FIND ME UNAFRAID

I lived in Kenya recently and was told about the largest African Urban slum, Kibera, in Nairobi. I went on a tour with a resident and was impressed with SHOFCO, the large nonprofit the two people featured in this book started and still run. It supports women, children, health care, education, job training there for the residents. They are my heroes!

The opening begins with part of the poem “Invictus” by William Earnest Henley, with the final lines foretelling this stunning story of Kennedy and Jessica: “And yet the menace of the years/Finds and shall find me unafraid.” These two young people have managed to start two schools for young girls, a health facility, a water tower, a community center for economic empowerment, and numerous toilets throughout what is know as the largest slum in Africa, Kibera, on the edge of Nairobi. Thus far, a few leaders in other slums in Kenya are working to follow their path. You might find this story of hard work and determination difficult to believe, but my hope is that when you read, you will find your own inspiration for change, and the knowledge that when one persists with a dream, amazing things can happen. It’s a love story of two people meeting, two you might never imagine would meet, who’ve accomplished so much, all in their twenties. And that work is just starting. I’ve followed this story since its beginning because Jessica was a student at my school, and I know her family, had her brother in my class. I have told the story, and followed their blog, and been so proud to see what they are doing. Yet, until I read this whole story, I had no idea of the terrible poverty Kennedy faced, the courage that he, then Jessica, showed in order to carry their hopes and rather fantastical dreams so far. Here is one telling moment to share, among many. In one of the tiniest beginning threads, Kennedy, Jessica and a small group of friends gathered to talk of the needs of the Kibera slum. Kennedy is convinced that change can only happen from within a community. He says: “We are here to start a movement. A movement starts with urgency, when you have been pushed to a wall and all you can do is bounce back. That’s what we are doing here. We are bouncing back.” This group that gathers in a tiny shack in Kibera begin to develop a list of the challenges they face: crime, violence, domestic abuse, rape, hopelessness, sanitation. Then they write a second list of actions to counteract the problems. They have one pen, and one takes notes. It’s a story to read, to share and to celebrate!

Find Me Unafraid is an extraordinary book. It tells about their organization, Shining Hope for Communities, through which they are impacting extreme poverty, gender violence, community empowerment, and hopelessness. But most of all, it tells about two extraordinary people, and the lovely, loving space between them.The two of them are SO different……Kennedy born in abject poverty, denied an education, and rising up to be a recognized leader in his home, Kibera, the largest slum in Africa. Jessica, born into a family which revered education and encouraged risk taking. The book describes their meeting in Kenya, Kennedy’s eventual journey to the United States where (with a great deal of prodding and help from Jessica) he was admitted to Wesleyan University, where he later gave the commencement address. It tells of their founding the Kibera School for Girls...now expanded to include a health center, water tower, biolatrines, a community center, banking, and so much more.But the book is nuanced. It doesn’t read like a Hallmark card, or a news article on their extraordinary organization. It is the love story of two people who, improbably and magically, surmounted terrifying violence, unfathomable cultural differences, and slowly, gently, patiently, came to share worlds and lives, and to transform many other lives. It shows how easy it is to misunderstand people you love when your understanding is shaped by where you have grown up…tells of Kennedy’s being dumfounded by drive through restaurants, ATMs, showers…of Jessica’s coping with scabies, mites, and customs far outside the world she had known.If you don’t know how to make a difference in the world, read this book. If you are a sap for a good love story, read this book. If you’re in the mood for a different coming-of-age story, read this book. I have bought 20 copies, and am sure I'll buy more....I love giving them to people I carfe about.

This is a true love story about love for the poorest of the poor living in a Kenyan slum where the most inhumane indignities are commonplace, where surviving each day is not so much a victory as a feat of endurance. This citizen of the slum, Kennedy, has experienced many of the horrors: being hunted by gun-weilding authorities who aim to kill; used by a priest who lures him with books and food and wants only to use a young boy for his unholy appetites. It is the stuff of nightmares. But then a young American girl comes into Kennedy's slum as part of a college summer workshop/program. What results from their meeting, their work together, their love for each other, makes you believe "Si se Puede"--Yes, it can be done. This book will take you through deep despair to the light that can shine in the swamps of the forgotten amongst us. I wish this book had been longer, given more detail of how corporate, non-profit and individual donor partnerships were formed and how this young couple today manages to change a slum of despair to a place of pride, to include a school for girls, a health clinic, providing clean water, etc. This is a marvel of a story.

An inspiring story, as well as a love story. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Excellent

An amazing and true story bringing countries & cultures together to learn and share. Not the usual story of 1st world countries fundraising and setting up what THEY think is needed in a 3rd world slum. It is a story of involvement, cooperation, hope, belief & teamwork. How, in 6 years or so, did they DO this - and this is only the beginning. It left me feeling very inadequate but also inspired to DO something that matters - without any glory.

Raw and real. Well written, riveting and very personal. Kennedy and Jessica are the personification of the hope that declares that every single life is precious no matter where he or she is born, whether he is a he or she is a she. Life is eternally divine though difficult and dangerous for so many, too many. The world can and will improve. Educating, empowering and protecting the dignity of girls is a first great step to a better world. Thank you Kennedy & Jessica

The honesty, the courage, the commitment to face into struggles and persist is such a testimony to the human spirit that is willing to pursue good -for the benefit of all. Together-that is the key-we can, and will, make a difference!

This book explains a lot of what is and was going on in the Nairobi slums . An amazing story of hope and love. I recently went to the area the book is refereeing to and am so glad that I had read this book before visiting . A satisfying true tale that continues to this day.