Trip To Kenya!

In less than a week, I have the amazing privilege of traveling with World Concern to conduct volleyball clinics in Nairobi, Kenya. We will visit some of the most poverty-stricken communities and schools in Nairobi and several rural villages.

It will be a whirlwind endeavor, traveling 19,400 miles round trip over seven days, but I couldn’t be more excited to embark on this amazing journey and see what lives we change along the way.

Some may ask – out of all places, why Kenya? Why not stay in the States?

First, my faith. My faith drives me to help in any way I can and to bring hope and opportunity to those truly in need. I have long been involved with faith-based organizations throughout the U.S., helping to feed the hungry, house the homeless, etc and I will continue to do my part and reach out to those in need here at home. We are truly blessed here in America where hope and opportunity is abundant. While far from perfect, one can open one’s eyes here and see the light at the end of any tunnel of despair. That is not the case in many parts of the world where opportunity is a distant dream at best.

Second,  I’ve had the privilege of traveling to over twenty countries on five continents as I’ve pursued my dreams of becoming a professional athlete and Olympian. However, not all my travels have been spent in resort communities with beautiful beaches and wonderful hotels and restaurants. I’ve had glimpses of people suffering from real poverty. I’ve seen people that have been ignored, forgotten, and where hope and opportunity are non-existent. This unimaginable poverty weighs heavily on me.

God has made everyone in His image, everyone has value and a purpose in His eyes, and it is our job to make that known on all corners of the globe. And for me, that starts in Kenya. It will be the start of many such trips, all in the hope of bringing purpose and opportunity to those less fortunate, the lonely, and the forgotten.

With the help of World Concern and their staff, we will strive to bring faith, hope, and love to the communities in Kenya through the power of SPORT. Sports have been proven repeatedly, with few exceptions, to be the ultimate bridge, bringing people of all nationalities, ethnicities, and religious beliefs together. Sports have given countless youths a sense of purpose and belonging that has allowed them to escape from poverty, gang affiliations, addictions, and other dire circumstances. In effect, giving countless children hope and opportunity!

We are privileged as professional athletes, but what that privilege comes with is a tremendous obligation. Our profession and success on the field of competition bring recognition and opportunity, but what we do off of that field is what matters most.

World Concern has had a long and successful history in Kenya. They are helping to transform the lives of so many by bringing education, clean water, hope, and opportunity to the most poverty-ridden communities throughout the country. As I embark on this incredible journey with them, I can’t help but feel incredibly fortunate to be in such blessed company.