Shanty Life
We break off into small teams and leave the church. Immediately we begin outreach ministry because we’re located in the middle of a market and shanty homes close by. A couple friends lead the way around parts of the slum as we search, pray and invite people to know God. We run into countless people that are jobless, sick, alcoholic and broken down. Some invite us into their homes, simple one room abodes with tin walls and roof supported by wood posts. We walk through a maze of narrow passageways between homes, stooping under clothes lines and jumping over sludge trenches. Kids yell out “Muzungu!” (white person) and come after us in droves. They rub our arms as if the white comes off and persist on continuously shaking hands. This is just part of the day.
We break off into small teams and leave the church. Immediately we begin outreach ministry because we’re located in the middle of a market and shanty homes close by. A couple friends lead the way around parts of the slum as we search, pray and invite people to know God. We run into countless people that are jobless, sick, alcoholic and broken down. Some invite us into their homes, simple one room abodes with tin walls and roof supported by wood posts. We walk through a maze of narrow passageways between homes, stooping under clothes lines and jumping over sludge trenches. Kids yell out “Muzungu!” (white person) and come after us in droves. They rub our arms as if the white comes off and persist on continuously shaking hands. This is just part of the day. School Daze
The bell rings as we approach a local primary school. Students in green sweaters scurry around campus. The school complex holds over 1,000 students and tuition is less than a dollar (yet kids still stay home because they can’t afford). The school compound has several rectangle buildings, two stories high with hallways on the outside connecting classrooms. I’m welcomed and introduced as a guest teacher in a normal room with 88 students packed like sardines. The irony about my visit to this public school… I teach about focusing on God. Jaded feelings about saying Jesus Christ around students aren’t found here. There’s actually structured times when students go to either protestant or catholic classes in the morning. This however isn’t the most impactful experience. Mother Teresa’s Home
Even after our contact warned to ready ourselves, I wasn’t prepared for what I set my eyes on. We walked into Mother Teresa’s Home, a center for the disabled (founded by hers truly). Entering the eating area I was overcome with indescribable thoughts and feelings. Instantly I wanted to run, seeing disfigured and contorted bodies everywhere. At that moment some excitement broke out because muzungus were present. Then a peace took over me as I focused past the physical into the souls of these loved ones. I began to feed and help serve lunch to the residence. Soon all I could think about was how I didn’t want to be anywhere else. I met a couple teenagers who begged I wouldn’t forget them. I just sat and smiled at one more who tried her best to smile as two tears ran down her face. Another loved receiving High 5’s and had the most contagious laugh. I’ve seen life in the worst circumstances. I’ve seen light in the most intimidating of places. May God continue to dwell peace in our lives. May you find the life I’ve found in following Jesus Christ.
