Student athletes from the University of Texas, travel to the community of Bulanda, Kenya

Coming to Kenya with the purpose to build a basketball court was only a small part of what this trip would turn into. We started our journey with long travel days which allowed us to create our team environment and get to know each other. Arriving at the community for the first time, we were swarmed with laughter, dance and music from the locals. Waking up to the African sunrise on a run, followed up by a cup of tea or soya, prepared us for the work day ahead. For the whole 4 days of working on the court, the energy was contagious. Everyone had a smile on their face, cooperated with each other, and put the language barrier aside to teach us their ways through dancing and kindness. Without fail, every meal was prepared using the local ingredients, techniques and recipes of a local family who welcomed us like their own family. 

As each day went by, we as a team, got closer to each other and started to embrace the new culture we were immersed with. Taking afternoon walks around town, bucket showers to clean up, and late night talks around the fire, made us form life-long bonds with each other and with members of the community. Saying goodbye to the community was bittersweet. We had the satisfaction of accomplishing a change in the community but a feeling of wanting to do more lingered. Even towards the end of our time in Bulanda, their gratitude for us as volunteers was celebrated, as well as our appreciation for all the community efforts to make this experience impactful. 

Even though the work was challenging, seeing the kids filled with joy made it all worth it. All the volunteers and community had an infinite amount of love for this project which inspired us to keep going. Getting to know a new culture, filled with hope for growth and development, with limited resources available, impacted us to realize that improvement is always possible. The positive attitude you have in these situations is what motivates you to go forward with your goals. We have learned to take what we have and make the most of it to push forward. We learned to lean on our community and the people around us to lift each other up. Even the things you might find insignificant, like not saying hi to a stranger walking by, blinds you to the satisfaction that making a small gesture could make to your daily routine. This experience changed us. It inspired us to continue to expand what we have learned and apply it to our everyday lives. 

As the locals say, ‘Karibu Kenya’. It’s more than a friendly welcome, it is a lifestyle of not taking things for granted. It means embracing the challenge and striving for improvement. We will forever be grateful to have had this opportunity and bring back a part of our amazing experience home to Texas. Asanti! 

~ Natalia Portilla, Rowing at the University of Texas 

Volunteer Quotes:

I learned that you don't have to pay to laugh,it doesn't cost a thing to smile,and you better thank God for it. I java every reason in the world to go back home and chase my dreams with a positive humble attitude,even when things get hard.
~ Jayden Duplantier

This trip has opened my eyes to see if there is a will there is a way. There are no excuses to getting things done.
~ Natalia Portilla

I was inspired by how people in the community,young and old,supported one another and prioritized community,which reminded me of the importance of kindness,generosity and looking out for those around us.
~ Mark Luoma

I learned that we are more similar than we are different.
~ Sidra Sherill

This trip has changed me in the way I look at the world. It's so easy to create a perception of a town, state, country based on how people perceive it. If you were to tell someone you were going to a small community all the way across Kenya and not doing the whole resort thing people would question you. But rather I got to see the real raw experience, without the fear of things and I got to explore a new land all while embracing a heartfelt town of people.
~ Haven Haymes

I learned from the community that you don't have to have a lot of material things and money to be rich in money to be rich in life and have all you need. The community members are so full of love. faith, community, and purpose that we chase with fleeting money and Status in the USA.
~ Lindsey Hosch

What I learned from the community is gratitude, "una pita nayo."  I have never seen such happiness exuded from a community with each small blessing. They also taught me what it means to welcome someone with open arms.
~ Sophia Altamirano

Community Quotes:

The community at large were happy and positive with the intercultural exchange between the volunteer and the hosting community since they were able to interact and share ideas that bound them as a family.
~ Joshua Ouma

This Project is a game changer especially in the Marginalized Communities. The village kids lack such opportunities. Let's give them this Through Basketball, they will achieve their life long opportunities.
~ Vuvuzela Khasindu

In the long run, we hope to get a Changed and better Community, because having this court will help stop or reduce the vice in the Community by keeping the kids busy and will also give opportunities like Scholarships.
~ Christine Wabala

Giving back to the society is never in vain but for a better tomorrow.
~ Christine Wabala