Sunday, May 9, 2010

Challenge

So guys I am feeling much better both mentally and physically, so no worries.

Anyway, all of you know me as a pretty unreligious and at times anti-religious person, but Kenya has changed me.

I challenge anyone to come here and not love God.

Although by no means have I converted to Christianity I have realized it’s beauty. In the U.S. I think we are often taught that the missionaries that came to Africa were bad and forced an unwanted religion on an unwilling people but if someone actually looks at this place you realize that the people here love the church, not just God or Christ, but the church. It is common knowledge here that there is no way they would have the things they have if not for the church coming here.

Last night I met Bishop Davis Colins one of the ORIGINAL missionaries to come here to Africa. It takes mere minutes to realize that he came here not on a mission of bringing religion to Africa but on a mission of people. The only difference between me or this bishop is a church sent him here well I came with the NGO.

And if you could see the joy the church brings here. It has centered the community and made it a strong and loving place, the feelings of familiarity here can only be rivaled by those among small groups of young women. People love to gather there and sing and dance and just be.

Oh and the dancing you guys! I’m going to see if I can get a video of it so you can truly see the joy on these children’s faces and the peace it brings the adults. It is simply amazing, but it is more then that. It is awe-inspiring to realize that a mere 50 years ago this would not have been possible and yet here I am today dancing with the kids, watching them bring water, seeing children who would have died before have the chance at a real education.

It is enough to move me to tears, but more then that is enough to bring me to my knees and thank whatever power you tell me to because this is the truest and most pure beauty I will ever experience.

This is worth shitting over a hole for 6 months. For years. Forever. I can only hope that everyone I love can one day experience the ecstasy that I feel here.

On a different note all the girls here have mentioned to me that they want to get to the US and I am beyond determined to help them. I’m just not sure how. If anyone has any ideas on how I could get in contact with boarding highschools or colleges to get this kids to the west PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE send them to me. Either comment or send me an e-mail at aliyadegrazia@yahoo.com.

Also money is still needed and because I am trying to build greenhouses here I need supplies so if anyone wanted to give my parents money or send it to me directly it would be beyond appreciated.

ALSO COULD EVERYONE PLEASE GET A SKYPE?

I miss your faces.

I miss everyone and love you all so so much

Love,
Aliya

1 comment:

  1. How much money in general? I don't know if sending $5 would be great or if, even with the exchange rate, $5 won't go far in Kenya.
    Lemme know, I can afford to not eat for a day :) <3

    ReplyDelete