Karibu Kenya

I arrived in Kenya on 17 September.  I was supposed to have travelled here on Monday the 14^th, but God had other plans, and it really worked out well.  When I originally was trying to decide when to come, I felt like God was telling me Monday…because as much as I loved Rwanda, I knew I had to go.  So God ended up giving me my hearts desire of a few more days.  Those days were jam packed with packing, getting to know my African Mom and Dad (Judah’s Aunt and Uncle who raised him), and meeting up with people to say goodbye. 

This goodbye wasn’t as hard as last year, I think because I know I’m coming back in less than two months and will be back next year as well.  The hardest goodbyes were with the ladies at the house and the kids down the street—the people who may be more difficult to connect with when I return and the people who have really captured my heart.

Thursday I was welcomed at the airport by my friend Brayan who I met last year at the YWAM base.  I was welcomed at his home with his sister Cheril.  We went to a park (greenspace in a roundabout) where I watched him do some acrobatics with some of his friends and kids they coach. While I was watching them, there was this little girl that wanted to be part of the action.  Her mom came to get her out of the way and as they were walking by the little girl plopped down in my lap.  We ended up taking a bunch of pictures.  We chatted…both Tiffany (little girl) and her mom (Rebecca).  Tiffany was so smart at 3 and knew a lot of English.  We ended the night back at home with games (Uno, Monopoly Deal, and Blew it) and food with a neighbor friend.   

Friday, we started the day off with some prayer, worship, and speaking life over one another.  Brayan, Cheril, and I went to Kibera, the slums/ghetto of Nairobi and saw where they grew up for some of their lives and I met some of their family.  While there, we visited a school he went to as well.  The school also works with children with disabilities.  I was able to see their therapy room that they use for them.  I heard a little bit about the school.  It’s mostly funded by donations/sponsors.  They make the uniforms for the children to purchase.  I then gave them 30 masks (as HOPE gave me 200 to give away). We then stopped at a little shop for lunch and had chapati and green grams.  We went to buy our bus tickets and ended the night at home.  Cheril and I watched 27 Dresses, then we had dinner, and packed to head out to Kisumu in the morning. 

Saturday, we woke up early and our bus set off by 7:30am.  We arrived in Kisumu around 2pm and were welcomed by our friend Kelly, who was also at YWAM when I was there.  He took us to his sister’s house (faith)where we were greeted with bananas and porridge.  We had some food and then headed out to a church where they had ministered at last year.  We met with the pastor, Brayan and Kelly participated in praise and worship practice, and then we headed home.  On the way home, the guys wanted to initiate me into Kenyan culture with mutura (aka blood sausage).  I had 3 small pieces.  We arrived back home and had food, got ready for bed. 

Sunday, Kelly’s sister was up early (3am) making chapati and coffee to sell by 6am.  We then helped with dishes.  I washed some laundry.  Then I helped get Mia (Kelly’s niece) ready for church by helping with her bath.  We were supposed to be there a bit early, but ran late.  However, we still arrived in time for me to preach and Kelly and Brayan to help with worship.  After church we shared in a soda with all the newcomers.  Then we went back to Faith’s place and had lunch.  Eugene, another friend from the YWAM base joined us at church and the rest of the afternoon.  We then went to his family’s house for the night.  They served us dinner.  We had a time with family devotions.  Then we played UNO and went to bed.  I got to spend the night with Abigail, Eugene’s younger sister. 

Monday, I woke up and watched Abigail do dishes.  Then I “helped” make chapati (mostly watching), but cooking some of them. 

I spent time loving on the kids and then around 2pm we left.  I had left my big bag at Faith’s place, so she brought it to the bus station because we were running late.  We ended up not taking a bus, but a matatu all the way to Kitale (it’s like a shared van where people come and go).  Eugene and Brayan travelled with me to Kitale.  We arrived around 7pm.  We had a great taxi driver that was a friend of Elinor’s and Joram’s pick us up (Peter).  We were greeted with a nice welcome, food, and a little meeting with everyone living here in their home.  By my bed was a card and some chocolates (It’s been a while since I bought chocolate so it was a wonderful surprise!).  And guess what the verse was on the card…. Proverbs 3:5-6.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways submit to him and he will direct your paths.”  I used this verse when I preached on Sunday and it’s the verse God has been speaking to me the past few months. 

These past few days have been a whirlwind of things…  The culture is a bit different in Kenya; a little more rough and tough.  So, it’s been an adjustment.  Coming from a place where social distancing, washing hands, and masks were such a big deal to a place where it all seems optional has been an interesting adjustment.  Wearing a mask has brought a lot of attention to myself, and then the white skin adds even more attention. 

Also, all the moving from place to place has been a lot.  Late nights, early mornings.  But, I’m thankful for the time spent at each place.  Leaving people has been hard.  Especially when you are so excited to see them and then it’s only for a day or two and then must say goodbye again.  The hosts have been very hospitable.  Sometimes with that, cultures collide.  I want to be polite, but at the same time, politely denying is not taken well.  I’m not a huge tea, juice, or soda person, and tea is so so so common here.  Sometimes even 2-3 times a day.  Also, they want to make sure you are well fed and will feel offended if you don’t take their portions.  I’ve also been around people 24/7.  As an introvert, I’ve been craving some alone time.  I was very spoiled at HOPE, especially after Ash left.  BUT, as I said, it’s been good. 

Today, has been a bit of a rest day.  I helped sort beans and green grams.  While doing this, I got to interact more with some of the ladies I will be spending time with (I’m going to be going to their homes in Pokot later this week/beginning of next).   I’ve made it a priority to blog and get some of these fun stories out.  And even during this time Rhema has been hanging out with me (the 6 year old son of Elinor and Joram).  The “family” life has been good though.  After a season with there being a lot of non human interaction, my quality time meter is getting filled.       

May God’s light continue to shine! <3