Slums and Orphanage

Hello Family and Friends! We had an eye-opening day on Friday. We visited the slum area and an orphanage. Our entire group is extremely grateful for all of the things that we have in the states - a very humbling experience.

The slum area in Nairobi houses over 700,000 people in a small valley in the city. They live in huts made of tin and spare lumber which are only 12' X 12' - and they even have to pay rent - $10 a month. We were able to visit a woman that lives in one of these "houses". She has just recently accepted Jesus into her heart and continues to have hope even with the environment that she is living in and being positive with HIV. I'm afraid that I won't be able to accurately portray this area and the poverty involved. There is no running water, no electricity, dirt pathways and floors and the smell was not pleasant. The paths are filled with children. There is a local church that brings in children into a daycare. They try to bring in children where their mother are out trying to find jobs. They recently started doing this because they became aware that mothers were locking their children in their slum homes. This same place also has a school. We were able to visit the children here and also gave them books, pencils, pencil sharpeners, cookies and candy. Reverend & Mrs. Jepson Karau have been doing this service for over 25 years in this area. A service that is definitely needed and deserved.

After our visit to this area, we went to Rev. & Mrs. Jepson Karau's home where they are fostering 10 children from the slums. They are teaching them about Jesus and his love for them. Their wish is to raise children that are warriors for Christ and they also hope that some of these kids will want to minister to the slum area. Juliette had fun giving the kids candy and they of course loved her!

On a contrasting note, at the end of the day, we went to Carnivore - a 5 start restaurant. They specialize in meat (imagine that!). We had everything from lamb chops to ostrich and crocodile. It was a fun experience and we were thankful for our time together!

Today (Sat), we are going to Joy Christian Fellowship. There will be a leadership conference this morning and a marriage conference in the afternoon. Pastor Matthew and Paul will be going to another church in the afternoon to minister to Youth.

It has been raining everyday and only about 70 degrees. This is not normal for this time of year - but at least we are not hot!
Enjoy the photos and we will have another update tomorrow! Thanks for your comments and prayers!