Search Work in a Slum

So...as you all know, I just haven't had much of a chance to do new posts here in Kenya. They do have a lot of internet shops, but we were often accompanied there by locals. So I was always brief. And then my computer AC adapter broke so I couldn't even write them and send them later. Anyway, I'm at the bethel home in Nairobi tonight before I leave early morning. So I'm gonna try and send a couple more entries. No pics though because there is no USB or SD port here.

Going back in time 2 weeks ago-

Well, my first week has already flown by in Africa. What a week it's been. I've been to the biggest slum in Africa (yes, ALL of Africa!), went to a national park, saw some animals, and helped set up an assembly.
First off, to the slums! On Tuesday I made arrangements to accompany the sign language congregation in their search work for more deaf. Little did I know the location that day was WAY across town in Kibera, the largest slum. I was brought there by a young brother I assumed would be joining in our work. But no, he was just bringing me all away across town and went back to school work. I felt so bad-it was SO FAR (just one of many times here I've felt treated like a princess. It's embarrassing but they're just trying to be helpful and hospitable to us.)
So this place was such a maze- I have no idea how they keep track and don't get lost (I'm pretty positive I would search for hours unsuccessfully for a call). It's huge!There is one main "road" entering it. From above it just looks like a sea of tin roofs. No running water or lights but somehow TV's and cell phones everywhere (you see the priorities). I would have LOVED to take some pics but not exactly the kind of place you want to whip out the camera. But considering, pretty orderly and not too dangerous.
I guess it does get aid work there since it is such a well known big slum but nothing makes much lasting effects. All the kids would follow or stare at me and say "mzungu (foreigner) How are you?" I thought it was cute til a missionary tells me it is derrogatory since they are making fun of white people. We found 2 deaf men and talked with another deaf woman who already studies the Bible with a sister. One deaf man seemed really interested that the brother come back and visit him. He was just working in this slum. He told us he's single because while pretty, the women in his village have the virus (HIV).
This used to be a veterans lot from WWII I'm told. But popl has grown and its cheap so many people reside here. We did another visit of a deaf return visit. He works in a restaurant and we tried to explain to the owner (maybe his dad I couldn't tell) how helpful it would be if he learned sign. As of yet there are no publications in Kenyan sign but they are currently working on something in translation. There is 1 cong and 5 groups in the country. So they use the Enjoy Life brochure a lot to teach them with its many pictures it's an easier way to get them to understand.
It's so touching to see the loving concern Jehovah is showing to the deaf ones. All over the world our brothers are working hard translating material into sign languages for them. And I've seen personally how these formerly overlooked, often teased individuals blossom with this attention. They gain friends, confidence, and a hope for the future. And of course most importantly friendship with God. It will be interesting to see how the work here will progress in the future when the DVDs become available.