What a pleasure it has been to work with Linda, my wife, to support the growth and development of the “Women’s Journey to Kenya”! I’ve recently retired from a 36-year career in international corporate banking and now partner with Global Heart Journeys. I am also involved in a wide variety of other projects.
One of the most fulfilling grew out of our first experiences in Africa when we visited the Good Samaritan orphanage in the slums of Nairobi in 2001.
The children of Good Samaritan live in Mathare, one of the oldest sprawling slums in Africa.
My companion for the day was a 17-year old young man, John Maina, who had lived on the streets and in the orphanage for over a dozen years. During the several hours we spent together, John worked his way into my heart; a warm, budding friendship had started.
Bustling streets of Mathare where John grew up
As the visit came to a close and it was time to depart, John looked up and asked “Please, don’t ever forget me.” No five words have had the impact as John’s heartfelt plea.
John and I lost contact after that glorious morning, however, through a remarkable series of events, we were re-united in 2013. Now, more than just friends, we have become father and son and stay in constant contact (thanks to WhatsApp).
John and I outside of Good Samaritan, reunited after 12 years
As I learned more about John, I realized what a remarkable life he has had and what an inspiring example of fortitude, resilience, and faith he could be for all of us. So, I have written John’s biography and the story of our friendship. Currently in editorial review, please look for our work to be released in 2019: Hope and a Future: Life, Survival, and Renewal on the Streets of an African Slum. All proceeds from the book will be dedicated to supporting street boys, orphans, and vulnerable children.
By the way, our travelers will meet John and listen to him share his story about life on the streets. He also guides the group through Good Samaritan where he grew up.
John is now in his 30’s and returns to Good Samaritan frequently because he loves to be near the children
My friendship with John has been one of life’s great blessings. Beyond all the lessons I have learned from him, John opened a world of human dignity where I never would have thought to look.
