The Same Yet Different

Two years ago I was part of a team from South MacArthur in Irving, Texas that came to MITS. This summer we have returned to hold a camp with the students. As soon as we landed in Nairobi, many things felt very familiar. The Nairobi airport was still crowded and slow, the roads bumpy and congested and the sky dark. Sun sets here at about 6:30 and it gets dark almost immediately. The city of Nairobi has lights but not like we are used to in Texas where it never really gets dark enough to see many stars. That all seemed so much like the last trip, but when we arrived at Made In The Streets, I was suddenly aware of just how much time has passed. The kids are taller, and they have more the appearance of adults. As we talked I noticed immediately that their English much more complete and advanced. Student who two years ago would barely talk could stand and carry on a good conversation. Monday they wore their uniforms and they no longer look like rescued street kids, but just students with smiling faces. The students have more confidence and assurance. Man of the students are advancing to job training and have such pride as they share their plans for the future. But their smiles are still the same. Their joy in life still the same. Feeling the hand of God in this work- it is still the same. It just doesn't get much better. (submitted by Susan from South Mac)