Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

In a charming village, there lived a spirited girl, surrounded by energetic boys, where her days were filled with games and happy play, sparking a love for adventure. This was my life, growing up in the beautiful village of Maai-Mahiu, a place full of warmth and community, where laughter echoed in the fields and friendships grew.

My parents moved away from the busy life in Nairobi, seeking a peaceful existence connected to nature. Although I don’t remember my early days in Nairobi, I am grateful for the wonderful experiences that shaped my childhood, where each day offered new chances to explore, learn, and grow under the wide skies, creating a collection of joyful memories that will always inspire me.

After school, I loved spending time with my friends around the neighbourhood, and the only game I enjoyed more than anything else was football. Those evenings were filled with laughter and excitement as we gathered on the dusty field, the sun slowly setting behind us. My energy back then was quite on the level of the boys, and I could often be seen on the field, eagerly pushing them aside as I chased that ball with relentless determination. The thrill of the game fuelled my spirit, and I remember how we would play until the last light of day disappeared, our voices echoing with joy and friendly competition as we aimed for victory, creating unforgettable memories that still bring a smile to my face.

I had a list of responsibilities from my mum that felt like a full-time job, especially watching the cows and making sure the calf didn’t eat before milking. Apparently, a well-fed calf isn’t good for business—who knew? While I often got distracted by more fun games, my mum reminded me that milk doesn’t just appear in bottles. Sometimes I forgot my duties and faced her “wrath,” which I thought was her way of teaching me to be responsible—how else would I learn to juggle everything? Each time she scolded me with love (and a bit of frustration), I realized how hard my parents worked.

Weekends were not all play and games, as my sibling and I had to assist with house chores. In the afternoon, we attended church school classes to prepare for Sunday service. Our village, Maai-Mahiu, was just 10km from Kijabe Mission School, where dedicated American missionaries led engaging church school classes at our home church. What made these classes unforgettable was the incorporation of play and games. For hours, we enjoyed numerous games on the church field, competing energetically—did I mention I am very competitive? Playing football with the boys showcased my spirit, and the joy of those weekends lay not just in the games, but also in the friendships we built amidst laughter and shared experiences, creating memories I still cherish.

Growing up in this vibrant environment inspired me to connect with kids from diverse cultural backgrounds, each interaction a wonderful lesson in understanding and acceptance. The cheerful journey toward the top opened up opportunities for me to take on small leadership roles in church school, and during my teenage years, I had the privilege of being one of the church school teachers. It brought me great joy to teach young children and guide them along the same uplifting path I had the chance to explore.

Looking back, I realize that being a leader does not come naturally; it is often the result of growing up around people who nurture that skill out of you, encouraging, motivating, and lifting you up when you fall. This crucial support system helps to instil within you, over time, the courage and strength needed to lead effectively.

Throughout my journey, I have been excited to nurture others, guiding them to grow widely in what they do and inspiring them to chase their dreams relentlessly. My joy has been to witness their progress as they become better and better every day, each small accomplishment adding to their confidence and capabilities. Being a servant to others, devoted to helping them flourish and achieve their goals, is truly my greatest joy, as I believe that through service, we can all find our own paths to greatness together.