Love Never Fails

by Danielle Tellez (United States of America)

Making a local connection Kenya

There it was, as soon as the fragrance kissed my nose, I was transported to the Saharan backdrop that taught me the true meaning of love. Where the morning greets you with the songs of the birds and the early buses make their fuming rounds. Where the sun breaks through the clouds just as the scents of the open-air markets start to create a delicious veil. The industrious mamas with their grand-children strapped to their backs and the ever so zealous children who are ready to be swept up into your arms at any moment. I was enveloped in this unfamiliar culture and content with bathing in it for my life’s entirety. As we walked through the village on a crisp morning, I took in everything possible with my senses. The streets were composed of red clay and when the weather was dry, the red dust would embed itself into my socks. The first stop was a home no larger than a 5 by 5 square foot shape made of tin walls and sheltered a family of 6. A toddler sitting in the mud had a runny nose and nothing but a tiny dress on. Without hesitation, I scooped her up and cradled her tight. It wasn’t until someone brought my attention to it that I noticed the little one had relieved herself on me. I will never forget the overwhelming feeling of “comfortably uncomfortable” washing over me and it is one of the most appreciative moments of my life. I hugged that little soul until we left on our journey to our next home. As we turned a corner, my eyes met those of a little figure wearing black sandals that were 6 times her size and a pink lace dress. She smiled and motioned us into her home. She displayed her report cards, we played games, exchanged languages and prayed over each other. As we left her home, she clutched my hand and an inseparable bond was forged. A decade later and half a dozen return trips, this little girl left her handprints on my heart. I have had the blessing of watching her grow into the beautiful young lady she is today. Through heartache and triumphs, hugs and letters, food and discussions, she is wise beyond her years and I always walk away with the feeling that I have gained more from her than she has from me. This sweet but strong soul was dealt an unfair hand in life when at the age of three, she lost both her parents, one to HIV. She was shipped to a whole new world across the country and was accepted with loving arms into her aunt and uncle’s home where her journey of strength continued. Years later we would be hand in hand crying together as she was on the verge of losing another parent to bone cancer. She calls me mom and I call her daughter. My daughter is a strong, faithful and determined girl who I admire, look up to and strive to be like. Arrival home from a third world country is a difficult transition not many can empathize with. Although I witnessed numerous families who had very little, there were uncountable times I also witnessed the same families welcoming me with all they had to give and carrying the biggest smiles with full and gracious hearts for what they did have. I am grateful for clean water, toilets, hot showers, food, family, friendships, for smiles and laughter, for nature, clean air, for hugs, shelter, electricity, for my health, the ability to walk and the ability to embrace others, and for each experience. The connection I was able to forge with the people of the land continues to not only remind me of life’s greatest lessons but also feeds my soul each time a memory is triggered where love has no boundaries. For the greatest gift is to find yourself at the point where you know your purpose is to give more love and receive more love. Upendo haushindwi kamwe: Love never fails.