A Tale of Learning, Growth, and Gratitude

Maureen Murenga is a person of extraordinary character. She is like a lighthouse on a foggy shore, guiding people toward their goals with clarity and precision. When she first reached out to me, asking me to confirm my availability for an event, I didn’t hesitate for a moment. I simply said “yes,” without any doubts, knowing that this opportunity could be life-changing. Maureen, with her warmth and professional grace, asked me for my full names as written on my identity card. That was the beginning of what turned out to be an unforgettable journey.

Three days passed, and then an email landed in my inbox that made my heart race with excitement. The message asked me to select a flight time from Nairobi to Malindi, something that worked best for my schedule. It felt like a dream come true. I had heard many beautiful things about Malindi, but I had never had the chance to visit before. The idea of flying to this coastal paradise was exhilarating. It was like waiting for a ship to arrive at the harbor, knowing it would bring something wonderful.

Soon after, I received my flight ticket, though no other details were provided at that time. I had no idea what awaited me, but I was eager to find out.

The day of travel finally arrived. My heart was like a drum in my chest as I made my way to Wilson Airport. There, I received a call from Salim, who was tasked with picking me up at Malindi Airport. He asked what time I would be boarding, so he could ensure he was there on time. I could feel my excitement grow as I imagined the experience ahead of me. I had heard that Malindi was a place where the skies touched the sea, and I couldn’t wait to see it for myself.

As I boarded the plane, the anticipation in me was like the feeling of being at the edge of a cliff, ready to take the leap into something new. The engines hummed, and we began our journey toward the coast. However, something unexpected happened. The plane, despite the pilot’s best efforts, refused to move. It was like a horse that refuses to run no matter how hard you urge it forward. We were told to alight, as the aircraft had a technical problem. SafariLink staff, who had been as calm as the ocean before a storm, apologized profusely and gave us complimentary drinks and snacks.

At that moment, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of patience wash over me. "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet," as the old saying goes. I was hungry, and though the situation was far from ideal, I decided to make the best of it. I ordered a white coffee and a croissant. The coffee was warm and soothing, and the croissant, flaky and buttery, melted in my mouth like the first rays of sunlight warming a cold morning. The food was a reminder that sometimes, life throws curveballs, but even then, we can find small joys in the unexpected moments.

After about an hour, the situation was resolved, and we boarded another plane. The moment the plane took off, it felt as though all the uncertainty had been swept away. The flight to Malindi was smooth, lasting about an hour, but every minute felt like a step closer to a new chapter in my life. As we descended towards the airport, I glanced out of the window and saw the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean stretching endlessly below, its turquoise waters sparkling like a million gemstones in the sunlight.

Upon landing in Malindi, I found several missed calls and a text message from Salim. I called him back, and he informed me that he was waiting for me outside the airport. His voice, calm and reassuring, made me feel at ease. He was like an anchor in the storm, steady and reliable.

Salim drove me to Severin Sea Lodge Hotel, where I was going to stay. As we drove through the coastal roads, I felt a sense of peace settle in my heart. The palms swayed gently in the breeze, and the salty air carried with it the promise of relaxation and new beginnings. Arriving at the hotel, I felt a sense of anticipation, like a child arriving at a playground full of new adventures. In the evening, I met the event organizers. They were like mentors, guiding me through the maze of information about the program. At first, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. I had never conducted due diligence for organizations seeking funding before, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for such a responsibility. The task seemed as daunting as climbing a mountain without a map.

But the organizers were patient and supportive. They broke everything down for me, step by step, making sure I understood every detail of the process. They treated me with the care of a gardener tending to a young plant, nurturing my growth with kindness and wisdom. As they explained the program, I began to feel more confident. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," the proverb says, and as I took each step forward, I found myself gaining more clarity and understanding.

By the end of the evening, the organisers gave me the feedback I had been waiting for. "You have done a great job," they said. The words were like a balm to my nerves, soothing the uncertainty I had felt earlier. I felt a rush of pride, like a painter standing back to admire their finished masterpiece. The days that followed were a whirlwind of activities, but they were also a time of deep reflection. I had come to Malindi with little more than a sense of excitement, but I was leaving with newfound knowledge and skills. The experience had opened my eyes to the complexities of due diligence and the importance of ensuring that organizations seeking funding are worthy of support. It was a reminder that success is not just about reaching the destination but also about the lessons learned along the way.

As I sat by the beach one evening, watching the waves crash against the shore, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey I had taken. The journey to Malindi had been much more than a physical one; it had been a journey of growth, learning, and personal development. It had been a reminder that the road to success is rarely straight, but it is always worth it. Like the winding rivers that cut through the landscape, our paths often twist and turn, but they always lead us to where we need to be.

The experience in Malindi was a true gift—one that I will always cherish. The warm hospitality of Salim and the organisers, the beautiful surroundings of the hotel, and the lessons I learned about due diligence and funding will stay with me forever. It was a reminder that sometimes, life’s greatest lessons come from stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown.

As the old proverb goes, "The journey is the reward." My journey to Malindi was more than just a trip to a beautiful place—it was a journey that enriched my soul and strengthened my resolve. It was a reminder that, much like the tides of the ocean, life is constantly changing, and it is up to us to adapt and grow with it. In the end, I realized that this journey had been much like a seed planted in fertile soil: I had learned, I had grown, and I was ready for whatever came next.