My stomach sank as I listened to captain giving his last talk before the students would head home for their long break. We knew that the kids would leave shortly after we arrived at the school and we were sad to say our goodbyes. Once again, I am amazed at how quickly a connection was formed between the 7 of us and the high schoolers. So we listened to the announcements about the end of class maintenance things and the encouragement about the next year. I was unprepared for the part of the final speech to the students which was on the topic of incest. "Remember, do not let yourself be taken advantage of. The bible says that relations with a family member is called incest and is a sin, so surround yourself with good company only." How could such a heavy topic be mentioned so casually? Why is there even a need to talk about this to a chapel full of children??
Individuals with disabilities are more likely to be taken advantage of than those without disabilities. And while I had come to know these people as productive, functioning members of society, society still views them as disabled individuals, easy to take advantage of.
Suddenly, I realized how much I had taken advantage of the pure joyful laughter and friendly demeanor of the open arms and welcoming faces that greeted me every morning and 'released' me every night. These high schoolers who are intelligent and beautiful are not just fascinated by foreigners and hungry for knowledge, but are fighting daily against the hell that their lack of vision pushes them into. By going to a school where they learn how to be independent rather than learning to rely on others for help, they are not just be educated for their future, but are being given tools that will help them to not fall into a statistic.
As we were sorting rice for the school, I began to talk to a tall, thin, African student. He was eager to engage with me, gain a new friend, and a deeper knowledge of the USA. He willingly and uninhibitedly shared with me about his life, family, and visual impairment. Throughout the rest of the week he would seek me out to share with me the plays that he had written about the political standing of the Kenyan government and a number of fictional rogue monarchies. At the goal ball tournament he ran into me and explained the importance of his position as line keeper. On the last day he found me to say goodbye and was so touched that I had written him a farewell note that he gave me his personal rosary as a keep sake. "Take a picture with me so that all of your friends in the US might become acquainted with my face. That way if I ever come to visit they will be able to recognize me". His joy: uninhibited, free, genuine, non-selective, constant.
I am truley astounded when I think about the number of students whom I have grown to love that have been taken advantage of over the coarse of their lives. And I am even more astounded when I think about the fact that they do not let this consume their lives. I am so used to seeing/ being a person who let's circumstances dictate my entire being. Not once have I heard a student complain about the troubles that come with being visually impaired. On the contrary, I have heard more joy pour from the lips of these students than from anyone else I have met on this adventure.
I am reminded once again this month what a blessing it is to be on the most beautiful continent, surrounded by some of the most beautiful people, serving a God that is so purely good. Thank you for being on this journey with me!
