Read about Christmas from the eyes of Samanthas aunt, living in Kibera. As Christmas approaches, most people especially children get quite excited. They are always sure of celebrating Christmas in style- new clothes, good meals, joining family members, going out and so on. Unfortunately this is opposite to many people in Kibera. To a widow like Samantha’s aunt, who is battling with four killer diseases- HIV/Aids, High Blood Pressure, Cancer and Diabetes, the situation is even worse. To top it all, she has five children to feed, house, dress and take care of. Despite her condition, she is very optimistic, very resourceful, creative, hand working and hopeful. To earn a living, she roasts groundnuts and bakes some samosas which she sells to passersby in Kibera. She trusts God to provide what she needs for her basic survival. I spent a lot of time talking to Samantha’s aunt about her current situation and the plans she has for Christmas. I asked her if she ever worries or gets anxious that she will not be able to provide good Christmas for her children. Her response was strong and genuine, “No, I do not worry. I know God will provide.” I will never forget how sure and true her answer was. The things that I worry about are so petty and are by no means life or death worries. Samantha’s aunt and countless other families in Kibera deal with survival on a day-to-day basis and lay their anxieties and struggles at God’s feet. They are certain He will remain faithful and will provide. We have so much to learn from them. Christmas to Samantha’s aunt is unpredictable. She says she doesn’t expect any gift from any particular person but remains very optimistic that a Good Samaritan will come to her rescue as usual. She says that seeing her children going to a good school and Samantha completing her primary education is just enough for her to celebrate Christmas with jubilation. She says that she owes all these to Wanawake kwa Wanawake. She depends on God to provide everything – literally everything. The joy and faith in her is real, but so is her poverty. Her spirit is alive and full of laughter, but at times she is tired, sick and hungry. Talking to Samantha was also exciting. She says, “I feel very fortunate to have completed my primary education. I hope and pray that God helps me to pass the exam and join the high school of my dream. I expect to have a new dress during Christmas but if my aunt fails to get me one, it will be okay. I am not sure whether anybody will offer me a Christmas gift either. “If God can grant me a miracle and heal my aunt……. (She sobs) I don’t mind so much about what I will put on or eat during Christmas but to see my aunt back on her feet. And if I receive positive results about my final exam on 28th December, 2014, that will be my Christmas!” It’s so encouraging to see how this family values education despite many challenges on its way. The family has a strong believe that education is the only means that can remove them from the bondage of poverty. However, as it is evident on their faces, Christmas still retains its meaning of bringing joy and happiness to this family regardless of their income and the health status of their aunt.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 06:42:03 +0000