First-Timers to Kilgoris: Blog Edition

Last month, our U.S.-based TKP staff visited Kilgoris and returned with full, grateful hearts. We reflect on our trip with immense gratitude for having the opportunity to see YOUR generosity in action. Now let's hear from TKP's newcomers (Greg and Adri) on their Kilgoris experience!

Smiling faces. Kind spirits. Generous souls. 

Everything I remembered about Kenyans, I experienced again with my first visit to Kilgoris.  

I’ve visited Kenya many times, but this trip was very special. As I stepped into the role as President of TKP, this trip was an opportunity to meet our fantastic Kenyan team, see our incredible students, and experience the amazing work. 

Work that is changing lives. Creating futures. Building foundations that will last a lifetime and otherwise never be possible for kids born into challenging situations, at best. 

What I saw confirmed to me that we have a model that works! Transformation is happening in the lives of our kids. But it is also happening in the communities in which we are serving. 

Not only that, but we have a model that is ripe for growth. And I can’t wait to step into the opportunities ahead. 

Of course, I was reminded that we are powered by our incredible supporters – YOU! And my gratitude for your prayers, encouragement, and giving is beyond expression. Thank you! 

 

– Greg Baird, President, TKP

 

My first time in Kenya. My first time meeting the core of the TKP family. And yet I felt right at home. I felt welcomed, from the wonderful kids to the fun-loving leadership team and the warm-hearted community of parents. I sensed the love and gratitude for our partnership in every smile, hug, and kind word exchanged. 
 
Like many of us that have visited Kilgoris, we return with an endless list of treasured moments. Here are some that marked me:
- Spending time with our entire team, students, teachers, parents, and community leaders (lots of singing, dancing, and celebrating!)
- Seeing TKP's work and impact firsthand
- Experiencing a wonderful safari trip with my new friend and colleague, Ivine! (We saw a rhino…rare sight!)
- Reading a book with a bright-eyed student named Faith at the Oloilale campus. She echoed every phrase with confidence and joy as I read with her. Faith's eagerness to read and learn is the TKP engrained in her! 
 
The fruit of your generosity is in every detail at TKP, and to think that it started with one powerful seed back in 1999 leaves me in awe. Thank you, TKP family, for your commitment to the thriving Kilgoris community. 

– Adri Sotomayor, Manager of Communications and Development, TKP