I will be traveling to Kenya and volunteering at an orphanage in Central Province.
I will be spending my time working with the children in the orphanage. My work will primarily be around trauma and play therapy with the children.
As a follower and believer of the teachings of Jesus, I have strived to keep an open mind to gain better understanding of all the people I have come across through out my life personally and professionally. I believe the greatest commandment of all is to love one another as God has loved us.
As a social worker, I am held to certain values and core beliefs professionally that I strive hard to stand by in working with my clients. My draw to the social work profession came from my desire for social justice and peace throughout the world. The main goal of social work is to promote people’s well-being and help them to realize their potential to the fullest. I strive to help clients live reasonably satisfying lives, comfortable with themselves and in society. The school of social policy and practice at the University of Pennsylvania has provided me with incredible skills and tools to continue the efforts of what I have believed have become my life calling.
I feel fortunate for the blessings and opportunities I have received in my life and thank God for these fortunes. Because I have been given so much, I feel convicted to continue to give back to the greater community. Service and giving back to the community has always been a priority in my life. The type of service taught in the Bible does not come at a price, with the expectation of receiving something in return. I do not expect everyone I come in contact with to believe the way I believe, and my intentions are never to proselytize my own beliefs or shun other religions or faiths. The experiences of serving communities and individuals who are in need of assistance continue to teach me the important things in life are not monetary things, but in stead health, relationships and life. By going to Africa and gaining a better understanding of the specific needs and experiences of the children, I will build relationships and gain experiences that will hopefully lead to more opportunities and experiences to serve and assist the people of Kenya. I am excited to learn and work along side the Kenyan social worker. It will be important for me to learn culturally what is appropriate and acceptable when working as a social worker in Africa.
I hope to continue to contribute to the blog about my experiences and reflections in Kenya over the next month. I look forward to sharing about the new relationships I develop and the lessons I continue to learn about life and God's love.
