Late in 2018, about a year after my father had passed away, my mother received word that the Brydges Centre, a home for children near Kitengela, Kenya, had constructed a water fountain in my father's honor.

Thus began a quest to travel to Kenya to see this fountain, and visit the Brydges Centre, near Kitengela, Kenya, to the south of Nairobi. My mother and I joined with eight others as a part of a travel group originating from Rockpoint Church in Lake Elmo, MN. Our trip was scheduled for late March of 2019. We left Minneapolis on March 20th, and arrived at the Brydges Centre on March 23rd.

We were welcomed by 130 children plus a dozen teachers and staff. Their chant: "We welcome you. We celebrate you. We are glad you are here." Throughout the day, the children sang and performed for us.

In the afternoon, we marched across the Brydges Centre grounds to the fountain for a dedication ceremony. The fountain was draped

in a makeshift curtain made from blankets. My mother and I removed the veil, she activated the pump, water flowed, and the people cheered. We said a few words to the children and staff about my father, whom they only knew as someone who donated money to the Brydges Centre. I offered an abridged version of the eulogy I delivered at my fathers funeral, describing my father's generous nature.

Afterwards, we gifted the children of the Brydges Centre with donated goods we brought with us, including clothes, toiletries, educational items, and sporting goods.

Throughout the five days we spent at the Brydges Centre, I would pass by the fountain frequently, smiling inside that half way around the world there's a reminder of my father's life and legacy. Enjoy this photograph of the fountain I took one late afternoon as the sun was dropping in the western sky.

I'll add more stories of my Kenyan adventure in future blog entries. Also, please visit my online virtual gallery with more images from Kenya by clicking here.