Isabella Mudge, WMO2H Communications Manager
Published on the 16th of January, 2025
You don’t know me, but you know me. For the past four years I’ve been the voice behind the newsletters and the updates you receive month to month. Now, I want to share my own story from when I traveled to Kenya.
A few months ago, I had the incredible opportunity to visit our partners in Kenya for the first time. I traveled to six project sites: women's empowerment groups, schools, and rescue centers. I journeyed far and wide to immerse myself in the stories and voices of those we work tirelessly to support. What I experienced surpassed all expectations.
My journey took me to the heart of Kenya in Samburu County, a region rich in culture and tradition. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the passion and dedication of the communities we work alongside. These projects are their pride. I met with and learned from many women who manage these vital projects and one topic of conversation came up repeatedly: time. Yes, it was always very painful for them to walk long distances for water, but the preciousness of the time consumed left a lasting impact.
Monica, one of the many women I spoke with, shared her story with me: “Before this, ooh, donkeys. We would have to walk very far with the donkeys. My hips would hurt, and it would take too much time. And I would feel sick when I would get back. So many times having to go back and forth for water, when I can use my time doing other things.”
Her friend and fellow water micro enterprise committee member, Veronica, proudly shared what she is doing with more time: “The time we spent looking for water, now we have it. Now I like to use that time farming in my garden, building our fish pond, and taking care of our home. We farm spinach, kale, cabbage, onions, and maize. We also have a cow and chicks.”
Hearing these stories made it clear that, beyond the physical burden, the time saved by having access to clean water has a profound impact on these women’s happiness and freedom. It enables them to engage in other activities, pursue new goals, and enjoy the pleasures of life and community.
There was no checking the clock or skirting around me with an agenda. People enjoyed connecting with one another, getting lost in conversation, sitting, chatting, just being together. That’s their happiness; connection. And that’s why removing the hours of walking for water, making sure it's safe to drink, and recovering from the pain of the trek, is just one piece of the story we are a part of.
I also met Mary, and I could see in her eyes what it meant to manage a water project. Mary shared with me her vision: "We want to bring water to more people, to their homes. Whenever we meet, we talk about expanding it to more people, so more people can have water than what is limited to this area. We are appreciative. We are growing. Children are playing now that the water is here.”
Her words gave me pause. I thought about how our work is also about fostering safety, growth, and joy. It’s a living, breathing compilation of stories, resilience, and dreams brought to life. It’s vibrant and thriving communities. There was an atmosphere of gratitude and happiness centered around water and agriculture. What I saw was chickens and cows coexisting harmoniously with the land. Women braiding each other’s hair, children playing, and elderly women sitting peacefully with smiles on their faces.
I heard the beautiful sounds of women and children singing, the recitation of powerful poetry, and the occasional gobble of turkeys in the farm. Communities alive with spirit.
I tasted the freshness of organic vegetables — African spinach, onions, tomatoes – and hot tea brewed from hand-picked lemongrass, rosemary, and mint grown in community gardens. I could taste the difference, feeling the vitamins and nutrients enter my body. When I asked if the veggies came straight from their garden, the head sister proudly replies, 'Yes! Right here,' as she pointed outside.
And the water—especially after spending over eight hours in a hot car on rough, bumpy terrain and feeling dehydrated—made me deeply appreciate something I often take for granted. Clean water flowed into my cup (think of it as liquid gold) made even better knowing that it was completely safe to drink. It was cold, tasty, and incredibly refreshing, piped from deep underground through their taps and into my cup.
Throughout my site visits, I felt inspired beyond words. They thanked us for bringing them the projects, but I thanked them for nurturing them, extending the resources to more people in need, and reinvesting that extra time and revenue into other great things. There were so many hugs, offerings of mangoes and avocados, and gestures of kindness. I felt the warmth of hand-holding and their sincere care for one another.
The stories, sights, sounds, tastes, and feelings I encountered during my time will stay with me, fueling my dedication to supporting these incredibly strong, resilient communities. Together, we aren’t just powering water and agriculture; we are planting the gifts of time, connection, and real, tangible change.
I know we don’t always get the opportunity to visit Kenya and witness these projects firsthand, but we keep taking action, working towards the equitable world we all believe in. Because we know that the distance doesn’t limit us or the ability to directly empower women just like Monica, Veronica, and Mary.
Looking for a life-changing trip just like this? Join us in March 2025 for an extraordinary 10-day Kenya adventure, taking you beyond the typical tourist path and into the heart of the communities we serve. Learn More Here
