Oh, the Places You'll Go: 9-24

Leann and I got to chill with Robert from CHE today. He is super cool! We went to Babandogo to see the school and meet with a group of young men who want to start a cleanup project. As we approached the school we were greeted with singing and dancing kids. I looked around and saw an open field just covered in piles of trash. There were groups of children (not in school) playing on the trash. Some were using the trash to play with.

Walking to the group’s meeting place, I was treated a bit like a celebrity. All the kids greeted me with, “Howareyou!’s,” ran up to me and grabbed my hands, and announced, “Mzyngu!” One man said, “Hi, how are you?” in a very nasally voice. Robert said he was trying to sound like us. It was weird. We finally made it to the group and were greeted by all. One fellow took our picture with his camera phone – multiple times. It was hilarious.

Robert led the group in a brainstorm. They were coming up with ideas for ways to improve their community. Right now their number one concern is the trash build-up. It is literally everywhere – definitely the worst village I have seen as far as trash is concerned. They want to do cleanup days and eventually get a recycling machine so they can make some money.

At the end of their meeting Leann and I prayed for the group. I ask everyone to pray for them as well – that God opens doors for their projects to get underway, that they stay strong and patient, and that God will bless their lives. Robert said that not all the men are Christians, so pray that the whole group will give their lives over to Jesus. He is the one who will be able to improve their community.

As we walked through the streets, everything around me began to sink in. I walked by a man crawling out of the sewer. I passed by young men who had passed out in the alleyways next to their alcohol and glue bottles. I was accosted by kids Victory’s age (12) begging for money. I waved to kids playing soccer with a ball made of plastic bags rolled up and bundled together. I smiled at kids playing jump rope on piles of trash with a string.

After that intense day, I drove us over to the Village Market’s food court to eat out with Erin, Bethany, and Justine. It was awesome. They are really cool and insightful. They certainly know what’s up. I ate a delicious philly sandwich again and we all got ice cream.

Wallace drove the family home. David sat next to me and he got really sleepy. He snuggled up next to me. I thought of all the four year olds living in Mathare who don’t have anyone to cuddle with.