Real Kindness On A Kenyan Street

--by Sydney, posted Aug 6, 2011

When I was about 6 years old I lived in Kenya. There was a lot of poverty and there were always street children on the roads asking for money. There was such a big divide between those children and me and I grew up very aware of being so fortunate.

We had a wonderful and very kind driver, John, who had been working with my family for decades. He used to take us to and from school. One day we had to take a detour on the way to school and whilst we were stopped in traffic a young street child, probably no more than 10 years old, called out with a friendly greeting. “Jambo, John!”

He approached the car and shook John’s hand. John then gave him a little bit of money and waved him off with a smile before we carried on our way to school.

I had watched the whole incident from the back seat completely surprised. I knew that John worked very hard to make ends meet. He had a large family himself. We were always sending packets or rice and fruit and other snacks and clothes for his family and I knew that he didn’t have any spare money. So, of course, at that age I couldn’t understand why he would be giving money to the child.

“Who was that I asked?” I asked. “My friend,” he replied, “I see him every morning on my way to work and I give him a little bit of money.” Still unable to comprehend I asked, “Why do you have to give him money every morning?” John replied, “So he can use it to buy some food.”

It was probably in that moment that I understood what kindness really was.

Someone who was in a difficult situation themselves still found some money to spare for a child who needed it. Even at the age of 6 that had such a profound impact on me. I couldn’t get it out of my head. I didn’t have any money, but I wanted to contribute too.

Every Friday we would have dinner at my grandparents’ house and, after dinner, my grandfather would give us a chocolate bar when my mum wasn’t looking. I would save mine up so I could give it to John to give to his friend.

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Posted by Sydney
Aug 6, 2011
Comments (17)

Readers Comments

Bluebell wrote: Dear Sydney loving kindness is in your genes lol. In fact it is in everybody's genes, some people just need a gentle push to wake it up. Thank you for your lovely story. Love and Light and Endless Blessings, Bluebell

unknown wrote: aww Sydney ... John touched you profoundly and you could pick this moment back in your life precisely for this beautiful reason ... kindness ... Good to steal chocolates and offer to the unfortunate ... That's great ... Thank you Sydney ... ;) Deeper ...

Aurelia wrote: And now you can see what an impact even small deeds can do. YOu remember it even after this many years!!!! Thank you for sharing. Kindness Matters :0) Smile! ~Aurelia

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: That is very nice. Every kind act matters. You sharing the story with us keeps the ripple going! :)

hasifa wrote: Wow what a beautiful story. I’m one of those children like the one that John befriended. I have known what its like to depend on the kindness of strangers. I’m glad that john's friend had him for a friend. Thank you for sharing and I bet you those chocolate bars were a treat for that little boy. I grew up in Africa too and chocolate was a luxury.

annjav wrote: I especially appreciate what a good example john set for you in his sharing habit. Thanks for this wonderful story.

sabrina wrote: Inspiring and beautiful. Its people like john who show others whats compassion. I am sure you are so too. Thx for the story. Smilesss, sabrina

Joy wrote: What a beautiful story of kindness and compassion learned at such a young age. Thanks for sharing.

Nanci wrote: I believe it is the small acts of kindness that will matter in the long run, not the big things you see in the paper. Someiemes we get discouraged because we cannot do more, but we can all be kind.

RMB333 wrote: What a lovely post, you have a heart of gold, sydney! Millions of thanks for sharing, untold blessings!

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