The world is not out home

Today’s post is inspired by Jim Reeves’s song. ‘This world is not our Home.’

First, I would like to apologize for the hiatus. I took a break to reflect and look back at the year that was. I promise that I will have regular posts .Also, look out for my new blog coming out very soon ‘Guka Wahinya Photography.’ I really love photography, and it is time I took it seriously.

This post is not about me, however, those who know me know that I work for a children’s organization and I am very fond of kids. (Hence, my strong stand during this week #occupyparliament demos.) Over the years, I have met amazing people who have a genuine heart for abandoned kids in Kenya. One special Man is George Mbugua. George together with a few people founded Gathaithi OVC Centre (a children’s home in the heart of Kiambu where they take care of over 140 students who are orphaned and vulnerable. If you are looking for a place to visit, you should check them out, it is out of town, but easily accessible, it allows you to enjoy some fresh air as you interact with the young ones.)George loved the kids as his own and went to any extent to ensure they were comfortable. He walked for over 20 kilometers per day, looking for prospective donors.

Fast forward, August 2014, I visit the home for a routine visit, and to inspect a project, and for the first time, I did not find George. I went to see him at his place and he told me that he had severe stomachaches for the past few days. I did not read much in to it, I mean, we all get stomachaches. Two weeks later he went for biopsy, he had a small tumor in the liver, it turned out, it was benign, and that called for a small celebration. We actually had lunch day, little did I know that would be our last.

Several things followed, an operation, a short stay in the hospital, a fundraiser, and finally, a burial. Yes, three months after diagnosis, my friend was no more. Apparently, he had liver cancer. Besides leaving a very big void in my life, he left me with very many unanswered questions. How comes God only takes the best? How comes no one noticed his that he was unwell? Who will fit his big shoes? What are we going to tell the kids? How comes we never saw it coming? Why now? Why him? One question we are still struggling to answer is what God wanted us to learn. One consolation is, he loved God with all his heart, so there is no speculation as to where he is right now.

One lesson that I have learnt is, the world is not our home. You will make millions, but you cannot take it with you. You will love people, but you cannot take them with you. You will live recklessly but your actions will catch up with you. You will live for the word, but you will leave the world behind .Therefore, in whatever you are doing, do your best, tomorrow is not assured. If it someone you love, love them unconditionally, one day you will be gone and all the will be left with are the memories of your love. If it touching people’s hearts, make sure the finger prints will be a beautiful reminder of who you were. If it is a dream, slumber no more, wake up pursue it, and  Finally, if it’s God, love Him eternally, one day you will meet Him and rejoice with Him forever.

And as Randy Travis in his song ‘Three wooden crosses’ said. “It is not what you take when you leave this world behind you; it’s what you leave behind you when you go.”

Rest in eternal peace my friend George, you lived, you loved and most importantly, you left the world a better place; your legacy lives on.