These are a few pictures from this month so far in Nairobi, Kenya. I have not taken many because I want the people here to know I am here for them not just tourism. So, as I develop a trust with these people and a real friendship I will then be taking more pictures just as I do with you, my friends and family back at home.
I am quickly feeling uneasiness about being seen as a typical American Missionary which to people here means all I care about are the devastating pictures of the people in Africa so that I can show people at home how hard of a life people have it here. I want to run as far away from that stereotype as possible. I am not here to take pictures I am here for relationship, to listen, and to love. Of course I want pictures, but to the extent of them being my reason for seeing people. So, again as I make friendships I will take pictures. The pictures will mean a lot more to me and hopefully to you that way as well 🙂
Yes, there are parts of Africa that are devastating to see. But, that is the same with the whole world. There is so much beauty and so many great things about Africa. Every nation has a slum community, they just look different sometimes and may be called by a different name. Enjoy this journey with me as I get down on my knees with the people of Africa and open my eyes and ears to understand who they are. This posture is my desire for every country that I will be going to and one I also need to have even in America. Without understanding, without asking for perspective or life stories, we will always get the wrong impression. What we see in the physical immediately is usually very misleading. So, enjoy the journey with me and thank you for your support and patience!
I want you to have an accurate perception of Africa. Which means we need to throw out our stereotypes and listen to people tell their story.
A stereotype of America is that we are ALL loud, obnoxious, ignorant and overweight.
Now, that’s not true for all of us is it? I bet,you also wouldn’t appreciate it if you were known as an obnoxious and ignorant person. So how do we knock that stereotype off of you and of me? We refuse to make assumptions and spend time asking questions and listening to peoples stories. Do not fall prey to accepting that a single story is the same for all people in a nation. We all have our own stories to tell….
So, let’s listen and observe so we can here stories that portray a different picture than that of which stereotypes paint.
This is a pic my teammate, Sarah, took while we were traveling across the globe to Africa.
You can’t see into our room very well. But, the 5 of us girls are living in this room. We have two queen size beds and 2 big bug nets. There of us share one bed and two in the other. It is nice and cozy. I love it! haha. People laugh at us and think we are living such a cramped life, but it brings us so much closer and forces us to live in authenticity. That’s what I want!
This is our living room. We live with a host family which is the best way to go!
These are me and my girls!! From the left: Sarah, Heather, Aly, Carin and myself
These are our two guys and our local friend Anderson. From the left: Kyle, Kevin, Anderson. They are walking back from church.
What more needs to be said? haha
This is our host families 3 year old daughter, Patience and my teammate, Carin. After living with the Maurer’s and their kids for 9 months, I really missed living with kids. Who would have imagined?!?! The Maurer chaos also really prepared me to live the way I am living (haha, love you guys!) So, I am greatly enjoying living with Patience. She is such a joy!
Some guys chilling by water jugs outside of church.
One of the kids we work with 🙂
Dear Patience!!! She’s a doll!
