There are about 1600 people living on these 2000 acres (almost 100 people per acre and no pit latrines). The drought is magnifying the usual problems and in Lekiji, even when the rains come, their shambas (gardens) are trampled by elephants and other wildlife. The water from the rivers is contaminated resulting in high prevalence of water born disease. This community has also suffered from a high infection rate of HIV AIDS as education on the disease and how it is spread did not reach the community until a few years ago. The youth population was almost wiped out as a result and there are many orphans living with widowed grandmothers or in child-headed households.
On the brighter side, there is a primary school educating 300 children. The school is presently administering a feeding program provided by the government due to the drought crisis. Every child in the community (about 750) receives one cup of hot beans and corn each day at lunch. There is also a church in the community. I sensed a tremendous bonding of the community as we heard story after story of the hardships many had faced and yet there always seemed to be someone reaching out to help with whatever little they had to offer. More than anything though, I was so completely taken by their smiles and how warmly they welcomed us into their community and their homes. Sometimes when I see the conditions and suffering in these communities contrasted against the backdrop of children laughing and women smiling with a casual presence as they invite you to sit with them, I am riddled with unbelief and humbled all at the same time.... And then I smile as I think about how God uses these people to bless me so deeply, ministering to my heart and I pray that He will allow me to return the favor. Here is a short video of our visit. Maybe there is a blessing here for you today.
