My Dream Might Finally Become a Reality: Building a School in Solio, Kenya

It was on January 4th, 2011 that one of my dearest teacher's sent me an email about a 20 day trip to Solio, Kenya along with the Together We're Moving Mountains Trust group and Elia Saikaly's Team. Literally, after reading the first line of the attached file, I fell in love. It said:

"In April 2011, Elia and his team will lead six selected Canadian youth
from across the Ottawa region, aged 16 to 17 years, on an expedition to
Kenya. Building on the success of previous expeditions, Elia and his team
will guide these Canadian youth through a 20-day adventure.".

I don't remember the emotions that flushed through my body, but I do remember my first thought- I HAVE to go on this amazing journey. As a seventeen year old, I have developed a new perspective about the world around me; a place in need of drastic change; a place where humanity should not be divided by a line but instead united by a new state of mind. The state of helping one another, the state of accepting people for who they are and what they stand for and most importantly, to consciously be aware about the devastating issues around the world. I feel empowered to make a change. More so, obligated. As a young and healthy individual, I am capable of achieving anything- even the things some might say to be "imposible". But nothing is impossible. It IS possible to build a school in Kenya. It IS possible to climb the second highest mountain in Africa. It IS possible to unite our communities and school's. And it IS possible to make a change.

I truly have never wanted something so much in my entire life. This gift being offered is extremely precious and I would be honoured, appreciative and lucky to take part in it.

This stage in my life is a turning point. I am inspired everyday by the littlest things. From waking up in the morning and walking to school in the beautul frosty weather, to coming home to a cozy house full with poeple I love and who love me. Its sad to think how much we take for granted in this nation- for there are unprivileged people who have no access to the many things we do have.

From watching the many clips and pictures uploaded on the Finding Life website, Facebook Page and Blogspot, I have made this trip a goal for myself. To achieve and to take part in. Seeing the beautiful faces of the Kenyan students enlightens my day. As i said before, I have never wanted to take part in something so much, and Elia Saikaly, I truly hope you understand the desires i posses to make the change, along with you and the other Canadian Students.

I am willing and ready! Thank you for taking time to read this, and I hope you had the chance to grasp a better understanding of who I am (if the video wasn't enough).

:) Biftu Abdo, 17 years old.