It took me several moments to understand where I was. The transition from city to slum had come too quickly. It was not until the stench of a gigantic trash heap washed over me that I could truly register my surroundings. We were walking into one of the biggest slums on the face of the earth…
A map of Nairobi shows Kibera slum as a large blank area without any roads or landmarks. A simple glance at a map makes it look like a forest or city park. Kibera is not a city park. It is a sea of ragged metal shacks stretching to the horizon. It is a desolate expanse filled with thousands of hopeless Kenyans living minutes away from a world class city. Kibera is poverty.
We walked fast. My eyes darted back and forth, trying to take in the quickly passing scenery. On my left was a small river of sewage. Gagging, I tried to focus on the other side of the street – a ten foot high wall of rusty corrugated steel. We passed tiny stalls where residents of the slum tried desperately to sell overripe fruit, hand-woven baskets, and cell phone credits. I was intensely aware at that moment of how rich and white I looked. I could feel the gaze of children staring as I passed. I was extremely grateful to whoever had suggested that I take off my tie.
On the way to the medical clinic we passed a dog standing in the middle of the road, staring at us with vacant eyes. Its mangy fur was stretched tight over much too visible ribs. A toddler with a sagging diaper and filthy t-shirt waddled out of his home, sucking on his hand. I realized with pain that this child would more than likely live in this slum the rest of his life.
We climbed a high railroad embankment that gave us a shocking view of the slum. I was amazed at how big the place was. I turned to the man leading us and asked “Is that most of Kibera?” pointing at the vast expanse of shacks that stretched over a distant hill. He chuckled and said “Oh no. That’s just a corner of it. Most of the slum lies in that direction.” He gestured behind us. I was speechless.
We were given a tour of a small Christian clinic in the center of the slum. The clinic gives very cheap medical assistance and nutritional education to the people of Kibera. I was in awe of the selfless volunteers working at the clinic. I thought for a moment about the jobs any of them could have had. With skills in medicine and nursing, these capable servants could have easily made large incomes in one of Nairobi’s bustling hospitals. Instead they choose to give up everything to help those who have nothing to give.
After meeting the clinic’s volunteers and asking them many questions about their ministry, we began walking out of the slum, retracing our earlier steps. With my mind still reeling from the enormous sacrifice these servants had made of their lives, we came across a group of children. When they saw me they all started shouting “How are you?!?” – the only English words they know. I answered “Good! And how are you?” They gave me blank stares. Instead of giving up, I greeted them in Swahili. “Habari?” Their faces lit up and they shouted back “Nzuri!” They formed a line and wanted to shake my hand. I shook each of their hands, answering when each of them asked me “How are you?” again. It took me quite a while to lose the smile on my face, but in my heart, I was sobbing. How could children like that be so joyful in a place of such desperation? It was heartbreaking.
The experience ended just as quickly as it had begun. We walked as a group out of the slum. We caught a bus and within moments we were back in the Nairobi I knew. I went home, ate a full dinner, and lay down in my comfortable bed, acutely aware of the luxuries I had been blessed with throughout my life. As I drifted off to sleep, the shocking images of Kibera played over and over in my head. Something had clicked inside of me. It was as if God had walked me through the slum, pointed at the people I saw and said “Here. These are my children. These are the ones I love. It pains me to see them suffering; doesn’t it hurt you too?”
From that moment on, I knew I would never be the same…
Monday, February 14, 2005
Friday, February 04, 2005
Kenya Email Update #5
Hey!
Can you believe it? I’ve been here for a whole month already! One down, 11 to go! This year is going to fly by! Again I want to thank those of you who have written to me. It’s so great to hear from my friends… Just be sure to keep me updated!
Ok, a couple of weeks ago a bunch of people gathered at Mark Kioko’s house (he’s on staff at Chapel) for nyama choma. Nyama choma basically just means “roast meat.” It’s a very Kenyan thing. Someone buys a goat, has it slaughtered, and then roasts it at home with a bunch of friends. I suppose it’s the same as having a barbecue in the States. Except in the States people don’t usually eat roasted goat intestine as an appetizer. In case you are wondering if I actually ate any, I’ll tell you this – it’s really really chewy.
I’ve been thrown head-first into ministry at Nairobi Chapel. Since the church planting process hasn’t really started yet, I’ve been working a lot for Pastor Linda (who does a lot of administration and stuff). She discovered that I like writing and sort of put me to work! I’ve been writing grant proposals, pastoral letters, etc. In fact, the very first thing I wrote for her became the bulletin insert that Sunday!
So on my last day off I went to see a movie in a theatre downtown. It was actually a really nice place! I was surprised. The funny thing is that when a movie is about to start they play this ancient video of the Kenyan flag blowing majestically while the National Anthem plays. I guess if you don’t stand, you can get kicked out! It’s a national law!! Right up there with the law that all places of business in Kenya have to have a picture of the president hanging on the wall. Weird.
As I write this I’m getting over a really bad sickness that hit about two days ago. I guess it’s some sort of intestinal infection (I won’t go into details…). Let’s just say I have been rather miserable these last few days. Oh well. I guess there has to be some downside to living in a country with perfect weather and fresh mango juice…
Since coming here I’ve had the chance to visit three huge slums in Nairobi. Each one was quite an eye opening experience. I really don’t think I’ve ever seen poverty like that in my life. If you are interested, I have written out a little narrative of my experience with the first slum I visited. Just drop me an email and I’ll send you the story.
Also, if you are supporting me with prayer, I am going to start a new email list to which I’ll send specific prayer needs as they arise. Those emails will be more frequent than these updates, and will give you a better idea of the things I (and Nairobi Chapel) need prayer for. If you want to be on that list, just drop me an email as well.
Ok. Keep in touch! I miss you all! For those of you in the Midwest, enjoy your freezing rain and ice and mud! I’m sure it’s just beautiful there!
Later!
Barry
p.s. For those of you who are wondering, I don’t really miss Xbox surprisingly, but man, I could use a big bag of spicier nacho Doritos right now… Oooo… and some pizza from Lou Malnati’s. Oh, and a big bottle of ice cold Mountain Dew! Oh well… I guess I’ll just go have some more roasted goat intestine. hehe
Can you believe it? I’ve been here for a whole month already! One down, 11 to go! This year is going to fly by! Again I want to thank those of you who have written to me. It’s so great to hear from my friends… Just be sure to keep me updated!
Ok, a couple of weeks ago a bunch of people gathered at Mark Kioko’s house (he’s on staff at Chapel) for nyama choma. Nyama choma basically just means “roast meat.” It’s a very Kenyan thing. Someone buys a goat, has it slaughtered, and then roasts it at home with a bunch of friends. I suppose it’s the same as having a barbecue in the States. Except in the States people don’t usually eat roasted goat intestine as an appetizer. In case you are wondering if I actually ate any, I’ll tell you this – it’s really really chewy.
I’ve been thrown head-first into ministry at Nairobi Chapel. Since the church planting process hasn’t really started yet, I’ve been working a lot for Pastor Linda (who does a lot of administration and stuff). She discovered that I like writing and sort of put me to work! I’ve been writing grant proposals, pastoral letters, etc. In fact, the very first thing I wrote for her became the bulletin insert that Sunday!
So on my last day off I went to see a movie in a theatre downtown. It was actually a really nice place! I was surprised. The funny thing is that when a movie is about to start they play this ancient video of the Kenyan flag blowing majestically while the National Anthem plays. I guess if you don’t stand, you can get kicked out! It’s a national law!! Right up there with the law that all places of business in Kenya have to have a picture of the president hanging on the wall. Weird.
As I write this I’m getting over a really bad sickness that hit about two days ago. I guess it’s some sort of intestinal infection (I won’t go into details…). Let’s just say I have been rather miserable these last few days. Oh well. I guess there has to be some downside to living in a country with perfect weather and fresh mango juice…
Since coming here I’ve had the chance to visit three huge slums in Nairobi. Each one was quite an eye opening experience. I really don’t think I’ve ever seen poverty like that in my life. If you are interested, I have written out a little narrative of my experience with the first slum I visited. Just drop me an email and I’ll send you the story.
Also, if you are supporting me with prayer, I am going to start a new email list to which I’ll send specific prayer needs as they arise. Those emails will be more frequent than these updates, and will give you a better idea of the things I (and Nairobi Chapel) need prayer for. If you want to be on that list, just drop me an email as well.
Ok. Keep in touch! I miss you all! For those of you in the Midwest, enjoy your freezing rain and ice and mud! I’m sure it’s just beautiful there!
Later!
Barry
p.s. For those of you who are wondering, I don’t really miss Xbox surprisingly, but man, I could use a big bag of spicier nacho Doritos right now… Oooo… and some pizza from Lou Malnati’s. Oh, and a big bottle of ice cold Mountain Dew! Oh well… I guess I’ll just go have some more roasted goat intestine. hehe
Friday, January 21, 2005
Kenya Email Update #4
Yo Yo Yo from Kenya!
It’s Barry. Obviously I changed email addresses again and I promise – this is the last time it’ll change (unless something changes of course). Now I can use Outlook for answering emails without paying to use the internet café all the time. Basically it means that I can actually respond to individual emails now! Which reminds me… I have loved the encouraging emails you all have been sending! Thanks a ton!
Anyway, I suppose I’ll update you on my life here in Kenya… I have finally become more independent, finding my way around the downtown area and taking matatus all over the place! Ok, so basically matatus are one of the primary forms of public transportation here. They are basically small 16-passenger vans (actually they fit 12 people but have 16 seats miraculously crammed in) that run along certain lines and stops just like busses do in the States. They usually cost only 20 Kenyan Shillings (only 25 cents!). From the shouting conductors to the crowded interior to the blazing music, it can be a pretty intimidating ride the first few times.
Automobile drivers in Nairobi are absolutely out of their minds (especially matatu drivers)! Imagine the worst and most reckless drivers in Chicago on drugs, trained in high speed automobile stunt driving, and late for a meeting with the President of the Universe… The basic mindset of drivers here is “I am more important than you. If you don’t get out of my way, I will destroy you.”
The other interns are so cool. Each one brings a different set of experiences and gifts to the internship. I can already tell that we’re going to become close friends! Angie (the other intern working with Pastor Muriithi) is a lot of fun. She and I have a whole lot in common. It’s going to be quite a trip to see what God has in store for us (not to be cliché! We seriously have no idea what to expect!). I attached a poorly done picture that shows who the other interns are (all I have for picture editing is Microsoft Paint – if falls a little short of Photoshop… sorry!).
I finally know what my main responsibilities will be this year. All I have to do for the next 11 months is help Pastor Muriithi with sermon research and book editing, make sure everything goes smoothly and help plan the 10am services at church, organize district events for the church plant, design the new church’s advertising materials as well as disciple a small group of youth that I first have to seek out and evangelize… not to mention my responsibilities as an intern which include reading several books, attending classes, and guiding short term groups that come in from partner churches in the states. Um, yeah… I’ll be pretty busy (especially considering that these are only my primary responsibilities).
Ok, forgive me again for the long email! I just have so much to write about! I bought a cell phone the other day, so if you want to try text messaging me (I guess it’s really called SMS or something) from your cell phone, my number is +254-0721-179000 (+254 is Kenya’s code, though you might not need the 0 in front of 721 – I’m not sure). It’s a really cool (and cheap) way to stay connected in real time. Just remember that I’m 8 hours ahead of Indianapolis!! I suppose you could call too, but that gets really expensive (if you do, call between 10am-1pm Indianapolis time).
Ok, enough. I’ll let you get back to your lives! If you think of it, please pray for me as I really hit the internship head-on. I am going to be sooo busy! Pray that I will continue to learn and grow, not just get swept away by all the stuff I have to do. I miss you all! Two weeks down, 48 to go!!!
Still happy and healthy,
Barry
It’s Barry. Obviously I changed email addresses again and I promise – this is the last time it’ll change (unless something changes of course). Now I can use Outlook for answering emails without paying to use the internet café all the time. Basically it means that I can actually respond to individual emails now! Which reminds me… I have loved the encouraging emails you all have been sending! Thanks a ton!
Anyway, I suppose I’ll update you on my life here in Kenya… I have finally become more independent, finding my way around the downtown area and taking matatus all over the place! Ok, so basically matatus are one of the primary forms of public transportation here. They are basically small 16-passenger vans (actually they fit 12 people but have 16 seats miraculously crammed in) that run along certain lines and stops just like busses do in the States. They usually cost only 20 Kenyan Shillings (only 25 cents!). From the shouting conductors to the crowded interior to the blazing music, it can be a pretty intimidating ride the first few times.
Automobile drivers in Nairobi are absolutely out of their minds (especially matatu drivers)! Imagine the worst and most reckless drivers in Chicago on drugs, trained in high speed automobile stunt driving, and late for a meeting with the President of the Universe… The basic mindset of drivers here is “I am more important than you. If you don’t get out of my way, I will destroy you.”
The other interns are so cool. Each one brings a different set of experiences and gifts to the internship. I can already tell that we’re going to become close friends! Angie (the other intern working with Pastor Muriithi) is a lot of fun. She and I have a whole lot in common. It’s going to be quite a trip to see what God has in store for us (not to be cliché! We seriously have no idea what to expect!). I attached a poorly done picture that shows who the other interns are (all I have for picture editing is Microsoft Paint – if falls a little short of Photoshop… sorry!).
I finally know what my main responsibilities will be this year. All I have to do for the next 11 months is help Pastor Muriithi with sermon research and book editing, make sure everything goes smoothly and help plan the 10am services at church, organize district events for the church plant, design the new church’s advertising materials as well as disciple a small group of youth that I first have to seek out and evangelize… not to mention my responsibilities as an intern which include reading several books, attending classes, and guiding short term groups that come in from partner churches in the states. Um, yeah… I’ll be pretty busy (especially considering that these are only my primary responsibilities).
Ok, forgive me again for the long email! I just have so much to write about! I bought a cell phone the other day, so if you want to try text messaging me (I guess it’s really called SMS or something) from your cell phone, my number is +254-0721-179000 (+254 is Kenya’s code, though you might not need the 0 in front of 721 – I’m not sure). It’s a really cool (and cheap) way to stay connected in real time. Just remember that I’m 8 hours ahead of Indianapolis!! I suppose you could call too, but that gets really expensive (if you do, call between 10am-1pm Indianapolis time).
Ok, enough. I’ll let you get back to your lives! If you think of it, please pray for me as I really hit the internship head-on. I am going to be sooo busy! Pray that I will continue to learn and grow, not just get swept away by all the stuff I have to do. I miss you all! Two weeks down, 48 to go!!!
Still happy and healthy,
Barry
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Kenya Email Update #3
Well, I made it!
After two 8 hour flights I thought my life was over. I wanted to chop my legs off so bad… When we made a really rough landing (seriously, swerving all over the runway), I was just like “Fine… Let us crash… As long as I can get off the plane…” After that I had the pleasure of standing in line at customs for 45 minutes amidst screaming babies and confused white people. Good times…
So Kenya… perfect weather. Seriously. Breezy, blue skies… perfect. A little warm in the middle of the day, but I’ll take that over Indiana weather any day.
I’m staying with Mo and Marci (remember them? They were at Grace Church for a while…). They have two extremely hyper boys… Their house is so nice. I have my own room with a desk and everything.
It’s a little weird being the only Mzungu (white person) around, but I don’t mind. It’s refreshing to be the minority for once. You guys would be surprised at how modern it is over here. I don’t know what I expected, but after passing 3 shell stations and about a million car dealerships on the way to Mo and Marci’s house, I realized that my mental picture of Nairobi was a bit off.
For those of you who want to pray for me, I could use it! Right now I’m loving the whole experience, but I know there will come a time (probably soon) where I’ll wish I was back at home. Please pray that I’ll be able to cope and get beyond that quickly.
Well, I don’t want to bore you with drab details of my trip. Have a wonderful January and don’t forget, I’d love to hear from you!
Alive and jet-lagged,
Barry
After two 8 hour flights I thought my life was over. I wanted to chop my legs off so bad… When we made a really rough landing (seriously, swerving all over the runway), I was just like “Fine… Let us crash… As long as I can get off the plane…” After that I had the pleasure of standing in line at customs for 45 minutes amidst screaming babies and confused white people. Good times…
So Kenya… perfect weather. Seriously. Breezy, blue skies… perfect. A little warm in the middle of the day, but I’ll take that over Indiana weather any day.
I’m staying with Mo and Marci (remember them? They were at Grace Church for a while…). They have two extremely hyper boys… Their house is so nice. I have my own room with a desk and everything.
It’s a little weird being the only Mzungu (white person) around, but I don’t mind. It’s refreshing to be the minority for once. You guys would be surprised at how modern it is over here. I don’t know what I expected, but after passing 3 shell stations and about a million car dealerships on the way to Mo and Marci’s house, I realized that my mental picture of Nairobi was a bit off.
For those of you who want to pray for me, I could use it! Right now I’m loving the whole experience, but I know there will come a time (probably soon) where I’ll wish I was back at home. Please pray that I’ll be able to cope and get beyond that quickly.
Well, I don’t want to bore you with drab details of my trip. Have a wonderful January and don’t forget, I’d love to hear from you!
Alive and jet-lagged,
Barry
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