Kibera

It has been a while and much has happened. We are back in Kijabe now after a wonderful week at the beach and some time in Nairobi. Two weeks ago Katie and I had the opportunity to spend some time in Nairobi with a friend who is a missionary living there. She works in a school in Kibera, one of the largest slums in the world, where she runs a literacy program. It was an incredible thing to see and be a part of and we both felt so grateful to be there. We met quite a few other missionaries in the area and were welcomed into their homes with open arms and delicious food. Kibera was the most condensed, chaotic poverty that I have witnessed thus far. There was very little open space, save a dirt field where children could play soccer. We were walked in by two men who lived in the slum and also worked at the school. It was about a 20 minute walk in through twisting narrow streets with a network of huts and make-shift shops on either side. The streets were treacherous enough, with the manholes and questionable substances and such, that it was difficult to keep from watching our feet the entire time. When we did manage to glance up though there was much to be seen; fish heads and cow hooves ready for sale, blaring music from sources unknown, people and animals everywhere... We spent the day in the school meeting the other staff and doing some reading tutoring. Lunch was a pot of beans and corn which was a welcome alternative to the fish we had seen and smelled on our way in. We were tired by the end to say the least and were grateful for a hot shower and warm bed. I am grateful to have seen Kibera and had the opportunity to see how so many people have to live. Our next week was spent very differently on the coast, it could not have been more beautiful and relaxing. Ali.