For those of us in Footsteps who travel to Kenya often, and even for those who come only once on a Rafiki programme, the experience over there is always a positive one. We know that life is hard, we see the difficult living conditions, and even use the “interesting” toilet facilities. These things become little anecdotes and stories to tell our friends about back home where we experience consistent access to affordable food, health care services free at the point of delivery and good quality education for our children.
So, none of us could live in those conditions we visit and probably none of us would even try. Life expectancy in that region of Kenya is around 40 years. Yet, this is just “statistics”.
Sadly, the statistics mask real experiences of life and death for those who live there.
Such a tragedy was recently experienced by our beloved Monica who lost her 15 year old daughter, Sarafina, to sickle-cell disease on Christmas day, 2013.
Sarafina, was a loving and caring child. She loved to be around the Rafiki volunteers and got involved in all the activities that were going on. She sang and danced at every opportunity. Many of you, who have travelled with us will remember her enthusiasm, brightly coloured braids and big smile.
Monica knew for years that this day would come because sickle-cell disease has no cure but she left no stone unturned in trying to ensure that Sarafina had every opportunity for a normal and healthy life. She spent the equivalent of thousands of pounds on medical bills knowing that it would all be in vain and she never complained to us of the burden.
We take this opportunity from Footsteps to put in writing this tribute to Monica and to Sarafina, who, despite not being here with us in this time and space, is still connected to us in the feeling of warm joy we experience when we remember the time spent together.
