Walking through the world's worst slum

Mud, brick, and scrap metal were assembled in numerous shacks running along the roads of Kibera. Along the paths, bits of trash, mostly plastic bags, lay atop the dirt. The trash was prevalent all throughout the slum and congealed in large masses along the depressions along the side of the path. Along the path, there were streams of blackened water that gave off an odor that left little to the imagination. This was the sight we met within Kibera, yet there was a faint flicker of hope that turned to sadness. Within the slums there were many children, and each and every one would say the same thing: “Hello how are you?” This simple question brought a smile to my fellow pilgrims and my faces as we answered with a “good” or “fine” and responded with our own question of how they were. Many would simply repeat the question while others told us they were “good” as well. However, as we went further and further through the slums I grew sad knowing how these children played among sewage, trash, and conditions that would make many of us shiver. This simple realization only made it all the more rewarding knowing that we were giving some small aid to other children who lived in similar conditions. It was not much of a comfort, but it was enough to reinforce my determination to do what I can to help these few I could see.

                                                                                    - C. Summers