Corruption

Dear Friends,

My naivety is waring off and I am beginning to see Kenya's true colors. I still know so little, but I am a little less "green" as they say here. I am with Kenyan's all day every day and there is still a lot of good I can say about many of them. But the corruption and deception here rampantly parades around every corner. I have met two known con-artists, two wolves in sheeps clothing, countless bogus merchants, and users galore. It is so difficult for impoverished people with such high unemployment and I understand to a certain extent, but much of it is just plain evil. My skin continues to betray me and it is a little hard to deal with always being a means to somebody's solution to poverty. They don't even know I am nearly broke, but my skin makes me rich. And in reality I am. I am filthy rich to these people. If I needed a thousand dollars I could get it no problem. I just ask for it or borrow it without a problem.

The people are trying to survive and if I were in their shoes I would be very tempted to do the same (lie, cheat, steal, manipulate). The reality is that the problem is spiritual as well as physical. Paul say to be content with food and clothing. He also says that godliness with contentment is great gain. Most people here can find side jobs to get their daily bread and they all have shirts on their backs, but being content is very rare here and in America. The secret is not having more, but being content with what you have. I struggle every day as people ask me to buy them things: food, clothes, transportation, etc. and I really can't at all. I have the hardest time being kind to them and politely telling them sorry. The Bible says to give to those who ask of you and also that those who don't work don't eat. The paradox is making life a little difficult here. I am trying to find the best way to give all that I can for the best of the people.

I guess that all one can conclude with is that this country is bad in many of its own unique ways. America is bad in very different ways and I really don't like either country all that much. Each are very different, but still part of the world system. Not discounting the good things that I see I recognize that something is seriously WRONG with this world. I think that only in heaven will I finally feel at home.

A pilgrim in this world,
Steve Jones