Through the Seasons

Passed By

I had a really hard experience today.  I passed by a young boy on the street who was dirty and asking for money and help.  I had no money at all to give him and it broke my heart to keep walking. 

We have to be really careful here in giving money away and things like that.  People will see that we’re “wazungu” (Westerners) and take advantage of us so not everyone asking for money should get money.  We’re getting smarter in being able to tell one from the other. 

One day a couple teenage boys asked me for money but unlike the boy I passed today they didn’t ask in Swahili.  They didn’t actually know English either.  They just memorized a few lines and used them over and over.  They said, “Sister.  Give me money.”  Yeah right.  I told them in Swahili that I don’t have any money and they laughed.  Young con-artists I tell you!

It’s funny here too because the people are obviously living at a much lower standard but you rarely see anyone looking desperate or discontent.  Outside of our banda, a few times a week, mothers come to the river to wash things – clothes, dishes, etc – and their kids swim while they work.  They’re all happy and greet us and let us go on our way.  Sometimes we give the kids candy.  Well, Jonathan does.  (He loves it.)  The kids are so good.  They only come when we call them close and tell them we have candy.  They haven’t turned into beggars and are just as happy to talk to us as to get anything from us. 

We do take opportunities to give to people who we see are in need.  Sometimes someone will do something extra and nice for us so we’ll give them a little something.  Other times we’ll see someone who could benefit from a little extra although they hadn’t asked for it.  Today at the market we bought bananas for the campsite (we were running an errand for them) and the lady selling bananas was lying down and we realized her hip and leg were bad.  Jonathan gave her a little money.  The sellers at the two adjoining fruit stands clapped and cheered that we helped this woman.  She was genuinely moved and grateful for the gift.

But the boy I passed by today I really think needed help too.  I pray he gets help.  I’d like to see him again and give him a little something but I know that only God can give him what he needs as He provides and has His eye on that boy.  Praise God for that!!