Willianne Olweny wrote to us about her meeting with the king and queen in Kenya.
A while back, we received an e-mail from the embassy that we could sign up for the reception of the Dutch community, a standard part of a state visit by the king and queen to another country. With little expectation, I filled in our details and waited, as we were already told they would draw lots if there were too many applications. But suddenly there was an e-mail, with the text below!
Table talk with the queen
Besides this invitation, there was another e-mail from the embassy; whether I, Willianne, wanted to participate in a table discussion with Queen Máxima. During the reception of the Dutch community, there are always several themed tables where Dutch people can tell something about what they are doing in the country where they currently live. My table was about private initiatives and together with four other women we got to tell what we are doing in Kenya. Exciting but also very special.
Before this, there was a moment for everyone to shake hands with the royal couple. Pictures were also taken of this, which we received later; unfortunately Elijah is missing from the picture, but it's no different.
After greeting the royal couple, I went back to our table and we waited for Maxima to arrive at our table. When I got the floor, I was able to tell Maxima what Light to Shine does: home care/home visits to AIDS patients in particular, food parcels, spiritual support because there is often a lot of stigma, but most of all, we point them to God, because we know that that's where real peace can ultimately be found. Then I finished and she went to the next person who could also say a few words briefly about her project.
When all the tables had been visited by the king and queen, there was a speech by the ambassador, followed by a closing speech by the king. After this, we sang the national anthem and shouted: Long live the king, hurrah hurrah hurrah.
The event took place at the home of the Dutch ambassador in Nairobi. There was a large tent in the garden and beautiful flower arrangements had been put up. It was a special event and we are grateful that we were able to experience this together!
Willianne Olweny
