Light a candle for Kenya. Pray for peace.

For the last 2 days my time and thoughts have been consumed by what has happened in Kenya. I have been glued to the TV and surfing the internet to find out what I can about the attack at Westgate Mall.

Although I am not in Nairobi – and am safely tucked away in a Surrey village – I feel like the attack has happened on my doorstep. Family and friends have all been affected – so many directly. People I know have died or been injured. Sitting here in my home I feel helpless. I cannot help physically by being there to give emotional support to my sister and the rest of the family and my friends or to give much needed blood at the hospitals.

And, as the siege continues for a third day, my heart goes out to those people who have lost their loved ones – or are still waiting for news – as there are still hostages being held in the mall.

This senseless violence, this tragic loss of life, this unnecessary trauma – I cannot understand it. Why?

My school friend Henna (on the left) helps an injured woman

Jeremy and I are due to visit Nairobi in November – and regardless of what the British government advices – we are going. And, I would urge others not to abandon Kenya at this time. Tourism is a huge necessity to the economy of the country. Many people’s livelihood depends on tourists visiting the country. Don’t let this awful attack deter you. If you do, then the terrorists will just claim another victory – and this we must not allow!