Our Last Full Day In Kitale
7 years ago
Monday, September 15, 2008
Street Boys
I think about them a lot. In fact, I see them a lot, so they are very hard not to think about. Today I spent some serious time with some, just hanging out on, well, the street. I wish I could say that I had some incredible breakthrough, or that I was able to give them some life changing advice, but no, all we did was hang. I did have one realization, if all I had to do for the rest of my life is sit on a step outside of a grocery store hanging out with street boys, I would be content. You always think about how you can help these kids and then you realize, that everything that you have to say to them is weak in comparison with what they have to say to you. When you look into the eyes of a street boy as he sits and tells you about some soccer game he saw while passing by a TV on the street, I also think you see a little bit of Jesus. I have needed a reminder of why I am here, and today I got it. Sitting, talking and just all around hanging out with some kids.
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4 comments:
Chris,
The compassion you have for people is nothing you have been taught. It was in you the day you were born and as I read your post today, it was very clear. Thanks for the wake up call today I promise to give you a call within the next few days.
I love you my Son, and miss you so much.
Momxoxoxoxox
I am so blessed to have been able to BE there with you and Allison and to have seen and and felt and experienced and SMELLED that world you are living in.
I DO know that 'loving on' those people is ALL you can truly do. AND, all that they truly need and desire is to BE with you.
Chris, I have told EVERYONE of your amazing attitude and love for life and for the people of Kenya.
I have considered it a TOTAL blessing that Allison has you there to hang with when there's time to just take care of yourselves for a bit. That you like the same music, the same TV shows and that you have the same PUNNY humor...God is good.
My very short experience in Kenya has impacted my life (and ALL of my friends' lives!) SO deeply. I can only imagine that anything else you do the rest of your life will seem to pale in comparison to what you are accomplishing today in Kitale just by sitting with or playing soccer with or eating Chipate with those boys.
It will, no doubt, make you a better man.
Actually, I am not sure if that's even possible.
You are incredible.
I am so blessed to be able to say I saw you in action! I took pictures. I watched you eat a goat's liver!
Ah...what a life.
Keep up the good work, good and faithful servant.
You just described my dream day....
I can't tell you how many times, in Kitale, that I have sat on the curb, feet in the gutter, surrounded by a group of street boys.
Kids are the same everywhere. They just need love and attention and they light up.
The sad part is to look over your shoulder and see the "good" citizens on Kitale whispering and laughing and shaking their heads at the 'muzungu wazimu' sitting in the gutter with the street boys.
But, even Jesus has to contend with the Pharisees who mocked the crowd he chose to hang with!
Keep doing what you are doing...you rock, my friend.
Chris... So glad to hear you are feeling better. I think you threw all of us for loop when you said the word "malaria." Please be sure to use your net at night and consistently take your medication prophylactically!
Anyway... As I read this post of yours, I reflected on YOUR community service (or shall we say, "global service"). As you may not know, since you've been unplugged from all the political "stuff" going on here, Obama and McCain sat down with two reporters to provide us with their vision of "community service" in America. This interview was done the day of the anniversary of 9-11, and of course, both of them listed their community service backgrounds. As you might also suspect, both candidates agreed that community service was an important part of the American spirit and each one of us should be a volunteer in one way or another.
As I listened to the candidates dialog on TV I thought of you many times. YOU embody true community service giving. YOU have the love and appreciation for those less fortunate than you. You embody the type of giving sprit each of the candidates was talking about.
We are proud of you. Keep loving on the street boys. Be patient. Remember: "One step at a time" and "inch by inch it's a cinch." Soon you will gain their trust and respect... then YOU will be able to provide them with words from God. "Hanging" with them IS the best thing you can do. Don't be anxious to jump right into a "message." Your physical presence is MUCH more important than a sermon of sorts.
Love you,
DAD
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