Traveling overseas has messed me up. What time is it? In Nairobi, my friends are ending their day when our morning coffee is firing up.  Money is confusing too.  I’ve converted shillings, dollars, euros, pounds, rupees and francs in the last year.

streets of Nairobi

Driving in Denver is a dream compared to Nairobi. It’s like off-roading at night with no lights, dodging massive potholes without stop signs, traffic lights, on the WRONG side of the road. OK, there are some signs but they are either wrong or no one pays attention. Mix in pedestrians—mostly dark, crossing the street wherever it’s possible to squeeze between two cars.

The truck spewing thick black smoke is smack in front and a crazy minibus (matatu) behind is sticking to me like glue. Matatus stop anywhere, anytime and they pull out slowly onto a fast-moving highway without signaling. I enter the “roundabout” where the only way to get in or out is to keep moving while cars appear about to bash my side. They want into the circle. I’m trying to get out.  I follow a SUV hoping he’ll shield me. Not fast enough. Reaching for the blinker, instinctively, my left hand turns on the windshield wipers. Arrgh left hand driving. I’m stuck going around again, getting up the courage to break out of the roundabout. I grip the wheel praying “help me get out of this without being hit.”

Denver roads are calm, organized and we drive on the right.  I appreciate the generous space between cars and want to jump out and thank people for stopping at stop signs.  The streetlights have nice arrows telling me it’s my turn to turn.

Going to the third world can open your mind and drive you crazy. If you’ve done business overseas, that’s another story. Have you sent money to someone through your cell phone lately?  Most people do in Kenya.

Our perspective of poverty changes. The poor in USA mostly have clean water, free school for kids, access to electricity, some government help and a roof. A person with no money won’t be denied access to emergency care or held hostage until they pay the hospital bill. The poor in Africa have none of these privileges. Governments, often corrupt, help little.

school built by parents

This poor community in Kenya i visited with Holistic Community Kenya were told by the government the 50 + children had to walk 8 kms (over 4 miles) to school. They couldn’t make it on the rough trails and deep mud. The parents starting building. Funds ran out before a roof, windows, seats or supplies.

“Can you help us finish it so our children can learn?” The teacher of 50 kids had a baby. She’s ill.”

I can’t comprehend the struggles these families go through every day to barely feed, somewhat clothe and educate their children and the orphans most families have taken into a tiny house. Yet they met us with joy and singing.

community meeting

USA schools are low on funds and have to find ways to survive. A community in Colorado raised $30,000 in one night for their school. $30,000 would finish this school and  build another. Over 100 kids would get a meal, a uniform and an opportunity to learn. We hope to raise funds to create opportunity and break the cycle of poverty. This is one of the community groups the Imani Project is helping, along with over 300 orphans and adults impacted by HIV/AIDS. 600 more are waiting.

Meet Janet, who receives home-based care by Imani. Janet is a single mom with TB. Her spine sticks out like an elbow which makes it hard to breathe.  After giving birth nine months ago her legs are paralyzed. She needs medical attention the town doesn’t have.

“What do you need Janet?” we asked. “I’d like to work again. I want my son Obama to go to school.”  Tears flowed as we stood by her twisted body and held her hand. We’ll hope for a skilled doctor and a wheelchair.

brave janet and baby obama

If you think you have no time or need to get rich first and then give back, think again.  Does your perspective need a change? One hour a week volunteering anywhere makes a big impact.  $40/month less lattes would allow a child go to school or enable a women like Janet to be able to work.
Check out Imani Project and Vumilia to learn more.