Two roads diverged, but not in a yellow wood. Instead the road is a muddy cornfield with cows, chickens and crops. Being in Kenya forces me to see the world through diverged lenses simultaneously. I have a dark brown complexion, yet still American Mazungou. Minister yet human. However, today, I saw development that was 100% Kenyan.
Today, I attended a meeting after church with Mother Dorothy, her husband and other members of their HTCA church. They are a part of an organization that serves as a community bank, loan and investment project. Members are comprised of married couples, committed to working on community wealth building and development. They utilize fundraising opportunities, membership dues and other strategies to help businesses flourish, people get through hard times, and support the poor in their community. Although the meeting was held in Luo, I saw the “Kenyan Dream,” (like the American Dream) where they see their community as the greatest resource for empowerment.
It is easy to become overwhelmed by the poverty, lack of infrastructure, technology and educational opportunities. In a conversation, many of the Kenyans said they had no idea who Oprah Winfrey was. However, today I saw hope.
No comments:
Post a Comment