Ni Jamii au Jamaa?

I remember growing up in neighborhoods so diverse and living in community with people from all over the world. It was a world that allowed my childhood to roam free. Kids were allowed to be kids and all adults were your parents (even in discipline). I remember being able to visit my Ethiopian neighbors for a meal, playing till late with our Zairian friends, learning Kikamba from our Kamba neighbors, and going by the neighborhood’s favorite American cūcū known for the best gooseberry jam, relish and pickles. It may seem like a one-time childhood experience but this community helped shape my life. My appreciation for food and flavors, creating, reading, art, wanting to serve, my passion for education, falling in love with Jesus and being part of something bigger, all began here.

We were created to be in community and I am grateful that my parents were able to provide that for us despite having to move around a lot. They heeded the call to serve and God always surrounded them with people to love and be loved. God has surrounded me with people who inspire me, love me and challenge me.

I am extremely grateful to God and for those of you who continuously give to Oasis and also support our family. You have made it possible for us to be able to work and do life with a few of the people I am going to highlight this week.

So, are they my community or my family? They are both and they are my other reason for running the Chicago marathon.

Join me as you get to meet some amazing individuals, see God’s purpose fulfilled through them as they serve and love Oasis children with us. Join us in becoming part of a greater community and family that goes far beyond tribe, race, language, countries or continents.

Milima haikutani, binadamu hukutana.

Mountains don’t meet but people do.

Swahili Proverb

Please help me support Oasis for Orphans by making a donation through my fundraising page. Even a small donation will help me achieve my goal! The process is fast, easy, and secure. Thank you so much for your support.