Unexpected Joy: Kenya 2009
Posted Aug 22 in Trip Recaps by 2 Comments
From June 10 to August 7, 2009, World Next Door’s first summer interns lived in Nairobi, Kenya. All three of them lived with Kenyan host families, ate Kenyan food and took Kenyan public transportation. Despite illnesses, crazy meals and 10 hour hikes, they all managed to survive!
The whole time, I lived in Kibera slum, working with Tumaini Church.
Living in Kibera slum was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
At the end of our summer in Kenya, all four of us were undeniably changed forever. By witnessing poverty and desperation, our hearts were broken. But by experiencing true love and redemption, we were filled with an amazing sense of hope. God is working in Kenya, and we got to see it first hand!
Head First
As far as not-for-profit directors go, I’ve got to be one of the meanest. Anyone else bringing three interns to Kenya for two months would have undoubtedly started off slow. I, on the other hand, dropped them in head first…
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Out of my mind!
“I must be out of my mind!” That thought has run through my head all day. Here I am, a 26 year old white guy, and I’ve decided to live in East Africa’s biggest slum for five weeks. What???
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After the Sun Goes Down
I have now stayed in Kibera for four nights, and what I’ve already learned is blowing me away…
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Culture Guide: Matatus!
PhoAre you looking for a more loud, inconvenient and dangerous way to get to work in the morning? Then this culture guide is for you! How to take a matatu…
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Photo Gallery: Kibera at Night
Most mzungus don’t get a chance to see Kibera after the sun goes down. That’s why it has been my privilege to see what life is like there after dark.
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Shaving by Lantern Light
Shaving by the light of a lantern helped me understand Kibera in a new way…
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Photo Gallery: Safari!
Photos from our team’s “Safari” to Tsavo East National Park…
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Good Intentions
It started with good intentions, but an attempt to “fix” Kibera inadvertently led to tragedy…
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Culture Guide: Eating in Kibera
If you ever find yourself eating a meal in Kibera slum, it will be good to know a few handy tips before you take a bite…
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Sick!
Because of a whole series of illnesses, we need to take a small break from posting articles. This update should explain why!
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A Kid’s-Eye View
After spending time with kids in Kibera, I have learned a lot of stuff!
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Troopers…
A few updates about where the team has been, where we’re going and what the future holds for World Next Door…
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Culture Guide: Surviving the Stares
If you can get past the few less-than-awesome parts about it, being a minority for a change is a truly enriching experience!
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Rain
After two dry and dusty months in Kenya, I have developed a new appreciation for rain…
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All the Watches
Living for five weeks on “Kibera time” has taught me a lot about genuine relationships…
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Photo Gallery: Mombasa
At World Next Door, we may suffer through illnesses, strange food, odd customs and uncomfortable transportation, but MAN… we sure know how to wrap up a trip!
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Barry Rodriguez
About the Author: Barry Rodriguez is the director of World Next Door. He is a writer, photographer, actor and teacher with a heart for social justice and a passion for travel. Well then. It’s a good thing he’s got this job!
Blake Anderson said...
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:36 am
Wow. To think you did all that is just one summer. I can’t imagine what God is going to do through World Next Door, over the next 20 years.
rob said...
August 26th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I can’t tell you how often the postings and pictures from you and your team spoke to my heart as powerfully as the Scriptures. As Paul said, “you are living letters.” A steady diet of this kind of material is essential for my spiritual develop and the ongoing sensitivity of my heart. Thank you.