“My name is Adhiambo. My father died soon after I was born. My mother died when I was five. So I went to live with my older brother. Then my brother got married. His wife hated me. She kicked me out when I was nine. Now I am 14. I live here with a group of street kids. At night, we sleep here on concrete under a green veranda in front of a closed store. A big truck hit me ten months ago and it hurt my ankle. The driver bribed the police so he didn’t get in trouble. I tried to go to the hospital but doctors kicked me out because I was from the street. They refused to take care of me. It hurts to walk on it.” A feverish Adhiambo allowed me to examine her leg. There was an open, infected gash on the Achilles tendon area. The whole ankle and foot was swollen and crooked. How did she manage to walk on it? Help for her was the other street kids’ first priority. Even before food or drink for themselves. Her. They wanted to help her.
She needed to be cleaned up so she didn’t look like a street kid so the doctors would treat her. We helped Adhiambo into the Reverend’s car and took her home. There, Mama and Florence bathed her. I gave her a dress to wear. Mama gave her a jacket. My team prepared food for her. She ate and slept as we discussed the situation. That afternoon, we took her to a hospital where Mama used to work. She was admitted and treated. The doctors said they can’t fix her ankle. She’ll always walk with a limp. She was happy, though. Happy because she got a glimpse of God’s love.
the kids listen intently as Reverend Gideon questions them
This is just one of the poignant stories of the street kids. You don’t truly understand the desperation of the situation until you’re catapulted into the midst of it, besieged by forty dirty, hungry, chaotic street kids, clambering to have their lives heard. It’s overwhelming. Hunger, sadness, pain, suffering… but in the midst of it, there is a stoic acceptance, smiles, and a fierce bond forged by hardship and circumstance. All of them are dressed in old, grimy clothing that is several sizes too large. Half of them are high on fumes from the glue- and fuel-soaked rags clutched tightly in their small fists. All of them are malnourished and gaze at us with hungry dark brown eyes. They want to have hope, you can see it in their faces, in their eager smiles and bright eyes, in their enthusiasm to talk to us. Many will live like this for the rest of their lives. But perhaps… perhaps God will allow us to give some a new life.
one of the street boys
These kids survive day to day. They work for small shillings – washing cars and bikes, sweeping off storefront steps, carrying groceries, begging… Whatever small work people are willing to give them. Most don’t take them seriously and consider them to be trouble. There are few handouts and food is scarce, as is clothing and shelter. They sleep in groups for safety at night and roam the streets by the Ugandan border during the day. They long for food, for shelter, even an education! But what they need the most is love – the love of God displayed practically through the lives of people here and now.
some of the street boys; the leader michael is the one on the left in the back
he impresses me. he looks out for the welfare of the entire group; he called for them to bring adhiambo first for care. when we brought chai and chapatti, he took his last.
God has so richly blessed me! I have everything at my fingertips. When I’m hungry, I open the fridge or go to the store or a restaurant. When I’m tired, I have a safe home and a warm, comfortable bed. People, we have LUXURY. These things that we take for granted are BLESSINGS! Check out Mark 12:41-44 for a story of the widow’s generosity and also Matthew 25:14-30 for the parable of the talents and how to steward what God has given you. Be grateful for what you have, and be willing to share out of the wealth God has lovingly bestowed. He gave it to you for a reason; pray that He reveals that reason to you. Then be willing to step forward into His plans for it.
