There is finally a break in the rain today. How long has it been now? Several days, at least. Some of Njeri’s neighbors have been discussing the tragedy outside a butcher shop just down the street. Hundreds of lives have been lost in the flooding, and hundreds of thousands more have been displaced from their homes. Thankfully, the tin shanty where Njeri’s family stays has held up well in the storms. Yet, her mind is fixed on something even more pressing: did the crops survive?
She arrives at the base of the hill where the farm sits. It’s only a short climb now. “Perhaps everything is fine,” she says aloud to herself, hoping to displace the worry that has taken root in her mind. “Maybe at least some of the crops remain.”
The pudding-like mud makes the ascent precarious. The 65-year-old trips more than once before breaking through the tree line and into the once-lush clearing. She inhales sharply as disbelief quickly gives way to panic. The maize…the beans…the kale…are gone. The rains have taken everything.
••••••••
In the wake of a harsh three-year drought, Kenyans rejoiced when the rains arrived. But instead of relief, the torrential downpours unleashed floods on the parched land, sweeping through communities and causing unexpected destruction. While the floodwaters have subsided, the lingering effects of lost crops and economic strain remain.
For Njeri, like many in the slum, these crops represent far more than food—they are a lifeline. She saves the money she earns from doing day labor jobs like cleaning and washing clothes to pay the 6,000 shillings (approximately $47) needed to rent an acre of land and buy seed each year. Njeri, her eight children, and five grandchildren survive on the vegetables they produce and sell any surplus to cover school fees, medical expenses, and other needs. The recent disaster erased this lifeline and ushered chaos into the day labor market, further crippling Njeri’s ability to secure critical resources for her family.
But in the midst of her challenges, hope shines through. For over 30 years, Njeri has called Gichagi home, and for the past 15 of those, she has seen the impact of Vapor Ministries. She remembers helping to build the very center that now stands as a beacon of hope in her community. “We moved dirt in wheelbarrows and carried stones,” she said, reminiscing about the massive undertaking. “We also planted the grass.”
Since the doors opened, Njeri and thousands of others in the community have turned to the center for help when they had no other option. In the aftermath of this most recent calamity, however, Njeri has been more desperate than ever before, and your love keeps shining through.
“I have gone to Vapor and been given some casual jobs in exchange for food,” she said. “We have also received some food baskets at home during the community outreach.”
Because of you, Vapor's support doesn’t stop there. The center team provided the school fees for one of Njeri’s children and covered medical expenses for her granddaughter, who is battling a serious eye infection. Thanks to your help, her granddaughter is receiving the treatment she needs.
The food provision, education fees, and medical expenses have lifted a tremendous weight. The money she makes from the few day labor opportunities she can find now goes much further to provide for the remainder of the family.
“We have many struggles,” Njeri said with a smile, “but we are very, very grateful for Vapor and the help they give to this community.”
Vapor’s impact is YOUR impact. The lives saved and the souls reached are YOUR legacy. Thank you for every prayer you lift and every dollar you steward in Jesus’ name. Join us in continued prayer and partnership for families like Njeri’s. Recovery from a disaster takes time and effort, but because of you, there is a harvest of hope.
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