Displacement Camps

Saturday...
We journeyed approximately 80 km outside of Nairobi today to visit 2 displacement camps which had families that have been there from the 2007 election riots. They were literally dropped off with the clothes on their backs and nothing else. These are families from various areas that owned land, had businesses, were productive and self reliant. They were forced from their homes that they had for 40-50 years and now living on a lot of land that was absolutely bare. But their spirits were alive and well. They welcomed us with huge smiles and singing. The children were absolutely beautiful and so well behaved/respectful.

The biggest challenge both of these camps faced is a lack of water. They have to walk over 4 km every day to buy water. They are hoping to dig wells soon but of course money is the obstacle to make any improvements on the land. Another large challenge is transportation for their secondary aged children to school. They have to walk along a dangerous and busy highway to get to school and crossing the highway has actually resulted in the loss of 2 children's lives.

A highlight at the first camp of approximately 161 families was a tour of their make-shift green house they have built. Kristeen (the leader of the community) took Jacob and proudly showed him their first crop of tomatoes which is just ready for picking. She took a tomato and gave it to Jacob to eat... a HUGE honor. And Jake grossly detests tomatoes, but he ate it like an apple and was so gracious for being treated like royalty. There was despair evident with the people once we were able to have one on one conversations wtih some of them. But their confidence in God's provision was amazing and inspiring!

The 2nd camp we visited had approximately 50 families. The are just now moving into their new homes that have been partially built by Habitat For Humanity. They have been living in tents made of sacks and sticks for most of the last 2 years with a some relief from UN agency in recent months. The homes are sturdy homes with floors and doors however they have no furniture to put in them and with cement floors they are too cold to sleep on so many are still sleeping on the dirt in their tents. One woman named Joyce took several of us to her new home and was so proud to show us the garden of tomatoes, onions and kale that she has planted. Sadly they have no water and with no little rain most of her new sprouts are dying. But she is hopeful and thankful for her goat and chickens that is helping sustain them.

Our team was deeply moved by the children. Their smiles are unforgettable and their polite ways warmed our hearts. But to see so many children without even the basic necessity of no shoes moved many of us to tears. They show signs of malnutrition and I asked one woman if the kids had eaten today?.... no, yesterday?.... no, a few days ago was her answer. We stopped on our way and loaded our van with bags of beans, sugar, flour and oil to leave with the families. Our team opted out of eating lunch today in order to purchase these basic items for them. They were so gracious and it was hard to leave them.

And last but not least, our team will never forget Steve, the leader of the 2nd camp. He had a toothless smile and laugh that could melt an iceberg. He and Christian had a laugh off... still not sure who was louder!

In our team debrief tonight we were moved to really investigate what God is teaching us and what action we take after experiencing this. It is confusing to see such a situation of hope and despair at the same time. Join us for praying for Steve, Kristeen, the families, the children, for water for them, for seeds to plant and for God's continued provision and mercy on these beautiful brothers & sisters in Christ.

Much love from Kenya!