It is true that what seems to be impossible before men
is possible before the Lord.
John:
What were your reactions to your first trip
outside of Kenya?
Joyce:
To me, travelling to UK was just like a dream! I
felt like a king and I couldn’t believe this! I also found
that the two countries are totally different in everything.
How I would wish that my country could be at that
level.
John:
What were your impressions of London?
Joyce:
People in London are very social, lovely and
welcoming. London is also a cosmopolitan place. My
visit to London really inspired me. From there I got new
ideas and plans. I met new and different friends from
different countries.
John:
You attended the meeting on Friday that was
telecast by the BBC. What were your impressions?
Joyce:
Every session during the meeting was very
meaningful to me. I enjoyed every single minute that I
was in the hall. I was really happy and wish to attend
such a meeting again! It was fantastic! Thanks a lot to the
BBC organizers.
John:
You were interviewed by several radio and TV
stations. What sort of things did they want to know
about you?
Joyce:
Most of the interviews wanted to know the
challenges that I have gone through and how I have
managed to go through.
John:
You were
assigned a mentor
while you were there.
Tell us something
about her.
Joyce:
My mentor is
Clare Short. She is
a British politician, a
Member of Parliament
for 27 years and a
former International
Development
Secretary. Clare is
not just an ordinary
woman, but an extra-
ordinary
woman. She is
a woman full of
inspiration.
John:
Tell us
about some
of the other
women that
you met and
who made an
impression on
you.
Joyce:
I met women from all corners of the world.
Almost all of the 100 women impressed me. This is
because all of them had different stories and more
so challenges which made me to be strong! But I was
mostly inspired by Zainab Hawa Bangura who is now
UN special representative on sexual violence in conflict.
She comes from Sierra Leone. Zainab comes from a
very poor family and her father wanted to marry her off
at the age of 12 years but she refused and ran away. All
these challenges did not stop her from getting what she
wanted! She is now a great person. I can also become a
great person despite my background.
John:
How has the experience affected your own goals
and ambitions?
Joyce:
The seminar was of a great importance to me. I
was strengthened, my ambitions increased and I have
a strong desire to work tirelessly, without looking back,
in order to achieve my goals. I now understand and
appreciate that nothing comes easily; one has to struggle
in order to get the best! I now have big dreams and I
believe they will come true. I met new people who are
now my friends.
John:
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Joyce:
I would like to thank 100 BBC Women event,
John and Marilyn Parker, David Mace, my church leaders
and members, Mcedo School Head Teacher, Candace,
Dean, Judy Webb, Clare Short, John, family and friends
who made it possible for my visit to London. God bless
you all.
Mission Ministry
17
