Dear Friends,
I want to tell you about yesterday and today–these days have left us limp and awed, weeping and rejoicing, inspired and humbled.
Yesterday we were in the Mathare slums and visited in the homes of our Jamii Bora members who live in conditions beyond belief. Everywhere in the streets, little children called in chorus to us, “How are you? How are you? How are you?” They gathered around to touch and get hugs and get their pictures taken. We climbed over rocks, over sewer ditches, down alleys where we had to walk sideways between the patched tin walls of the buildings.
And then these wonderful hostesses welcomed us into their one-room homes where they sleep and eat and toilet and live their lives. Many do their businesses there. Electricity is pirated and water is piped in to central spots on spigots donated by the local Catholic church. The women all beamed as they told how Jamii Bora changed their lives…gave them a way to begin a business. One lady told how she bought a big bag of second hand clothes and made them over from the good fabric into children’s dresses or shorts, soccer pants or suits. I was marveling how she could sew in such a dark setting and she said that she will pull her machine outside or move the one bulb in the room. Another lady had piles of charcoal that she gets and divides into piles to sell. She educated all her children in doing this. Still another was cooking in a huge cauldron outside on the charcoal fire and making a mixture of maize and beans to sell by the cup. We all spoke of how the adults were amazingly clean and well dressed in an environment that was so — I have no word that captures the filth of so many people living so close. Yet the atmosphere was peaceful and welcoming. The most striking business was Mary and her companion making a delicacy from chicken heads. The women told how fire had burned them out, violence had destroyed their kiosks, and still they began again.
Beatrice, one of the original 50 beggars, hosted us for a remarkable African lunch of ugali,
rice, kale, what looked like fried tortillas but a bit thicker, potatoes, and a beef stew. It was eaten in the traditional way with fingers and topped with Kenyan tea which is mostly milk and sugar and a smidge of tea. It was full of laughter and camaraderie. She had built her two story home room by room from rocks the family collected, but she is moving this weekend to the new settlement with her own home and–as another of the women, Jane, said, “her own bathroom.”
The courage and resilience, the joy and the welcome, the sense of ownership of Jamii Bora that gave them back their lives is so, so impressive. They were offered a way to use their talents to make life for their families. At incredible cost to themselves, they have educated their children because education makes the next generation choose out of the slums.
After that experience when we thought we could hold no more in our hearts, Janet who heads the social workers, walked with us through the area where the street beggars are. We came upon a woman wrapped in her shawl with her little 3 year old wandering near her in a very used ballerina dress. She was lying down, and we learned later that she had cancer. Janet’s receiving her with such visible compassion and care was like Jesus meeting the sick along the road. Susan, our guide over these days, cried as she worried over that little girl…she said, “It’s the children who get to me…what will happen to that little girl when her mother dies? No one may be there. But my household is already eight and full. I must talk with Janet tomorrow about what we can do.” A young man who was “high” followed us a long way back to our van and all the time Janet’s kindness to him was so moving. This will be a scene I shall never forget because in the midst of such dire straits, Jamii Bora is there inviting hope and life and new possibilities. I cannot convey how it still moves me to tears.
Then today, we went to the Jamii Bora headquarters to join in their celebration of 10 years on this very day, July 9th, in 1999 when the first 50 beggars had collected enough money together. It was 8,000 shillings or $100. It had taken them months to do this, and Ingrid had promised to double this if they were able to save. On this day in 1999, a donor presented 16 bills of 1000 shillings each and that was the beginning of Jamii Bora. Today, we were welcomed into the hall to celebrate…there were at least 200-300 people piled into the room, and all the 50 beggars were there. If some had died, their children were there to represent them. Ingrid is so inspirational. She affirmed them, congratulated them on the investment of their talents, said that each of their pictures would be framed and be hung as the Founders of this mighty movement that they and all the members own. I wish all of you could have been there. I cried through the whole celebration, remembering how we had checks of $25, monthly gifts of $10, Gala commitments of baskets and wine and gift certificates, auction items donated and bought; and I want to say to each of you, that today, I saw a mighty energy that circled your hearts with these women and men and gave them the possibility of new life and hope. Toni spoke to them of their inspiration to us and how we are privileged to be their partners. She did us all proud as she presented our check for them of $50,000. They had an African custom of cutting the cake, and the plates were divided and each was fed a fork full of cake. The singing was contagious.
Please know we are so blessed in remembering each of you back home and all that has happened to make this connection of peace and hope and joy. It is so real and so carved from suffering. Ingrid said, “It is a work of God.” We carry you with us in our hearts.
Again overflowing with so much life,
Mary Lou
I just wanted to add my thanks to all of you who make “Microfinancing Partners in Africa” possible. We are making a difference, one person at a time!
Love,
toni
Sr. Toni is a Woman of Achievement
Sr. Toni will be recognized for her achievement by the Hellenic Spirit Foundation at the Athena Awards Luncheon on Novmeber ... Update from Africa: July 15, 2009
My dear friends,
We have been out of touch across the great savannah of space and time...we came back so late ... 
