FKM: Big Needs

If you would like to support me in my journey to Kenya, Africa, this summer, you can donate directly through the Christian Relief Fund website.  Be sure to indicate that your donation is towards "Emily's Kenya Trip Fundraiser."  If you are able to donate even a dollar to this journey, I would be so thankful.  The Lord is moving in mighty ways in Kenya and through CRF.

Friday Kenya Memory: July 9, 2009 

Whenever we drive through the slums, the children standing in the roads watch us with wide eyes, pointing and shouting, "Mzungu, mzungu!" which is Swahili for "white person" or "foreigner."

When Lavin saw me this morning, she came running and wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace.  We are becoming good friends.

The children and I sang some worship songs, but directly in the middle of a verse, a boy approached me and said, "Excuse me, madam."  I turned around expectantly and he said, "We are requesting that you take tea."

This is the Kenyan custom.  No matter what you are doing or where you are doing it, you are expected to stop at that very moment, sit down, and have a cup of tea and perhaps a mandazi or two.  The children with whom I had been singing moments before urged me on, as if taking tea in the middle of a song was completely normal; and it was, for them.

I took my tea and then returned outside.  I took out my camera and began to film the children, interviewing them and asking them questions.  We talked about their sponsors and the impact they had on the children's lives.  We also discussed the needs that still exist at their school.  "What does your school need the most?" I asked.

"Emily forever!" one girl shouted.  Sweet thing.  Other realistic comments were uniforms more often, computers, more books, safer transport to school... all things that the Lord will bring through CRF with more sponsors and supporters.

The children began reciting stories.  Dory stood up and recited a poem that she had written about AIDS.  It was fantastic.  I am astonished by the brilliance of these children.  Kenyan culture condemns AIDS orphans as nearly subhuman and not worth the effort of keeping them alive, but each of these orphans are proving every cynic wrong.  They are compassionate and God-fearing and intelligent, determined to have bright futures.

Later in the day, Barbie and I visited various nursery schools, secondary schools, and universities to visit with sponsored children and photograph them for their sponsors.  We even went to a medical school.  Everyone here wears uniforms to school, even to college.  It is a status symbol.

At Ring Road, the CRF school, when asked if my high school wears uniforms, I replied that we did not.  One little girl asked, "If you are killed, then how will they know where to take your body?"  The life these children live is a world so far from the gentleness and safety of my own childhood.  I am reminded of this each day here.

Two years ago: Blogging: Layouts
One year ago: My Summer Bucket List