Kukaa. Kupenda. Kujifunza.: Some difficult things to think about...

I have learned so much over the past few days through seeing extreme poverty and grief.

On Thursday, Anna and I went to the funeral of a student who lost his father, along with Mr. Wanyonyi, Mr. Ochieng, and three other students. When we arrived at the family's farm, we proceeded inside the house to view the body. Some other family members gathered inside as one of the teachers started singing a praise song (similar to “On Christ the solid rock I stand”). Everyone joined in in harmony, and it was really moving to see so many people lifting their hearts to Jesus in trust and hope! During the following prayer, a baby reached out to touch my shoulder and I was able to hold her hand. Her face and eyes remain etched in my memory, and I wonder what her life will be like in 10, 20 years?

Afterwards, we went outside to a tent where about 50 people were gathered. Both teachers gave a short message in a mixture of Swahili and Kibukusu and all those attending were very welcoming to us. After returning to school, we prepared for the talent show that was happening in the evening. It was really neat to see how many students showcased their talent and did a very good job. Acts ranged from dance to song to drama. Anna, Katie, and I sang “Stand by me” with the help of a few students singing back-up. It was interesting to spend time with the students “outside” of school and have fun! We also judged the acts and gave the top 5 performers prizes.

Today was the last day of the term, which meant: Form 1 and 2 students went home for 3 weeks, no classes were held, and the faculty had a meeting to review the past term and plan for the upcoming term. After the meeting, we headed to the home of a Form 3 student, Maurice. He lives about an hour away from Kabula, so we took a matatu to a nearby town, and from there, a piki piki. It was so humbling to see his village and the compound on which his family lives. They have a one room hut which is used for eating, sleeping, and living space. They hadn’t eaten for the past 3 days, yet still managed to prepare a large dinner for us of cassava ugali and fish. The leftovers were then eaten by the family. I felt awful eating their food when I knew I could easily go without and was assured of a meal this evening. It was especially difficult to see the mother and daughter who are HIV-positive. This family is in such great need, particularly since the father passed away. The girls were thrilled to get a pink jump rope and small stuffed animal. ..probably the first real toys they have ever owned. :( I brought a package of sillybandz which I gave to all the kids we met. They were a little shy at first, having never seen a mzungu before, but were happy to get something colorful to wear!

There’s probably a lot more I could write, but I’ll stop for tonight. Whatever you’re doing, wherever you are, think about all the many things you have to be thankful for. Even on what seems like the worst day, we have so much to thank God for and praise Him for all His goodness!

It’s a privilege to have shoes to wear.

It’s a privilege to have drivable roads.

It’s a privilege to be healthy.

It’s a privilege to have easy access to education.

It’s a privilege to have meals to eat every day.

It’s a privilege to have parents who love you and provide for you.

Now I’m left thinking about what Jesus would have me do and how I can share His love in a practical way…

Until next time,

Heather