Generosity through poverty

   There has not been a day that has gone by that I haven’t been amazed by the generosity of those around me. Kenya is a very poor country, there are some political problems (and corruption that I mentioned in my last post), but it is a country of incredible generosity through the poverty. One of the things that I was most nervous about before I came here was about how to handle situations in which I am asked for money. I have been to other countries similar to Kenya before and have had many experiences with beggars on the street, but have never had someone who I have met through a friend ask me for something so directly. The more I am here, though, the more I see that this does not occur only with me. Frequently, people will show up at Michael’s door asking for help. Sometimes they need a ride to the hospital (Michael is one of the only people near with a vehicle) and sometimes they need financial assistance. Whatever the case, Michael will listen to their story, and more often than not, will help.

   When I talked about this issue with Michael on the way from Nairobi to Kapenguria, he explained to me how Kenyans have learned how to survive by becoming interdependent on each other. People share what little they have. He said there is a common saying to describe this cultural aspect: “Because you were, I am. Because I was, we are.” People would not make it here if they did not depend on each other.

   Michael and his family, along with Nathan Roberts, have spent years starting a school to help children who would not normally be able to access education. Many of these children are orphans from Michael’s tribe and the surrounding tribes. Some of them are from extremely poor families. Whatever the case, their lives are being changed because one family decided to give rather than keep. Even right now, as I am writing these words, there is a 17-year-old girl, Kristen, studying her chemistry homework next to me in my room. This girl is from Michael’s hometown. Her father died years ago, and her mother died this last December. Michael and his wife, Angelina, decided to take care of Kristen and she now lives with them. They are even working to find resources to help pay for Kristen’s high school tuition (which is about $1200 a year) so she can finish high school.

Kristen (back left) and three of Michael's children with their new soccer ball

Angelina (Michael's wife, left) and Lois

   This family gives everything they have to others, and especially to the children at Daylight. Yesterday, I gave Michael’s children a soccer ball, and before Angelina let me give it to them, she made sure that I had another soccer ball for the Daylight students. She did not want her children to have something if it meant the school children were overlooked. I have been inspired by the way the Kimpur family lives their lives. They have changed the future for so many children and families. When I asked Michael about it, he just simply said, “That is what Jesus told us to do. Look after his children.” This, in my opinion, is true Christianity.