Kibera: A Portrait of Resilience by AnaMaria Olivo

It was January of 2026 and I was starting my new year in the most meaningful way – giving some of my time to those who are grossly underserved.  Where was the calling? I traveled to Kenya’s Kibera Slum.

Kibera is located on the outskirts of downtown Nairobi.  Sometimes described as an informal settlement, it is in fact the biggest slum in Africa. What I had imagined was lots of “houses” jumbled on top of each other.  But the reality of the living conditions AND what people are facing was beyond my imagination. It was and still is heartbreaking to me.

While volunteering with Crossing Thresholds, I was able to visit the homes of two different families. (Those visits have forever changed my conception of a home.) These homes consisted of one small room with a single bed to sleep in, no bathroom, no running water, no electricity and NO kitchen. Both families were facing food insecurity and not all of the children were in school. Sadly, Kibera has NO public schools and the private schools are not free. (Thank goodness, Crossing Thresholds continues to build schools where they are desperately needed.)

At the end of our home visits, we asked each family if we could pray with them.  They answered, “Yes.”  In those moments, I started to see how the people of Kibera are a powerful example of resilience.  In spite of the monumental challenges, their lives are shaped by determination, creativity, and solidarity within their communities.  Despite not having adequate shelter or running water or the capacity to put food in their children’s stomachs, you can sense real hope and gratitude. They didn’t beg. They didn’t ask for anything. They just wanted to be seen, and remind us that the human spirit is indomitable. 

Kibera will always have a place in my heart; and truly, my experience with Crossing Thresholds stands as a testament to human resilience in the face of adversity. While challenges remain, the story of Kibera is one of hope and persistence. When I reflect on my experience and what it has taught, I draw real courage to face my own struggles with more perspective.  And even more importantly, I am reminded that resilience is not just about surviving hardship but indeed striving for a better future.

Thank you Crossing Thresholds. I am forever grateful to have been part of this journey.

By AnaMaria Olivo