What would you choose?

What would you choose? Sometimes choosing can be such a hard task. Many times we are indecisive because we have many options. For people in the Mukuru slums, making the decision to eat or have other necessities can be the difference between life and death. Our interviews today with some of the Mukuru families influenced all of us on a different level. We had the opportunity to interview some of the girls who have used the Red Elephant packs, and learn about their likes and dislikes, and how the packs have worked to improve their lives.

We conducted eye exams for the local villagers. We didn't anticipate a huge turnout, but with the grace we of God we had over a hundred people show up for glasses. We were able to conduct eye exams using eye charts in Swahili, and we fit everyone who showed up. There are no words to describe the feeling of the joy you saw when they were able to see. They were in tears and so were we. We gave them the gift of being able to see, and that empowered us indefintely.

Today we also had the opportunity to make home visits to families who live in the slums. We had the opportunity to visit 3 families and provide medical care to them if needed. The first family we visited was a family of 7. Their daughter has been using the Red Elephant Packs since May, and we found out that it has been working very good for her. We also examined the mother because she has recurrent asthma. We did not have any medication on hand to give to her, but we were able to give her 40 bobs so that she is able to refill her asthma medication, which will hopefully prevent further issues. 

The second family we visited was a family a family 9. The family resided farther into the slums. They did not have access to electricity, so we were able to provide them with a solar powered light bulb that can light up an entire room, so the children will be able to do their school work. 

The third family we visited was a family 3. The family consisted of the mother and her two daughters. We did not provide any medical care to any members of the family, but we did a wellness check, and both the mother and daughters were healthy and had no complaints.

Turome and Mama Julie and local Kenya volunteers visited a 6th grade class to distribute the Blue Lion packs. The boys are amazing. One boy, Joshua has started a rabbit farm and we were able to visit it and encourage him. Our local volunteer Joseph is a farmer and was able to give him good advise on how to raise rabbits. Also, the school has been raising chickens through the Blue Lion projects, helping the boys to sell eggs and pay for books and uniforms.

The ladies of the local sewing co-op "Ladies of Hope" met with Mama Julie and executive director (Kenya) Duncan and discussed cost analysis and how to figure out how much to sell their bags and jewelry for. The co-op was started by Hope Without Borders (HWB) but is being run by 9 local women an 1 man (who is a tailor). Their workmanship is great and they were excited to show off their talents. They have started sewing the Red Elephant packs for the local girls (purchased by funds from HWB).

Today was such a rewarding experience for all of us. We were able to build relationships with the people in the slums and really learn more about their everyday lives. We were able to see first hand what these people encounter on a daily basis. These people live in conditions that no one should ever have to endure, yet they are the happiest people on earth! It was so fulfilling to get the feedback firsthand on how the Red Elephant packs have changed their lives, and how we can improve to make it even better. This experience has inspired us and humbled us all. This day just made it more eager for us to finish pursuing our mission. We pray to encounter more days like these to inspire us as we continue our trip here in Africa.

Ashlyn and Melanie