Being in Busia, Kenya for the past two weeks has been
absolutely amazing. Living the simple African life has been such a blessing,
down to showers in a bucket. I truly love Africa, the people, the lifestyle,
even the hot weather. Here are a few facts about the little town of Busia:
·
Children are often names after major events or
people at the time of birth. For example: Barack Obama, Prince Charles, Nelson
Mandela, Post Election Violence…
·
We usually eat supper between 9:00 and 10:00
·
The evening television program of choice is a
Latino soap opera dubbed over in English, Storm
Over Paradise
·
There are the most bodabodas, bike taxis, in the
entire country
·
With no nearby industry, it is very hard to find
jobs
·
Being so close to the Ugandan border, there is a
large problem with smuggling and human trafficking
·
40% of the town is HIV positive
Walking through the streets of Busia, my team and I are
usually followed by a parade of children yelling, “Mzungu! How are you? How are
you? I am fine thank you.� We smile, wave, and shake hands with the people we
pass, and I am always curious to know their story. While each person here is
burdened by things we can only imagine in America, they have such joy. I am
continually amazed at the resilience of the people here. As they talk about
tragedy, there is no hint of sorrow, only hope in Christ.
With so much attention each time I walk up and down the
street, get on a bodaboda, or enter someone’s home, I pray that I am not seen
as another rich, white, American with a lot of money. I pray that they see
Jesus. I pray that my smile reveals God’s love, kindness, and a little bit of
the hope they have.
