By Keela Keeping

I HAD the privilege of spending August in Africa with the poor, orphaned and diseased.

On one memorable occasion, I was in Siteki, a forgotten town of Swaziland, where HIV/AIDS and orphans are everyday topics.

Outside an aluminum school structure,  two friends and I were running day camps for whoever showed up. Kids would come for a free meal, and to see what the crazy white mazungus were up to.

One day I was so preoccupied, organizing 60 kids for a game, that at first I didn’t notice the little girl lying in the dirt. I’ll call her Lily – a bright little six year old who’d spent most of the previous morning playing with my hair and reciting the English alphabet.

I ran over, wondering why the other children paid her no attention. Soundless, Lily stared blankly. There was no visible injury; but tears were streaming down her face. I felt guilty, knowing I’d had less time just for her that day. I had assumed she was acting out, just to get attention.

As I sat her up and brushed off her clothes, she was emotionless. It was then that I realized the harsh difference between her and kids in the West: Lily was not looking for attention, for she had no expectations of ever getting any. She had just plain given up.

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In so many ways, Lily symbolizes numerous African countries: beautiful and bright, but suffering; in need of help, but not accustomed to truly receiving it.

No doubt, I represent the West: earnestly wanting to help, but importing my own games and ideas – because it’s easier for me.

As Christians – and simply as human beings – it’s our job to help those who are suffering. The reality is, if we are truly going to help, it will take bravery in sharing.

While in Ugenya, Kenya, where unemployment is rampant and the average income is less than a dollar a day, I witnessed the transmission of hope. In a district where there are only six doctors for 550,000 people, once a year a group of specialized North American doctors – sponsored by the Matibabu Foundation – give up time and money, to provide free surgeries and training.

While in Bulembu, Swaziland, I spent time at ABC orphanage, run by a South African couple who have given up everything to care for babies. ABC takes in abandoned children, some HIV positive. The way these kids are transformed physically, emotionally and spiritually, no one would guess most of them had been brutally discarded long ago.

While most of us don’t have much control over such matters, we can still strive to be generous. I was fortunate this summer to witness brave generosity in action.

Contact: matibabu.com or bulembu.org.

October 2007