the JOY outweighs... 60 high school students in 2011!

30 eighth grade students pass their national exam
20 students start boarding high school
3 high school students finish in the top ten academically for 2010
60 total high school students in Kibera Penda Project 


Those are some big numbers. Some joyful numbers. As I have been back from Kenya now for 2 weeks, I have felt JOY in these milestones and God working in each of these individual students. 

In Eddy Mwangi, who finished 2010 as the #1 student in 9th grade at Lang'ata High School. He began his second year at a boarding school on January 7th. Eddy's a quiet boy, who loves soccer, but not more than studying so that he can change the future for his family. While I was in Kenya, Eddy asked me if he could repeat 9th grade so that he could do even better than he did this year (I'm not even sure that's possible!) Eddy also got a brand new pair of Puma soccer cleats for Christmas from a student at Veritas Academy. I've never seen him light up quite that much!

Eddy on the left holding his new cleats!

In Joan, who has a very special place in my heart, after hardship after hardship scoring the highest mark for a girl in the school. And this girl who strives for goodness was angry at herself for not doing better! We had to force some excitement out of her. Now, after two and half years in eighth grade due to family situations, Joan is going to boarding school! I've learned so much about perserverance and strength in this girl and find so much JOY in watching her become a leader and beautiful women of God.

 Joan rocking my shades in July.

In Lucy Juma, who we all fell in love with our first time in Kibera in 2008. This girl just has that spirit that draws you to her, makes you love her, and makes you want to know you more. She's never asked me once for anything despite the great need in her life. Lucy is a double orphan who has drifted from family member to family member. Over the past year, after issues with one aunt, Lucy moved in with her grandma, after another aunt broke up with her husband, she and her 3 daughters moved in with grandma. There was not enough room for all of them, so Lucy was asked to move out. Then, an older man tried to force Lucy to marry him. She was out of school for 2 weeks living with the man until the church pastor got involved. Lucy is now living with the pastor's daughter in Kibera, but is not sure how permanent that is. After prayer, deliberation, frustration, and begging, we decided to start Lucy's high school education over (she was in 9th grade in 2010) and got her into a boarding school!!! We are so thankful for an opportunity to get Lucy out of Kibera and allow her to focus completely on school. We are thankful that the pressures from older men, where to get food and whose roof she will be sleeping under are gone. 

Lucy holding up her new athletic shoes, a Christmas present from another Veritas student.

And Tressie...Trecy...Tressy (still not sure how to spell her name...haha), a now five year old girl who lives next door to New Hope Primary School, who we met and have loved and spoiled for the past 2 years. Tressie was really sick when we first met her, and after a long walk to a clinic with her and her mom, Deborah, their family has really become our family. Tressie is now a beautiful, healthy five year old who is starting kindergarten at New Hope this year!! So overjoyed to see that girl in school! 

Tressie in Summer 2008

Tressie in June 2009

March 2010

with Kyle in July 2010

January 2011

But then my heart is still heavy. There is still brokenness and sadness. And moments that I just beg God to work in the lives of every single person and I know it's possible and I know that the answer isn't education for every student, but I don't know another answer yet. And I just feel heavy for these kids. I pray that in these moments of failure in the world they find their worth and joy in Christ and in the beautiful people, in His image, that they are. I pray for God's protection over them in a hard, hard place of poverty and insecurity. And I do pray that God provides answers. 

For Mwende. Whose father has passed away. Whose mother is dying of AIDS. Mwende is the oldest child in her family, which in her situation, makes her MOM. And she's 15. And despite her brightness, has failed the 8th grade national exam two years in a row. Because how is she going to study when she goes home and cares for her mom and cooks dinner and raises her younger siblings? How is she going to continue to learn with the anxiety and stress of not knowing how much longer her mom has left? And not knowing what her and her siblings will do when her mom is gone? 

Mwende in July 2010

For Lazarus, who did 9th grade twice but is still struggling. Who I had to have the conversation with that he would no longer be sponsored in Kibera Penda Project. And he told me about the frustration and failure he feels when he continues to strive to do good and then falls short. And his father who gets angry because of his lack of success. 

For Vallary and Josephine and Caroline Achieng and Phoebe and Juliet who I sat in room with as most of them wept because they were all within points of passing their national exam but didn't. Who were ashamed to repeat eighth grade. Whose parents and aunts and uncles had put so much pressure on them and they failed. Whose families were threatening to take them upcountry because they didn't believe they could do succeed in education. Because of maybe 2 questions that they missed...on one test...   

"Taste and see that the LORD is good; 

blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." 

Psalm 34:8

Christine. Serious Faith.

Christine’s Story

My names are Christine Achieng. I am 14 years old. I have lived in Kibera for three years. I have been living with my sister. I come from Nyanza province at a place called Siaya. I lived with my elder sister, and I also have three brothers. I used to have one father and one mother.

My elder sister feeds us, and buys for us anything we need. The big problem that we face as a family is lack of money. My sister’s work is so little so sometimes we eat once a day and that comes from school. Many times, the hot lunch and encouragement from school is all that helps me survive.

As a youth in our community, I face so much trouble because of gossip, which will sometimes bring low friendships. Although we have some groups that help girls in their problems, it may also be very difficult. Sometimes the parents we live with are very harsh and will make the youth scared or afraid.

When I grow up, I would like to be a journalist. I want everyone around the country to see me and be surprised. For school, I want to work hard and pass my exams. After finishing my education, I want to take my family out of this slum.

The most serious thing that I would like you to pray for me is for my family- that God will provide, protect, and show us the way. Also, pray for me so that I will continue serving my living God.

Anyway, I am funny and smart and sometimes shy when I see new people, but I am also proud of myself.

Pray for Juliet to pass her exams with "flying colours"!!

Juliet’s  Story

My names are Juliet Wakhu Opisa. I have one father and one mother. Our family consists of five children- four girls and one boy.

I was born on November 1^st 1996 in our urban area. I have stayed there since I was born until 2004 when I was still young. Before, our family came here to Kibera, we were in a difficult situation. My father got into an accident in 2002. He was on his way to visit us. It was night. My mother was helpless; nobody could help us apart from our mighty God. At that time, when the news was out, my mother was shocked.

From that time, til today, God never left us. He lifted us up- whenever, wherever we would go. We have had trouble, but God never leaves His people. When my father got in the accident, my elder sister was in grade five. Imagine now, our first born who was in grade five, and now she is in college. I hope God will help my mom to have a good job.

As a young person, I have so many troubles in my life, but I don’t give up because I know God loves us and protects us  (Prov 1:7). I would like to be a broadcaster when I finish my education. I would like to build a church when I grow up and help orphans, and refugees too. I want to help them the way God has sent these good friends to help me. I am a funny girl. Pray for me because of my upcoming examination, that I may pass with flying colors!

May God bless you. With God, everything is possible!

At the beginning of day 2 of exams in Kenya, I am praying for Benta's future...

Benta’s Story

My names are Benta Akinyi.  I am 14 years old.  I have two sisters in this school. Their names are Lucy Achieng (she is in standard six and she likes reading). Another one is Jacinta Atieno. She is in standard three. I was born in Kawanga Hospital. I have stayed in Kibera for  four years and I come from Kisumu.

I live with my parents and I like it very much because they care for me, and they want me to study hard. My parents are Christians and they like the Word of God. We are only three children. My dad likes joking, while my Mother likes singing.

My parents struggle for us so that we can have our basic needs met. My mother is a tailor, while my father is a carpenter. They tell me to work hard in school so that I can help them in the future, and so that I can help myself in the future. They always tell us they want us to make our dreams, and when I hear that tears roll down my cheeks. I told them that I will work hard at school and I promise to them that I will work hard. I would like to be a newscaster. If I work hard, and reach my dreams, I will be very happy.

I want to overcome all temptation. I will put God first because He is the one who will overcome all the temptation and I will do the right things at the right time.

I am usually funny and I like joking and reading story books.

At the end of day one, I'm praying for Brian.

As I write this, it is about 5 p.m. in Kenya on Tuesday and the 8th graders are just finishing up their first day of exams. I pray that they feel peace tonight about their performance today and not anxious for the coming days of more exams. 

Right now, I'm praying for Brian.

Brian’s Story

My name is Brian Otieno. I am sixteen years old. I was born in 1994. I was born into a family of four members including myself. In my family, I am the first born. I have three siblings. All of my siblings are sisters.

I went to a nursery school in my early childhood in upper country at a place called Ugunja in Nyanza province. The name of the school was St. Paul E.C.D. Center. I later entered grade one in a school called Nyamasare primary school for my primary education. When I reached grade seven, I was transferred to another school called Ulwani. That is where I did my first national exam and managed to get a mark of 346 out of 500. Because of financial problems I had to move to Kibera to live with my aunt.

This happened one week after our national exam which took place from November 10^th- the 12^th of last year. When I reached Kibera in Nairobi, my aunt suggested to me to repeat grade eight. I did not have any alternative option but to repeat grade eight at New Hope.

I am trying to get 450 marks out of 500 so that I can join National school and later become an engineer.

The problem that I face here in Kibera is housing. Other houses may sometimes even be swept away by the strong rain.

I can say that I am funny, honest, and smart. I always pray so that one day I may reach my goals.

8th grade exam begins! Praying for JOAN.

Tonight I am praying to Joan. As I am writing this Joan is minutes away from beginning her 8th grade national exam along with the rest of the 8th grade class at New Hope Primary School. This test will determine her future. I wouldn't say it's the best method, but the rest of the week she will be taking a KCPE exam that depending on the score will determine if she goes on to high school and what high school she goes to.

Joan’s  Story

My names are Joan Adhiambo.  I am 16 years old. I live in Kibera Slum with both my older sister, whose name is Dorothy, and her children. I have three brothers and three sisters. Some are jobless. I love them so much because they are all God fearing. I am so happy because God gave me a great talent, which is singing and playing football.

The only difficult situation my family and I are passing through is lack of love and lack of money. Sometimes we see ourselves as not being very important. Since our mummy and daddy passed away, things have been difficult for me and the way our mummy used to take care of us. But, the only think I know is that God had a purpose for why He took away my parents.

Sometimes, I become angry and want to kill myself. I get very stressed when I find my friends gathering together telling stories about me or talking about how they have parents who are so nice to them and encourage them.

One day I went to church and found my pastor preaching that God knows you before you were born and he knows the plan for your life. That made me understand that I am an important person and one day I will be somebody. I will have a bright life.

For my career, I would like to be an engineer and help my brothers and sisters who are jobless. My prayer will come true.

Jesus is the pillar of my salvation. The love of God is the more important than anything. We should always keep on moving to our destiny.  Although I don’t have both parents, I know that God is my Father and He has a good plan for me, a plan not to harm me.

Baby Kelsey

 

I can't stop thinking about this little one. One, because she is my first namesake. Two, because one of our 17 year old scholarship student's had her. And my heart has been breaking for the seventeen year old mother, Elizabeth since I found out that she was pregnant.

This summer, I was worried about Elizabeth. Elizabeth was in the equivalent of her junior year of high school. Her grades were dropping. She had missed a lot of school and her head teacher had even met with me to discuss her repetitive sicknesses. She often had to go home early because she was faint or would so up to school late. Looking back, it all makes sense. But then, I was thinking HIV, TB, malaria, etc....

Then one afternoon in study hall, Elizabeth came to talk to me about her family. She told me that her younger sister and her lived with their aunt and uncle. They had no information about her parents and her aunt wouldn't give her information. Elizabeth was wrestling through doubts about her parent's being alive, too sick to care for them, too poor to care for them... or did her parent's just not want her? Elizabeth was questioning her worth... could something be wrong with her that her own mother abandoned her? The unknowing was eating her soul.

Then, less than a month after I got home I found out that Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant. How could I possibly not have known? I began struggling between the fact that it was sin and the fact that Jesus loves sinners and hung out with sinners. I didn't want to just let her disappear into Kibera as a 17 year old mom with no husband and no knowledge of a mother or father and no high school education. I knew I was supposed to help, but how? especially from half a world away?


After sending her a simple letter saying I still love you, I got this email...

"Kelsey am treading on a tortuous road,not only do i feel confused,sad or guilty but i also feel i have disappointed you people who are my benefactors,it is today that i have received your letter that i have felt that despite my present situation you are still fully and wholly behind my wellbeing....

If to tell you right now how i feel with myself, it is that when i realised i had conceived i felt like ending my life so that i dont live to see all these pregnancy humiliation...

i promise never to dissapoint you again please Kelsey, spare me aplace in your heart to forgive me and a chance too."

 And while I am still full of questions, confusion and a broken heart for Elizabeth, I keep being pointed to Christ's love of the sinners and God's call to obey him. All I did was pray, send a letter of encouragement, and spent $25 on hospital bills and there's a girls still alive with a beautiful baby girl who is named after me (while that's really cool, and still a little weird, I am honored that God used me to impact a life in that way).