My time in Samburu was centred around supporting both the children’s home and Ntilal Primary School. What began as a mission to give quickly became an experience of shared humanity, learning, and connection. Each day brought new challenges, but also countless moments of joy and purpose.
It was an incredibly busy and often hectic six weeks, which meant I wasn’t able to keep the website updated during my time there. However, now that I’m back, I’ll be sharing regular updates. So get ready for some amazing stories and pictures from the experience.
At the children’s home, I worked closely with the children, helping with daily routines, activities, and improvements to their living environment. But beyond the physical work, it was the time spent together that mattered most Playing games, sharing stories, and simply being present. Those moments built bonds that words struggle to capture.
Ntilal Primary School was equally inspiring. Despite limited resources, the enthusiasm and determination of the students and teachers were remarkable.
One of the most meaningful parts of the journey was the friendship I built with James. From the very beginning, he stood out for his generosity of spirit and willingness to help in every possible way. He never once complained or asked for “soda/kitu kidogo/lunch” or any kind of cash handout, something that can sometimes be expected in these settings. Instead, he simply got stuck into whatever needed doing.
Whether it was painting at the home, hanging curtains, helping prepare and slaughter a goat for the children’s feast, getting the cheaper rides from A to B or acting as my guide and security while hiking up Ololokwe Mountain, James was always there. Steady, reliable, and positive. He was the kind of person you’re grateful to have by your side, no matter the task. His friendship meant a great deal to me, and he is someone I will never forget.
Perhaps the most lasting impact of the trip was the relationships I formed. I forged new friendships not only with the children but with members of the wider community. Their kindness, resilience, and generosity left a profound impression on me.
Leaving Samburu was not easy. Saying goodbye to the children and the friends I had made was emotional, knowing how much they had become part of my live in such a short time. Yet there is comfort in knowing that the connections remain, and that the work we contributed to will continue in some small way.
As I settle back into life in the UK, there is a renewed sense of gratitude, for what we have, for the experience I was given, and for the people who welcomed me so openly into their world. This journey has changed me, and it's impact will stay with me long after the memories begin to fade.
Samburu may be thousands of miles away, but it will always feel close to my heart.
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