The rain falls gently as a breeze flows through with sweet scent. In bed I allow rest for my aching body from the walk (and then sprint) to shelter from falling hail. Lungs are tired and breath is heavy. My days have been good so I'll rest.
Kitale is much cooler than Kisumu. Green and lush with gardens from the consistent rains this season. The assumption is its hot in Africa. In Tanzania there are all 7 climate zones, one of the only places in the world to have all 7 (or however many there are total). Kisumu was hot, dry and dusty. Not lush like Kitale. The people are the same though. Full of life and joy, despite the poverty and need.
I think of how often I need to buy shoes, the pair I just have to have, followed soon by another pair I have to have. And then I have 27 pairs. Maybe Phil will purge my closet while I'm gone so I'm not so quick to go back to my old ways.
My mother in law, Kathleen, recently shared with me about a book based on the concept of seven, and how we consume so much in the West based on "need". There is a stark difference between need and necessity. I want to read that book and get rid of some shoes. I know I will resist at first, but I will try.
As I type this post I hold a 7 day young baby, abandoned in Kipsongo slum. This week old baby boy doesn't have a name. His 16 year old mother gave birth in a shack during school holiday. Terrified she would be kicked out of school, she concealed her pregnancy until giving birth, when she confided in a cousin and then ditched town, leaving her son behind. Fortunately the cousin sought help, and the baby is safe while the mother is found, probably in need of medical attention and unconditional love.
This is a real need. A necessity.
I have two more days in Kenya, and a lifetime of lessons more to learn.
Ever hopeful
Children from Mukuyani village near Kitale, future site of community development incorporating our water project and agriculture project collaboration with UntilThen.org and OCC.org
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