The Otts Took Their Kids to Kenya—What Happened Next Will Warm Your Heart

Joash and Hadley Ott have been married for 16 years and are dedicated to living lives of generosity, service, and family. Since discovering Shoe4Africa in 2017, they have consistently supported the foundation through donations, as well as contributing to other causes they believe in. The Otts believe that wealth—whether earned through hard work or entrepreneurship—is a form of stewardship, meant to be used for serving others.

In March 2025, they traveled to Kenya with their two children—12-year-old Acelyn and 10-year-old Tyke—as part of the Beyond the Mark Foundation’s Humanitarian Safari. This trip was not just about witnessing the impactful work of Shoe4Africa but was also an opportunity for Joash and Hadley to teach their children valuable life lessons about service and gratitude.

The family’s trip took them to Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County, where they visited the Shoe4Africa pediatric hospital, and to Iten Town in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where they toured the Shoe4Africa schools. The Otts were deeply moved by the work being done, but they were also saddened by the challenges faced by many hardworking Kenyans.

The contrast between the lives of the people in Kenya—many of whom have so little yet are so full of joy—and their own lives in the United States, where abundance is often taken for granted, was striking. Joash and Hadley hoped the experience would help their children understand the true meaning of gratitude and contentment.

One of the highlights of the trip was a thrilling safari game drive, which became the climax of their journey before they flew back to the U.S. Although the game drive was an unforgettable experience, the core of the trip remained focused on charity and giving back to the communities they visited.

While in Kenya, the Ott family also made personal contributions to the Shoe4Africa community. Acelyn donated a volleyball net and a ball to the Shoe4Africa schools, while Tyke donated soccer balls, knowing these simple gifts would bring joy and foster teamwork among the children. The children also decided to fund a young Kenyan entrepreneur’s business pitch, using the savings from their piggy banks. Their small but impactful gesture was a powerful reminder of how wealth is a tool for service and how every act of generosity counts.

The Otts also visited the Shoe4Africa children’s hospital, where they saw firsthand the vital healthcare being provided to children in need. This experience deepened their commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the lives of others, especially in underserved communities.

Back in the United States, Joash and Hadley are now exploring ways to help raise funds to keep children in Shoe4Africa schools. One idea they are considering is a “Skipping a Meal” campaign, where they and other volunteers skip a meal and donate the cost to cover school fees for children at Shoe4Africa schools. This simple yet effective initiative would encourage others to take part in supporting education for children in need.

For the Ott family, this trip was a life-changing experience. It was an opportunity to witness the challenges faced by others, while actively contributing to solutions. Through their hands-on involvement and generosity, they instilled in their children the belief that wealth is not for self-indulgence, but for service. The trip reinforced lasting values of gratitude, contentment, and the power of using one’s resources to uplift others.