Africa has been amazing so far! It is completely different from what I expected. I guess I based what I thought Africa would be like from the Lion King. However, I have yet to see a lion and parts of the country are fairly urbanized. Even though they drive on the opposite side of the road and have limited road rules the city of Nairobi is similar to the U.S. but the slums are another story. Families of ten live in shacks smaller than my dorm room. Most of the houses were held up by rusted tin and cardboard , forcing you to hear every sound your neighbor makes. Also there was trash and sewage all over the walkways. The school we were helping at last week educated children in the neighboring slum. All these children wanted was love. I could not get enough of holding them and squeezing their precious cheeks. As we finished passing out their lunches I watched the children lick their plates clean because for most of them this would be their only meal. I could barely finish my portion so I gave my extra food to a boy named David who wanted nothing more than to hold my hand.
As we visited the kids’ homes to pray for their parents my heart dropped when I saw what these joyous children went home to every day. School was the highlight of their young lives. It was a safe place where they could escape the abuse and hardships of home. A place where they could learn about the love of Jesus Christ. Daily they were told of Jesus’ love and for some of them He is the only one they know loves them.
While walking through the slums I began to doubt my ability to tell these people about Jesus. How could I tell someone that Jesus is the only one who can provide them with hope when they didn’t even know where their next meal was coming from. I was only taking a little step in their shoes for two months then I would go back to my house and have food to eat whenever I wanted. I did not believe I was the best person to tell them about Jesus. However, once I stopped believing the lies of the devil I told myself that God does not want me to feel guilty but grateful. God has blessed me with the opportunity to come to Kenya and share who He is with the people. All Christians are called to tell others about Jesus, it just happens that God’s plan for me was to share in Kenya. God also taught me that just because we come from different places doesn’t mean we are different species. It is great worshipping with the Kenyans from ICC and singing praise songs together knowing that they worship the same God we do halfway across the world. I love seeing God connect us even though our cultures are completely different.
In conclusion, I am staying healthy and safe but really miss American food. Happy late Father’s Day Dad! I know I have not been responding to emails but usually when we get to go online we only have time to do our blogs. Fortunately I will probably be able to get online for personal stuff pretty soon. Love and miss you family! Kaitlyn I miss you like crazy and am thinking/ praying for you daily!
God Bless,
Elizabeth
