Making friends is very noble. Maintaining the friendship despite all odds is loyalty. The story of Regina and Sarah epitomizes true friendship, showcasing the essence of “a friend in need is a friend indeed.” 

Regina and Sarah have been neighbors and co-workers at the Dandora dumpsite in Nairobi, Kenya, for years. They both have children in our International Samaritan scholarship program. Their bond has transcended mere friendship; they became akin to sisters. However, life took a harsh turn when Sarah lost her husband. Shortly after, her sight began to fail. Sarah has been left with a sickness that renders her partially blind and extremely bedridden, unable to continue her work at the dumpsite where she struggled to provide for her family.

Despite these challenges, Regina’s loyalty never wavered. Understanding that Sarah needed her more than ever, Regina took it upon herself to be Sarah’s caretaker. She made it her duty to look after Sarah’s children, participating in school meetings, sharing her food, and guiding the kids in the absence of their mother. When Sarah was too incapacitated to manage, Regina was there, even when heavily pregnant, to take her to the hospital for treatments and check-ups.

Regina’s commitment extended beyond personal care. She actively represented Sarah in community forums, ensuring Sarah’s voice was heard and her needs addressed. When International Samaritan visited the dumpsite, it was Regina who forwarded Sarah’s name, narrating her condition and providing contact details to facilitate direct assistance. She has been instrumental in mobilizing the community, including other people who work as waste pickers, to contribute funds to support Sarah’s extended needs.

Despite the meager earnings from the dumpsite, Regina managed to show love by always ensuring she took two food packages during distributions—one for her family and one for Sarah’s. This act of sharing, even in scarcity, reflects the depth of their friendship.

Regina shared, “Before her husband’s death, we were friends and neighbors. When she lost her husband, I was with her during the healing process. When she lost her sight, I couldn’t leave. There were times she stood by me when I needed help, and now it was my turn to show love and care. I decided to pay good deeds with good deeds. It would hurt me if I had left, and I would be guilty all along. Sarah is like a sister to me, and I only wish to see her strong and healthy for her sons.”

This friendship has not gone unnoticed; other workers at the dumpsite have rallied around Sarah through Regina. They’ve supported initiatives like helping Sarah reclaim her late husband’s land, which was unjustly taken by extended family. Though they haven’t succeeded yet, the effort continues, with hopes of eventually building a house for Sarah and her sons.

Regina and Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that true friendship can weather any storm, transcending sickness, poverty, and adversity. Their bond remains unbroken, showing us all the profound impact of loyalty, love, and community support in the face of life’s toughest challenges.

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting 950 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Would your church or school group like to partner and travel with us? Learn about our Learn, Serve, Grow program.

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Esther Muhia, Country Director

Esther’s education is in sociology, communication, and gender and development studies. She has worked in several leadership roles in Nairobi, Kenya, including at the Catholic Medical Mission Board. She has worked with NGOs and community and global organizations. Esther has successfully implemented various programs, including family and parent skills development, school-based mentorships and scholarships, economic empowerment, psychosocial support, and gender-based violence prevention programs.