Well....I have been in Kenya for over three weeks now....so it's safe to say I owe an official update! I'm sorry this has taken a while to post...but I have had some computer issues and kindda sketchy internet connection. And so right now I am sitting in "Java House" where I just finished a delicious milkshake and am working on a coffee...using the free wifi and considering the possibility of French fries while I attempt to post some thoughts...
You all know I love a good story... But to be honest....I'm kind of in the midst of living this story. So when a friend pointed out the popularity of " list" blog posts....I thought I would hop on that bandwagon !
So without further ado....
5 Fun Facts about my ( three month) life in Kibera!
1) Kibera is always a party.
Seriously, I have been living in a cozy home in one of the most well-known slums in the world.... And there is always music pumping, dogs barking, tools hammering, creatures running on roofs, drums banging and voices chanting.. Worship practise seems to start Friday night at the many small churches nearby, and goes until....well I started to write this at about 11 on Sunday night and I could still hear the tunes pumpin'. You walk or drive down the street....and there are always new things to look at....people running businesses, selling food, walking to school, washing cars, you name it. From my experience so far...it is a very friendly place, and full of life. Oh and it gets muddy. Very , very muddy.
2) A Child is a Child
Yup that's right..... A kid is just a kid no matter where in the world you are. They smile, they cry, they invent games, they tell jokes and stories. They do homework, fight with their siblings and laugh really really hard. They feel ...and they have a story. Although children living here in Kibera grow up in poverty stricken conditions that many in the west will never see or experience...they are all made in the image of God...with a joy and innocence that deserves to be cherished and protected. Ultimately, I'm learning that despite cultural differences....we may have more in common than we think.
3) Pole Pole! ( pronounced pol-ay....I just can't find the accent on my iPad)
Or sorry sorry !!!
Kenyans genuinely show affection and a heart for one another's predicaments! Whether it's a scraped knee or a dropped pencil....choruses of Pole Pole can be heard from people not even remotely involved at all in the predicament. It's actually quite endearing !
4) A deep revelation from the depths of my soul...
I just love markets. It's a fact. Every time I travel anywhere...Kenya included....I can't get enough of the excitement of a local market, whether they are selling souvenirs, veggies or used clothing. I don't even need to buy anything....just walking through, checking out the fare, and waving hello to the vendors is enough to make my heart happy. Plus the fruit and veggies here are super yummy!
5) I have lots to learn ...
There are a tonne of people in this world who have a heart for Jesus and want to pour their lives out loving Him and loving others. It's really beautiful, and really really inspiring. I've met so many people these past few weeks who are living a really good story. And that's not to say it's always exciting and glamorous.... Sometimes it's the day to day lived out for Him. But it really is quite stunning .
It's been a great experience so far... Easy ? No. Confusing?.... Sometimes. Humbling ?.... More often than I would like to admit.
But I may never get this chance again.... So I plan on drinking up every memory that I can(clearly still thinking about that milkshake I just downed) ... And capturing each moment as it comes.
Stay tuned for some fun pics of life and ministry shortly !