Carolyn Fitzgibbon has been a supporter of Plan for nine years, and in August 2009 she visited her sponsored child, Fransisca, in Kenya for the first time.
Carolyn, a retired nurse, is not unfamiliar with Kenya as this is her second trip to the country with her parish and she has seen the hardship that people face. Carolyn had been looking forward to meeting Fransisca since she decided to make this trip to Kenya with the Rector of her church, to volunteer at a local dispensary.
She tells the story of her long-anticipated journey:
“First we stopped at the local office and I met Jackson, the local co-ordinator. The building was built by Plan and there was a clinic in progress.
“Before visiting Fransisca, I had the opportunity to see another of Plan’s school projects in the area, the local primary school. The children were allowed to come out to meet me and we spent several minutes taking photographs.
“The excitement continued as the journey brought me nearer to my final destination. On the way to Fransisca’s home I learnt that Plan has also funded three classrooms in her school.
“I was warmly greeted by her parents, Henry and Petronila, and by Fransisca herself, and introduced to all the family who were there.
“After some initial trepidation, everyone soon relaxed. I produced my gifts: a book about the United Kingdom for Henry and Petronila and various gifts for Fransisca and her younger siblings.
Fun and games
“Fransisca and I tried the Lizard Game - without much success, but lots of laughter - and then started on the book. Fransisca was able to read some of it to me and I was very impressed by her English.
“After a beautifully cooked lunch of goat stew and rice, I spent some quality time playing with Fransisca and her siblings outside. Petronila presented me with a kiondo (basket), which is now a treasured possession, as a memento of my visit.
“Sadly it was soon time for us to leave. After shaking hands with everyone and a special hug from Fransisca, we climbed into the car and waved goodbye, and set off for Nairobi and my flight back to the UK.
“It was very special to meet Fransisca and her family, and to realise how difficult her life must be with no rains, knowing her parents have problems providing food for their family.
“There is a possibility that I will return to Kenya in 2012, and it would be lovely if I could arrange to visit the family again, by which time she will be in secondary school.
“I would recommend any sponsor to try and visit their sponsored child.”