Jambo! (Hello!)
We made it to Kenya! Our team traveled a long way and are extremely excited to be here.
Our first day we spent in Nairobi. The highlight of the day was visiting Kibera. We didn't know what to expect at all - I was inspired by the people in Kibera. First we met Pastor Timothy who is exactly as described - full of life and spirit. He shared his story about how he used to be a "bad" man and was saved by an encounter with a lady from Washington DC. He now he has spent 30 years serving people in Kibera where he runs a school and shares the gospel every minute he can. We visited the school and the neighborhood with him. What I saw through his eyes - was aliveness. The people in Kibera have a life much more challenging than any of us, but they are LIVING! The children live in harsh conditions but still smile. It is opposite from visiting similar places in the US. The schoolkids walked with us and several shared their story - we ended there by serving lunch. The excitement and passion from Pastor Timothy and his team and the children won't be forgotten.....plus he said that this is only the first time we will meet and he will see us again.
Next we traveled to Shangilia Children's home. We arrived at night and ALL the children and staff stayed up late to greet us with open arms and excitement. We have been meeting and getting to know each one of them as the night and day continued. I have especially enjoyed watching my boys connect with them and play and walk and carry them. They have taught us some Swahili - like Jambo - everyone in the village also helped us learn this word.
The biggest difference I see between Kenya and home - the level of happiness, hope and the absence of shame. The people we have met are happy, hopeful, and not ashamed of being children of God. Their lights shine brighter than most and their love for others is abundant!
Till next time - Mary Beth
It's difficult to put in perspective what we've seen. From the most severe poverty to the most significant love of life. Kenya is a place of the most incredible polar experiences. One thing is clear, God is alive here and they know it.
I was not completely sure what to expect before coming. We were well prepared with pictures, videos, stories from visitors past but there was still that part of me that didn't know what to fully expect. Our first night here I asked my wife, "What are we going to do for them? How does our being here help them if we don't have projects to do?" She replied, "You'll see." After a day filled with soccer, card games, long walks in the rain, meeting the local villiagers and staff here at Shangalia, I see now how just being here and spending time with them building relationships has helped them. More selfishly speaking, I see how it's helping me. The staff and villiagers are so welcoming and curious about us, the muzungu (the white people). They come to shake our hands, say hello, teach us Swahili and share their stories. We've been here for only 24 hours and already feel like we belong. Alex and his staff are doing amazing work here at Shangalia. I can't wait to see what the next few days have in store.
Good night. Paul
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