I wrote this soon after returning from an eduKenya Vision trip. I didn’t know how to process the overwhelming and vivid difference between the students in Kwa Watoto with their beautiful smiles and healthy enthusiasm and the many that aren’t blessed with the school who are lethargic and struggling in poverty, beginning another generation of gangs, prostitution and premature death. This is my way of dealing with the reality called Mathare and God’s desire for more schools like Kwa Watoto.

JonathanBoys come and goThey succumb to worms and diseaseBut Jonathan is so youngBut why “Lord, no please!”

Before her eyes the child diesBut she can’t deal with the boyNot because she doesn’t careIs it God or do we help destroy?Capitalism is goodBut there comes an important time when,We need to set new priorities.Is it more stuff or life for kids like Jonathan?Enough food for all of usBut just not hereBring it from the US?But what do we fear?Like 9/11 we ask: ‘Why God?’How can this be your plan?Are you asking for our involvement?Sacrifice for blessed man?Capitalism is goodBut there comes an important time whenWe need to set new priorities.Is it more stuff or life for Jonathan?We know there is enoughOf medicine, education, clean water and food.It’s just that some won’t give upBeach houses, discretionaries as they should.His Mama: “he’s just shy”The anticipation of a short future.Listless the boy’s affect belyHe is sick and there is an easy cure.Capitalism is goodBut there comes an important time whenWe need to set new priorities.Is it more stuff or life for Jonathan?This is an unpopular song in KenyaBut could be played in many places.But its not even heard when yaPlay it in the countries of other races.God has a plan for the slum Mathare.We will never be smart enough to know.So we do what we can and are sorry.If only more could go to Kwa WatotoCapitalism is goodBut there comes an important time whenWe need to set new priorities.Is it more stuff or life for Jonathan?Capitalism is goodBut there comes an important time whenWe need to set new prioritiesIs it more stuff or life for Jonathan?Jim Burke