The story below is Emily's personal account of her first trip overseas, meeting with Sir Elton Jones (sic) and speaking in front of all of his guests at the White Tie and Tiaras Ball.

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Site Coordinator Emily Owino moves guests with her personal account of her journey through m2m 

I arrived safely at Heathrow airport 16.30 hours on 24 June 2009, and was received by a lady named Bab’s, Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) grants manager, and grants head, Mohammed Osman. I was taken to Marriot Hotel where I stayed for 3 nights, all my hotel expenses were catered for.

The following day after a good night sleep I was taken to the EJAF offices where I met the secretariat, later that day I was taken to the house of commons as an invited guest.  Parliamentarians and the minister of health were meeting with invited guests, members from the constituency, to discuss and deliberate on HIV/AIDS as it was a factor affecting their lives. The theme of the day was “Leaders Taking lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS in UK”. I was able to exchange views and ideas participants. I took photographs with some of them including Sir Higgins , a prominent personality in UK. After the meeting, we went shopping for the events outfit, where I was bought an elegant beautiful summer dress, pair of shoes and other dressing accessory such as earrings.

We were later that taken to the office of the head of grants who prepared us for a to visit Sir Elton Jone’s residence. Sir Elton Jones was very happy to meet the 4 guest speakers and they were Andy from UK, Medhini Layla from India, Dr Cooke Richards from South Africa and Emily from m2m Kenya. The event was called a ‘BALL’ where 600 celebrities invited attended. The Theme for the Day was “CREATIVE CONVENTIONAL ART”, this was an acquaintance meeting, a part of the rehearsal.

On 25th June we went for our last rehearsal at 5 pm, thereafter prepared for the grand event, we met Sir Elton Jones this time at his Art Gallery, took photos with him and had a cocktail party then proceeded for dinner. Our speeches were programmed for 11.05 pm, each of the guest speakers gave moving speeches, and after my speech many celebrities wanted to know more about me, and mothers2mothers program in Kenya.

Most of them wanted to be assured that their money was reaching us in Africa. Some confessed how mean and ignorant they had been with their money, but following our speeches they agreed that they will contribute just to make a difference in poor people’s lives, I could feel the love of God for humanity flowing among the audience. The event ended at 4am, I was taken back to the hotel as I had to prepare to catch an evening flight.

At the airport I learnt that the seat booked for me was changed from economy class to upper class, this indeed made me confirm that I had made some impact in the event, as one of the auditors had earlier confessed and apologized that I had impressed the audience in the podium as many kept quite in shock, while other shade tears and wondered just how I could have such courage to tell it all, although all along she thought that I would not make it.

At this moment deep in my heart I remembered that all recognition, attention and comfort that I had received was a golden chance awarded to me by the m2m program, I have no words to express the sincere heart felt gratitude.

On 26th June at 6.15 pm UK time I took my flight back home and arrived at 6am Kenyan time and reached home to find my children still asleep. The whole trip was very adventurous and learnt many things; once again may God bless you all for giving me this chance.

The trip to London was a great experience for as I gained the following
•    Made many friends with people from different culture and class
•    Learnt new things
•    Reached 600 invited celebrities with m2m message
•    Created awareness of m2m program
•    Opened avenues for opportunities
•    EJAF promised to come and visit m2m in Kenya
•    Dr Cooke from South Africa expressed that he would, want to visit and negotiate how he can network with m2m
•    Boarded a plane for the first time “a dream come true“
•    One guest appreciated my stage presence and he made me realize, that was a strength in me

Some of the challenges encountered
•    Time was too short
•    I was at risk of getting the H1N1 flu but of course didn’t

Conclusion
This was the best time in my life I honestly thank m2m founder for the great thought and all mothers for the gift of love. Let us have a generation of babies free from HIV infection.

GOD BLESS YOU

Emily Akinyi Site Coordinator
Dandora II Health centre
Nairobi, Kenya

To see more pictures of Emily's trip, click here

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