It’s All About Relationship

I’ve probably posted this before-it’s all about the relationship. It’s was our motto for FOR-U, the Bible study group I was part of during college.  It continues to ring true each and every day.

 On Wednesday, I travelled to Kitale to meet up with Irene to do ministry in Pokot. Purity, her friend who completed DTS also wanted to come along. In the culture here, if you invite someone along, you are expected to pay for them. Irene and I originally were going to visit the newly sponsored girls, but soon realized all the girls were in school and it wouldn’t be possible to visit them at their houses to collect information. A change for the better.

After checking finances, I decided it would be ok to bring purity along because we wouldn’t be traveling as frequently.  Our new plan was to visit a family in the mountains, stay with a pastor who usually hosts us for a night (but this time spend a bit longer with them), visit the preschool that opened earlier this year (the one where I got to be there for opening day), visit the newest preschool that Joram just opened, visit the primary school where a bunch of the girls attend, and lastly spend time with Irene’s family. 

 As I’m writing this, plans are changing daily. But one of the things I told Purity is…you have to be flexible and there is no rush in Pokot.  

Let’s jump back a bit. When I arrived in Kitale, I was warmly welcomed by the family. I received notes from the kids and hugs from the girls. The first night there was a demand to play “Blew it” (and every night after) by the boys.  It’s a family game I taught them, and they LOVE it!  

I brought a Bible from home for Cheru, one of the sponsored girls living with the family and attending day school.  It was my old Bible from when I was young, but a perfect English starter Bible for her. Her face LIT UP.  We take Bibles for granted in the states. I have about 4 of my own, but for these guys to each have their own is costly. For future trips I’m going to be buying bibles and handing them out. If you feel led to donate specifically for Bibles, please let me know!

Day 1 in Pokot we were warmly welcomed at Irene’s house. We arrived in the evening; had a yummy meal of ugali and greens and went to sleep.  Because of lingering storms, we slept inside (usually we sleep outside there). The next morning was Sunday and I led a little time of devotion with the family. Juma (Irene’s brother) had a lot of information to share during discussion. We were talking about “thanksgiving”.  He said he was thankful that I was back because every time I come and share, he learns more and takes it with him. Although he hasn’t found a church, he’s been putting into practice what I teach and he says he’s seen a difference. (Praise God!). 

So many times when I come, Sundays are filled with going to churches and preaching. If I’m honest, those aren’t my favorite. Sitting down and having these small conversations is what makes me the most fulfilled. It’s all about the relationship. 

That night we travelled to Pastor Korikin’s house and were warmly welcomed too.  We decided the next day would be a rest day and then hike the mountain on Tuesday. Monday came and went and we still had no contact with anyone from the family on the mountain. So we postponed.  Monday evening we all were sitting around and were talking. Pastor Korikin was telling Irene and Purity that I’m a good role model for them. I felt honored to be seen that way by even someone who has not known me that long. 

Tuesday- we’ve been waiting around but the idleness has not been wasted. We’ve been helping around the house- doing chores and making meals. Irene went to the shop this morning to get some detergent for mopping. On her way there she ran into Mama Sharlene, a mom that we met more than a year ago. She specifically asked if I was around. Later in the morning, guess who showed up!  Mama Sharlene and Sharlene (the baby)!  Sharlene is walking and talking a little and is looking super healthy. We chatted and ended the time in prayer. Please join me in prayers that mama Sharlene can find a church to attend in the area where she will get fed by the word. That was her biggest request!  

Around 6pm we were starting to prepare dinner and these two motorcycle drivers pulled in and said grab your bags, we are taking you to the mountain. We already had in our minds we were not going because if by 2 someone was found to take us, then we were going to go. It was already 6 and would take about 1 hour to drive to the mountain than 3 hours hiking. It would be dark and dangerous. We told them we weren’t going. 

Wednesday. One of the sponsored girls ran away from school.  She’s now at home, right near Pastor Korikin. We went to her house in the morning and brought her back to the house. We spent over two hours pouring into her, listening to her story, and praying with her. She said she wants to go back to school, but we are u sure if she will be able to. Please be praying for Naomi’s life.  After talking with her again on Thursday. she said she will return. But it’s going to take a lot of work to catch up. 

 That evening, we were supposed to go to the shop to pick up some items to cook dinner. On our way, two girls came carrying a box. The mom sent them with the girls. Irene and I ended up interacting a lot with these precious girl— Nancy and Regina.  I was given toothpaste to give out, so we gave these girls a toothbrush and toothpaste. 

God continues to move every day!  Please pray that we continue to have meaningful conversations with people and are lights!!!