I’ve been living in the grand continent of Africa for 3 and half months. Life now, compared to a year ago, seems completely different. Its interesting when you actually do what you think is right or just do something for the need of doing it. I have to pinch myself and wonder sometimes, because honestly, this new life that’s rolling out before and in me, blows me away.

I’m living in Kenya; working on a brand new aid initiative that I was apart of establishing 3 months ago; in a slum; working along side local Kenyans and international volunteers; living in a house that overlooks a massive lake and surrounding hills; experiencing the incredible wildlife that just wonders the country; developing, designing and managing this new project, the KCC Slum Project.

The people you meet when traveling is inspiring. People from all places and cultures. Different points of view, perspective, cultures, religion and philosophy. I find it fascinating. People willing to take some time out of their life to travel to a developing country to volunteer. Its an unique and rewarding experience.

Thinking back over past year from leaving Wellington NZ; to try and find some meaning; a vocation or a reason for getting up in the morning. To now, where I wake up and know that each day my work involves bringing some life, love and justice to a small slum community in Kenya. I’ve wondered, questioned and refused to accept the cultural norm for success. That by this certain age you have to have all “these” boxes ticked and “these” certain things done. The life that is unfolding in front of me right now is so rewarding, satisfying and gratifying that it pulls tears daily from inside, smiles and joy from deep within and offers a relentless energy to make some things right in the world.

For belief or a Christianity perspective, appearing in sight I have more questions than answers and I know, that spiritual and church things still present more doubt than faith. But my conviction has now found a focus and I now know for certain, that there is a deep connection in humanity, that we are created in the image of God. Every sex, race, tribe and culture; and that is the starting point. In a garden; where things smelt; tasted and looked good. Things were right, things had some kind of order, creativity was ridiculous and energy was blooming. I think that this is the kind of spirituality I’m looking for. Where God is God and this living breathing planet of awe struck beauty, is the place we call home.

But from this, the reality is all is not right with the world. Things have changed and the garden needs some work. Not some judgment or protest. Not some critique or ego. It just needs some love and movement for change. Because in the garden; children need picking up; new shoes need to go on bare feet; food into stomachs; minds and intellect taught new skills and clean water given for new life.

How can there be a class system in a world where all were created in the same image? How can us vs. them exist when I have a heart, lungs and skull like my brother? How can the rich simply accumulate more and more wealth and the poor street family, still, live on the side of the highway? How can a world that is supposed to be for all, not be for all?

So this is my current state. I couldn’t be happier and more challenged by daily life. Its hard here and the reality of poverty hits me in the face everyday, but this is where I have discovered some gold and beauty. I feel like I can finally breathe and become a person who is strong, contemplative, creative and free.

Thank you for all the love you show, it means so much. Check our site out and bookmark it as we are developing incredibly fast.

http://www.kccslumproject.wordpress.com

Peace
Marcus