The Lifter of Dreams: A Testament to Perseverance

This journey resonates deeply with the works of Victor Frankl, a philosopher and psychiatrist whose insights into human resilience in the face of suffering provide a profound backdrop to my experiences. Frankl, in his seminal work Man’s Search for Meaning, asserts that even in the direst circumstances, we can find purpose. He writes, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” This sentiment rings true in my life, as I discovered that the struggles I faced were not mere obstacles but vital lessons my character and fueling my resolve.

In the spirit of Maya Angelou, a writer and civil rights activist, I echo her belief that “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” Her powerful words remind me that perseverance is not just about enduring hardship; it’s about rising each time we fall. Each challenge has become a stepping stone, teaching me the value of resilience and the importance of lifting others as we rise.

Background

I grew up in a family largely unknown to the outside world, with my father's name unrecorded, and our existence often overlooked. Born into poverty, my life is a complex tapestry of struggles, and even today, we navigate the challenges that come with it. This anonymity has instilled in me a profound understanding of the human spirit's tenacity. As the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre once said, “We are condemned to be free.” I had the freedom to choose my path, even in the direst of circumstances.

Early Life

In my childhood, simply having a meal at home felt like a miracle. Breakfast was a foreign concept, and if we had lunch, dinner was not guaranteed. Showers were a luxury; we could not afford soap for the entire family. My mother would use a small amount of soap to wash my hair, urging me to make the most of it.

Rain, which should have been a blessing, often felt like a curse. Our round, grass-thatched house leaked from the roof, leaving my eleven siblings and me to sleep on sacks on the floor, exposed to the elements. Yet, in the words of Viktor Frankl, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” I learned to find beauty in hardship, transforming pain into a catalyst for growth. 

If wishes were horses, beggars could ride. I often found myself wishing for a better life, but I had to learn that it was not enough to wish; I needed to act.

Education Journey

I vividly recall my admission to primary school. My mother’s determination secured my enrollment, but I had no uniform. I attended classes in patched trousers, lovingly sewn by her. Shoes were a luxury I could not afford.

School fees, a mere $20 between 1995 and 2010, were a heavy burden for my family. My attendance was often interrupted by unpaid fees, leading to frequent trips home. One of the few bright spots was the provision of milk in schools—two 500ml packets every Friday. Despite missing classes throughout the week, I ensured I was present on Fridays to take home the precious milk to share with my family.

In upper primary, from Primary Four to Eight, the challenges intensified. The school often sent me home due to accumulating fees. Yet, I fought to stay. Sometimes, I'd return during lunch or linger outside to catch the school meal. Frederick Douglass’s words echoed in my mind: “Knowledge is the pathway from slavery to freedom.” I believed that education could unlock a brighter future for my family, a belief that became my guiding light.

Thanks to the generous support of a village church, I completed my primary and secondary education. They believed in my potential, organizing fundraisers that provided me with the resources I needed. Their faith in me was a testament to the interconnectedness of our human experiences.

Struggles and Resilience

As the eldest child, the weight of responsibility felt heavy, especially with my mother suffering abroad. I remember the heart-wrenching moment when she told me, “My son, I don’t see myself coming back to Kenya. Take care of your siblings; we will meet in heaven.” Her resolve, despite the mistreatment she faced, motivated me deeply.

To survive, I worked tirelessly on a farm, often waking before dawn and returning late at night to save enough for a trip to the capital city. When I reached out to my uncle in Nairobi for help, I was met with silence, leaving me to sleep on the streets for three days until a friend took me in as a watchman. Here, I learned the painful truth of existence: that sometimes, even those we rely on may not be there to catch us when we fall. Yet, in that despair, I found resilience—a lesson echoed by Maya Angelou: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”

As I navigated these trials, I often thought, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Each hardship I faced became a lesson in strength, teaching me the value of perseverance and determination.

Higher Education

Life remained tough, and I married early due to loneliness. Joining the Methodist Church opened doors to a scholarship opportunity, which I pursued with determination. However, coming to campus was fraught with challenges. After fundraising for my ticket, I traveled by road for five days through Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, only to lose all my belongings—including my donated laptop and educational materials—in Zambia.

Upon arriving on campus, I was overwhelmed. Although I received a scholarship, financial difficulties persisted. My wife earned a modest allowance of $70 per month, barely stretching to cover rent, food, and our daughter’s school fees. We often relied on friends for basic necessities. I found myself renting my meal card to afford printing assignments, as I did not own a laptop.

Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of Malala Yousafzai’s powerful words: “One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world.” I strive to be that change, determined to uplift myself and those around me. Each challenge became a stepping stone, teaching me the importance of lifting others as we rise.

Current Situation

Having completed my studies, I am back in my country, serving God through my passion for writing. I contribute articles to the church, sharing insights that aim to inspire and uplift my community. I am immensely grateful to the Global Methodist Church administration for recognizing my contributions and providing me with a platform to amplify my voice.

My heartfelt prayer is to transform lives through education and empowerment. I hope that through this writing, God, the lifter of men, will show me mercy and connect me to a family that can illuminate my path. I am committed to supporting young Africans facing challenges similar to mine—those lacking guidance and resources—while fostering meaningful connections that could provide the mentorship essential for uplifting many in our community.

Through my writing and outreach efforts, I aspire to inspire a new generation to dream big and pursue their education, ensuring that no child has to endure the struggles I faced alone. Together, we can create a movement of empowerment, lifting each other up and building a brighter future for Africa.

Lessons Learned

Through my journey, I have gleaned several key lessons that I hope will instill hope and provide guidance to those facing similar challenges:

 1. The Power of Hope and Determination

Hope is a powerful force. As Frankl suggests, it can provide a sense of purpose even in the darkest moments. When faced with adversity, the belief that a better future is possible can motivate one to keep pushing forward. As I navigated my struggles, I learned that determination, combined with hope, fuels resilience.

 2. Education as a Catalyst for Change

Education is not merely a means to acquire knowledge; it is a transformative tool that can break the cycle of poverty. Just as Frederick Douglass asserted, “Knowledge is the pathway from slavery to freedom,” I found that education opened doors and offered opportunities that seemed impossible. Investing in one's education is an investment in the future.

 3. Community Support is Vital

No one can succeed in isolation. The support of my local church was instrumental in my journey. Their belief in my potential and their financial support through fundraisers allowed me to pursue my education. This emphasizes the importance of community—lifting one another up can create a ripple effect of positive change.

 4. Resilience Through Adversity

Life will inevitably present challenges, but it is how we respond to these challenges that defines us. As Maya Angelou said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” Each setback I faced became a lesson in resilience, teaching me to rise stronger and more determined.

 5. Self-Reflection and Growth

As Rainer Maria Rilke suggests, “The only journey is the one within.” Introspection allows us to understand our experiences better and learn from them. Embracing self-reflection has been crucial in my journey, enabling me to transform pain into purpose.

 6. Acts of Kindness Create Ripples of Change

Just as a single candle can light a thousand others, acts of kindness can create a ripple effect in the community. I learned that even small gestures can have a profound impact on someone’s life. Together, we can cultivate a culture of compassion and support.

Conclusion

As I stand at the crossroads of my journey, I reflect on the path I have traveled—a winding road forged through adversity, brightened by hope. Much like a seed buried in the earth, struggling against the weight of the soil, I have fought to break free and reach toward the light. The challenges I faced were not mere obstacles but vital lessons, each one shaping my character and fueling my resolve.

In the grand mosaic of life, we are all threads woven together, each contributing to a larger narrative. My story is but a single stitch in this intricate design, yet it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. I have learned that true strength lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall, echoing the words of Friedrich Nietzsche: “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”

Through my writing and outreach, I aspire to be a beacon of light for others who find themselves in darkness, guiding them toward the shores of education and empowerment. I believe, as Rainer Maria Rilke said, “The only journey is the one within.” It is through introspection and the pursuit of knowledge that we can uncover our true potential and inspire others to do the same.

In this world, we often underestimate the power of compassion and connection. Just as a single candle can light a thousand others without losing its glow, so too can one act of kindness create ripples of change. I invite you to join me in this movement of empowerment, lifting each other as we rise, fostering a community where dreams are nurtured, and every child is given the opportunity to flourish.

As Albert Camus once said, “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Additionally, Viktor Frankl reminds us, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” I pray that my journey resonates with you, igniting a spark of hope and encouraging you to lend a hand to those still navigating the shadows.

Together, let us cultivate a garden of possibilities, where every young mind can bloom and every heart can find its purpose. For in the end, it is not just our stories that matter, but the legacy we leave behind—a legacy of kindness, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.