Life in the Slums.
Well, we have been in Nairobi for over a week now. It is crazy here. There are so many people in this city. There is so much brokenness and despair. I honestly have never seen anything like this in my life. I thought I had prepared myself for this summer - but I have quickly realized that I was not as ready as I thought.
I have been feeling a wide variety of emotions but the biggest emotion I have been feeling lately is fear. It's strange though because I figured I would be scared walking around this city. But that doesn't really scare me at all. We stick out SO MUCH here. We are the "Mzungus" (white people) and people stare everywhere we go. There is no blending in with the crowd in this city. It's strange because it does not really make me feel uncomfortable or nervous, just a little bit awkward. The public transportation we use here is NUTS. There are these vans or buses called "Matatus". Pretty much they drive by and you have to jump on before they zoom down the road. There are no speed limits, no lanes, and no rules on these roads. And I'm not even kidding. You drive however and wherever you want to get to your destination as fast as possible. It is the most insane thing I have ever seen in my life! Every single matatu ride is an adventure.
I was placed in the Spiritual Development department here this summer. I LOVE it! Basically we help run the Vacation Bible Schools. Missions of Hope International has 10 schools and each week we will travel to different schools helping with VBS. It is so awesome. The kids here are amazing. They actually want to learn. These are the kids that are sponsored by people all over the U.S. They get a uniform, breakfast and lunch, and an education in these schools. It is unbelievable. There are so many street kids and glue boys here and it is amazing to know that the kids in these schools are not on the streets. We also get to visit homes and encourage people with Scripture.
I thought I would come here and be able to do so many great things and change lives, but I have realized that I am the one being changed. I have felt stronger feelings here than I have ever felt in my life. I have needed God more here than I have ever needed Him in my life. I had a few days where I was really really scared because of some dangerous situations I was in, but those moments drove me to prayer. And it was in those moments where I found God and experienced His love and comfort in ways that I have never understood.
My team is great, the food is great, and the nationals I get to work with are great. I haven't gotten sick yet. We hand wash our clothes and so they are never really clean. But thats ok. I have determined never to feel sorry for myself or complain about how we have to live here - I am so blessed.
I do miss my family. And my friends. But I am trying to be here in this moment.
Thank you for your continual prayers. I really need them. I am searching for God in this place. I know He is here.
As I have felt afraid and uncertain of my abilities, I have been comforted by this:
"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
I have been feeling a wide variety of emotions but the biggest emotion I have been feeling lately is fear. It's strange though because I figured I would be scared walking around this city. But that doesn't really scare me at all. We stick out SO MUCH here. We are the "Mzungus" (white people) and people stare everywhere we go. There is no blending in with the crowd in this city. It's strange because it does not really make me feel uncomfortable or nervous, just a little bit awkward. The public transportation we use here is NUTS. There are these vans or buses called "Matatus". Pretty much they drive by and you have to jump on before they zoom down the road. There are no speed limits, no lanes, and no rules on these roads. And I'm not even kidding. You drive however and wherever you want to get to your destination as fast as possible. It is the most insane thing I have ever seen in my life! Every single matatu ride is an adventure.
I was placed in the Spiritual Development department here this summer. I LOVE it! Basically we help run the Vacation Bible Schools. Missions of Hope International has 10 schools and each week we will travel to different schools helping with VBS. It is so awesome. The kids here are amazing. They actually want to learn. These are the kids that are sponsored by people all over the U.S. They get a uniform, breakfast and lunch, and an education in these schools. It is unbelievable. There are so many street kids and glue boys here and it is amazing to know that the kids in these schools are not on the streets. We also get to visit homes and encourage people with Scripture.
I thought I would come here and be able to do so many great things and change lives, but I have realized that I am the one being changed. I have felt stronger feelings here than I have ever felt in my life. I have needed God more here than I have ever needed Him in my life. I had a few days where I was really really scared because of some dangerous situations I was in, but those moments drove me to prayer. And it was in those moments where I found God and experienced His love and comfort in ways that I have never understood.
My team is great, the food is great, and the nationals I get to work with are great. I haven't gotten sick yet. We hand wash our clothes and so they are never really clean. But thats ok. I have determined never to feel sorry for myself or complain about how we have to live here - I am so blessed.
I do miss my family. And my friends. But I am trying to be here in this moment.
Thank you for your continual prayers. I really need them. I am searching for God in this place. I know He is here.
As I have felt afraid and uncertain of my abilities, I have been comforted by this:
"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
I was thinking about you a lot today, so decided to check in with your blog. I am glad to hear you are doing okay. It is an amazing thing when you truly feel God all around you. He is there with you and is guiding you every moment. Continue to take care and please know that we are all praying for you, your group and the people you are sharing yourself with. Be safe, Hon. Love and Peace, Mrs. Barbara (and the Pandas!)
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