Hi Everyone,
I think yesterday was one of the most difficult days since we have been here. We spent the day going into the Kibera Slum which is in Nairobi, Kenya. Kibera is one of the largest slums in Africa and within it live about 1 million people. It’s size is only about 1 mile long by about 1 1/2 mile wide.
Small tin “homes” line the streets crammed side by side, dirt street paths, trash thrown in mounds and mounds and people, animals and livestock everywhere. The smell is such that burns your nose it is so strong of garbage and air pollution. I found this to be the hardest part about being there.
Trash piles in the Kibera Slum, Nairobi
We went to spend time with small kids from the slums. We went to watch and spend time with these children, to just be with them. And, we brought bibles for each student above 6 .
Porridge food for kids at school.
The whole reason we got to go to this school is a man named Peter Karanja who is a Daystar school graduate. One of the wonderful things Peter is doing with his education is helping these children in the Kibera slum. It was a blessing to get to witness God’s provision through watching these children laugh and play together, get a good lunch, clap and sing.
Peter Karanja in the front of classroom
I think pictures can say many things words can’t. And, I’d love to show you all the many many photos of Kibera and the children I took. But, I will have to do that when I get back.
Out of the many things I experienced in Kibera the Kids are what will stay in my mind. The young 11 year old girl who came up to me and wanted to shake my hand…asked politely my name, and exclaimed , “You came all the way from the U.S to Kibera! Thank you Thank you, you are good people”. I tear up thinking about that. Or, the way the kids ate so quickly and so determined as if that might be there last meal of the day. Or, the many scripture verses , songs, and praises they had memorized and sang for Jesus. Or, the excitement in receiving their own bible.
At a later time, I’d be happy to write more about our experience.
Royce and I with some of the children...
Love,
Lauren
