Unexpected Joy

Everyone thought I had lost it.  "You want to go to Africa?"  "Voluntarily?" "Alone??"  Against the majority of my family's wishes, I purchased a ticket to Nairobi to spend 2 and a half weeks living with and learning from the people of Kenya.  The first week was spent in the Kibera slum in Nairobi.  The second week we travelled to a small rural village in Western Kenya called Awasi to live with Monica's family and learn from the people of the Luo tribe.  Countless people offered me "advice" before I left.  "Don't get eaten by lions."  "You might get kidnapped… be careful."  "Don't wear an American flag."  Going to a foreign land without knowing one soul on the continent was probably a "risk".  But it was the best risk I've ever taken.  So on May 22, passport and vaccine card in hand, I hopped on one of two flights to Nairobi.  I was all smiles.

I became a Christian about four years ago.  Since then, Africa has constantly been on my mind.  For some reason I had to go to Africa.  I made excuses, lacked funds, lacked time, etc. for so many years.  And maybe it was meant to be, because the timing and placement of Mark and Monica in my life seemed all too perfect.  After following countless leads and researching so many organizations, I was ready to give up my search.  Again.  My last inquiry would be with Mark McCoy.  A friend I lived in Italy with mentioned in passing he had a friend who was moving to Nairobi that I should contact for any advice.  I thought sure why not… nothing else is sparking my interest.  Turns out Mark had just started up a business catering to people such as myself who wanted to see Africa.  After talking to Mark on that cold Minnesota evening in January, I knew I was going to Africa.  Finally.  

It is hard to fit my experiences and thoughts from my time in Kenya into tiny words on a computer.    There is something about Africa that steals your heart.  And it stole mine.  I never expected to love Kibera as much as I did.  A man who had been to Kenya numerous times said "You're going to be in Kibera that long?  Wow, that's a long time to spend there.  That will be really hard."  Turns out, my time there was not nearly enough.  All of my opinions on Africa influenced by American thought were completely turned upside-down.  Yes, Kibera is a slum.  Yes, there is trash.  Yes, there is poverty.  When you see past that you find joy and faith, pure and true.  The Kenyan people are the happiest, friendliest, strongest people I have ever met.  

Kibera:

It is impossible not to smile once you enter the Miracle and Victory Children's Center.  Those kids are special beyond words.  The MVCC is alive with life and joy.  We were greeted by 20 excited children as we walked to the school.  

We arrived to a beating drum and dancing children.  

Sweet music to my ears.  The school is crowded and lacks electricty.  The children have to use the bathroom outside the door.  The chairs are breaking.  There is no room for the children to lay their sleepy little heads.  There is such a need for a new school, and the kids are so excited to have one in their future!  The conditions of the school might be subpar, but it doesn't phase the moods of the teachers or children.  Their spirits are soaring.  The children are extremely well behaved and so eager to learn.  

It is so hard for them to concentrate in a room with three classes going on, but they try their hardest.  There is something special happening at the MVCC.  They take nothing for granted and make the best of what they have.  I hope those hungry little souls continue to be fed.

Best place in the world, Miracle and Victory Children's Center:

The wonderful cook at the school - she is cooking for 138 kids here.

 

The streets smell of delicious food cooking, the air is filled with lively Kenyan music and the views are riddled with smiling precious children.  Kibera made me happy and brought me so much joy.  This is a people that are very much alive.  They are constantly outdoors, mingling with one another.  Helping one another.  Depending on each other.  Finding creative way day in, day out to survive.  Something very interesting that I learned was how much they value education.  I remember hearing hopes and prayers that the children could find sponsorship to continue on in school.  It reminds me of what Jesus tells us in Luke 12:22-26:

     "So I tell you, don't worry about the food you need to live.  Don't worry about the clothes you need             for your body.  Life is more important than clothes.  Look at the birds.  They don't plant or harvest.  Birds don't save food in houses or barns.  But God takes care of them.  And you are worth much more than birds.  None of you can add any time to your life by worrying about it.  If you cannot do the little things, then why worry about the big things?"

You would think the people in the slums would be constantly overcome with worry as to where they will find their next meal.  What I saw was Luke 12:22-26 come to life.  They trust God to provide what they need for basic survival. The day before I left, I spent a lot of time talking to Janet about her current situation.  The previous evening, she was forced to skip school and purchase clothing in Nairobi to sell for a small profit in Kibera to feed her children.  I asked her if she ever worries or gets anxious that she will not be able to provide for her children.  Her response was strong and genuine, "No I do not worry.  I know God will provide."  I will never forget how sure and true her answer was.  The things that I worry about are so petty and are by no means life or death worries.  Janet, and countless other families in Kibera, deal with survival on a day to day basis and lay their anxieties and struggles at God's feet.  They are certain He will remain faithful and will provide.  We all have so much to learn from them.

Monica and Janet:

Kids at the center blowing kisses:

As we walked to church on Sunday in Kibera, the ground literally shook with worship.  They depend on God to provide everything.  Literally everything.  The joy and faith in Kibera is real.  But so is their poverty.  Their spirits are alive and full of laughter, but at times they are tired and hungry.  I saw far too many sad eyes of children with bulging bellies standing alone on the streets of Kibera.  They still need food and shelter.  The children at the center were so eager to have their photograph taken with their mug of porridge.  I hope those cups are never found empty.  

I urge anyone reading this that has been contemplating going to Kenya to visit Kibera to just go.  It will change your life and your heart in ways you cannot imagine.  I feel so blessed to have incredible women like Monica and Janet in my life.  I learned so much from the countless people I met in Kenya; whether it be a tiny, giggling 3 year old or a smiling, toothless old man. My heart breaks when I think of them - there is nowhere I would rather be at this time than in Kibera.  A little boy in Awasi, said something to me the night before we left that I will never forget.  He said "you can't leave Africa.  You are happy here."  Forget Western amenities.  Forget a mounting bank account and a "nice house."  I now know what true and pure happiness looks like.  I only saw a glimpse, but I think I've cracked the surface.  A life fully dependent on God is a joyful life.  A life not measured by your bank account or the type of car you drive is a happy life.  I dream of the day my feet are covered in Kibera dirt again.  I can't wait to see the sweet smiles of the children and hear the little voices yelling "how are you?  How are you?"  It is a gift worth everything and I hope some of you reading this will have the opportunity to experience it.  I made excuses for four years why "I can't go to Africa this year."  Stop making excuses.  There will always be something… but it can wait.  Get busy living. 

- Jess