Some moments stay with you forever. The kind that fill your heart, shape your perspective, and remind you why you do what you do. The belly-aching laughter. The deep, unfiltered conversations. The board games and the ruthless teasing of losers. The silent understanding between friends who just get it.

And then, there’s impact—the kind that changes lives, both theirs and ours.

That’s what this two-week camp in Kitui was all about. Would I ever miss it? Not a chance.

But this camp was more than just mentoring students. It was about learning, from them, from my fellow mentors, and from the experiences that stretched us all. The same people I joke with, dance with, and belt out old-school jams with, transformed when it was time to inspire. They stepped up, pushing students to dream bigger, and to believe in themselves. Watching them in their element is something I’ll never take for granted.

The banter never stopped. The inside jokes multiplied. The laughter, the kind that makes your stomach ache, left us exhausted in the best way possible. Every night after dinner, we sat together, sharing highlights, lowlights, and ways to do better tomorrow. Over steaming plates of food, we told stories, we laughed, we opened up. If someone needed help, there was always a hand to hold, a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on.

This wasn’t just a camp. This was family.

And then, there were the students.

After each session, we sat with them one-on-one, moving beyond the surface. They shared their fears, their struggles, their wildest dreams. In those moments, we weren’t just mentors, we were big brothers, big sisters, friends. Sometimes, the weight of their stories was heavy, but we never carried it alone. When one of us needed backup, another mentor stepped in without hesitation, full of love, full of wisdom. That’s who we are as the Community Outreach Programme (COP) family. Always showing up for each other.

From the very beginning, the students welcomed us with song, their voices rising in harmony, filling the air with warmth before we even said a word. And then came the visit to Museve Shrine, a place of reflection and faith. Some of us walked the circular path, tracing Jesus’ journey to the cross. Others knelt in prayer. Some snapped photos to freeze the moment in time. The rest of us simply stood under the scorching sun, letting it all sink in.

And then, just like that, it was the final day.

Sitting together, reflecting on the experience, the thought of going back to reality stung. We had become a family, and deep down, we knew this exact moment, this exact feeling, would never happen again in the same way. But we left with full hearts and happy smiles, knowing every second had been worth it.

Did I mention the wild adventures? The endless wrong turns trying to find unfamiliar schools? Worth every single detour. Kitui’s breathtaking landscapes? Unreal. Singing along with my fellow mentors, soaking in the views, laughing at our accidental road trips, it was all part of the journey. And even when we arrived late, the students welcomed us with open arms, no questions asked.

Every single moment was worth it.

So, here’s to the ones who give their time, their energy, their hearts to impact lives. Keep doing God’s work.

And if you’re not a COP member yet… seriously, what are you waiting for?

Article written by Zeinab Mustafa, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Alumni, Class of 2024.