Perspective

Great place to eat in Karin close to our language school. Yes it was cold enough for a fire.
Is the rungu for me or for the baboons?
Saying goodbye to D and L and N. They are going home and will begin seminary in NC. We will miss them so very much.

We live in luxury. Our house is well furnished with indoor plumbing and electricity, even though power is rationed in the city because of the drought. Three days a week between 6:30 am and 6:30 pm we are without electricity. We get water two times a week and when it comes we have a way to store it so we can use it the other days of the week. We have a vehicle and have no worries about being able to purchase food. The Kenyan gov't stated this passed week that over ten million were hungry and in need of relief. Each day without rain multiplies the misery of literally millions. I am very aware that we live far differently from the majority of the world but this is the first time in some years that we have lived this close to those we often refer to as the have nots. What is their perspective of us? What would it be like to live just one day in their place? How can we make a difference in the midst of so much need? I have been reminded of a story in the first gospel when some of the followers were surprised when compliments came their way for acts of compassion their leader said they had done for him; feeding him when he was hungry and giving him a drink when he was thirsty; visiting him when he was in prison; clothing him when he was naked. I can sense their utter confusion and maybe a little sarcasm when they asked, "When did we ever do that?" Certainly they would have done this and more if he was in need. I would have responded the same only with a little more indignation. We all want to think that we are helping. The issue is perspective. They were seeing but not really seeing fully because they were only looking from their very narrow perspective. Put yourself in the scene and imagine the shock you would have experienced when he said, "When you did it to the least of these, you did it to me." I am convinced that we have these encounters on every continent. I am definitely more attune in this context. But, I am aware of how easy it would be to put on blinders to the many things that make me uncomfortable. I am looking for boundaries; sense that I need them; but also want to learn. I believe His grace is availble for me to see things as He sees them. I have a ways to go; thankful I am on the journey.

Habari Gani! (What's up!)

Believe it or not it is cold here in the city. Yes, we have had several days where it has been over cast, little sun and even accompanied by occasional drizzle. This past week we had friends here from home. They went up North for a time to help with an upcoming project and stayed here in the city for a few days before heading home. It as great to catch up on news from home and hear what the Father is doing in them. Speaking of the project up North, there is a lot that needs to be done in preparation for the teams that are coming in September. I met with our supplier yesterday and will look over the shipment of supplies before they make the trip North some day this week. This is the first project of this nature that we have done, running pipe for a water distribution site that is near three myanatas that currently have to walk about 2 kilometers to fill their containers with water and walk back. We will be tying into a distribution point at a school which greatly reduces the distance we will have to cover with the pipe but even with that we are going to run close to 1200 feet of pipe. The location of the project is remote to say the least so it is very important that everything we need is included in the shipment that is going up this week. Pray we will be alert to not over look anything and to be as prepared as we can be to maximize the use of the volunteers who are coming. Pray for the people where we will be doing this work. We want to do this work in partnership with them providing help that they have identified as priority and providing it in a way that is appropriate. We need stronger relationships with the right Elders and leaders in this community.
This week to of our team members will be heading home. They have worked faithfully here and are the ones who have done all of the leg work up to this point for this project up North. Pray their last few days here will be blessed and that they will be able to have the conversations they need to have before they leave with those they so love here. Pray also for easy transition to life back home and beginning school in January.
Here's a language foe paw for you. I had wondered about one of our neighbors. I had met a man and seen a younger lady but really have never seen anyone coming and going. I am most acquainted with their German shepherd. He is very protective of his owners property and we can count on him to bark whenever someone is around that he does not know. At first that was a little annoying but we have come to appreciate that he is so vigilant. Anyway, I left for a jog one day this week and there was a car at our neighbors gate honking the horn for the house worker to come and open the gate. I took the opportunity to walk up to the car and with great enthusiasm said Habare Msichana! Only to be greeted with laughter from both ladies in the car. After they gathered their composure one politely explained that I had greeted them with what is equivalent to what's up girl! The word for the middle of the day which I thought I was using is Mchana. Oh, well I was able to sucessfully maneuver through the embarrassment and apologize. The good news from this blunder, we now know there are two more people who live in this house and hopefully we can meet for Chai (tea) soon.

Hello From East Africa

Recently our kids, B and A were able to come for a visit. We were so thankful that it worked out this way. A reminder to us that our days are ordered and our lives are in his hands. They came here after two months in Morocco. The cross-cultural part of their degree plans was the reason they were there. As you can guess we had many things to discuss. We were able to go North to where we will be living and working with them for a few days. Some of the time was spent with preparations for a water project. As you know, we are here with an NGO to help with water issues in certain areas. We have so much to learn about our work and how it can help not only the physical but spritual needs of communities. A volunteer team is coming in September so there was a lot to be done in getting ready. It was good to see Mkulu, our Rhodesian Ridgeback and Judah, a German Shepherd who has become a fast friend. The drought continues to take its toll on the people and their live stock. Some have moved livestock many miles to be closer to better and more stable water supplies. It has never been this dry in the three years we have been visiting. Pray that the rain will come and come soon. I am reminded of a story where one man prayed earnestly and it did not rain for three and half years and then he prayed again an it rained and once again thre were crops. It is hard to imagine how life can continue as it is with no rain. We believe there is a higher purpose that somehow will be realized through this dry time.

We were sad to say good bye to our kids yesterday. We miss them greatly and it hurts to be separated. We are so blessed to enjoy a close relationship. M and I will start back with language again after a short break while our kids were here. We were able to practice and use some of what we have been learning while up North and we were encouraged but also saw how far we have to go to be able to communicate effectively.