Love wastefully...

"As you press on for justice, be sure to move with dignity and discipline, using only the weapon of love."

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

It’s official; AT and I are currently on the coast in Malindi. The coast of Kenyan is a gorgeous place decorated with palm trees, coastal breezes, and laid-back culture. It has been a great experience so far meeting new people and being pushed out of our comfort zones at times. It has also been quite the rollercoaster experience so far: grappling with the different culture of the coast, heat and mosquitoes, and preaching at different churches. All of the difficulties aside, it has been a great learning experience that I think will prepare us well for everything we will do the final two and half months.

“Brother “Bear”nard (aka Bernard) & Mikindani”: As expected, AT and I arrived in the early hours of Monday morning (4 am) in Mombasa after a long, sleepless night on the bus. But, we were excited to be here. We were picked up by Bernard (pronounced “Bear”nard by himself) and taken to the home of a family in his church in Mikindani. Despite being exhausted and just wanting to sleep, AT and I toughed it through an hour and half of breakfast and meet and greet. Then we went to our lodgings in the hostel…and, passed out. The large fan spinning overhead at turbo speed was our saving grace from the heat and humidity the few days we were in Mikindani. The next few days were a whirlwind of travelling and meeting families/people in the town. It felt like AT and I were on a rollercoaster in the dark: never knowing what the next turn would be or when we would be thrown for a loop. It was quite the experience. Everywhere place we visited, Bernard asked us to pray over the people we met. Many times, the introductions were awkward; but, many times, we learned a lot of valuable information about the area. One day, a few hours before we headed to a different town, “Bear”nard informed us that we would be preaching to a group of pastors. Having not prepared anything to say, we were rushed to figure out what we would be speaking on. I was literally running over my thoughts up to the second I was called up. I introduced myself and AT to the crowd and told them briefly the work we were doing on the coast. Then I jumped right into a talk on Jesus’ call for us to be harvester’s in the harvest field. It actually went better then I ever imagined; I’m still can’t remember most of what I said, but I know I got an emphatic “Amen!” once or twice.

Another time, we talked with a group of children and mothers in a tiny village slum and preached at Bernard’s church. Each time, I spoke about enemy-love and Jesus’ difficult call for us to love wastefully and love those who don’t love us. By love wastefully, I mean loving in spite of others not returning that love; love that seems wasted, on the surface, but it is just an outpour and overflow of the immeasurable love Jesus shows us. You know, those hippy teachings of Jesus in the Bible haha. On top of that, I think I ate more rice and stew than I ever thought possible. Everywhere we went, we ate a meal with the family. It is traditional Kenyan culture, especially on the coast and rural areas, for a family to feed a visitor. Many times, even if the family isn’t well off, they will cook you a very nice meal. But, for some reason, rice and stew was the meal of choice everywhere we went…literally. That said, the rice and stew are pretty delicious, and I quite preferred that to and ugali (a cormeal type dough) or githeri (a mix of beans and maize).

“105 year old Kenyan and a blind preacher”: On the last day we were in Mikindani, we went to have yet another meal with a family. This time, however, we were met with a surprise as we walked back into this tiny village, we were greeted by a man who looked no older than 85 years old, only to find out that he was actually 105! On top of that, we ate dinner with a blind preacher. He was a really neat man. He had the entire bible in brail and was quite the jokester. Even though many times he made jokes in Swahili that I couldn’t always understand, I laughed quite a bit, because his laugh was so distinct. We had a delicious meal with his family. He had the cutest little girl, who had never seen an mzunguu before. She was hesitant to come close at first, but then she warmed up and had a great time giving me and AT high fives. Eventually, she let me pick her up and I would throw her in the air. I have never seen a bigger smile, and she had the cutest laugh. I don’t think she had ever been thrown in the air before. She was addicted! Every time I sat her down, she wanted back up. I obliged. So, I threw her in the air up until the point we had to leave.

“I drank Obama”: I know this sounds like a really ridiculous title…and, it is. But, there is a little story behind it. When we arrived in Malindi, AT and I went to a tiny African restaurant to eat. After perusing the menu for a while, I saw they had several fresh juices. Then, at the top of the juice list in bold letters, was something called “Obama Mix”. I immediatley laughed and then asked what the Obama mix was…I want one. The waitress laughed a little and informed me it was a mix of all of the juices together (Mango, passion, and orange). I enthusiastically replied that I would have to have that, and I would have to have it in a large. It was delicious, and it if the “Obama mix” is any indication of his presidency, it will be delicious, refreshing, and fruity.

“Malindi”: AT and I found a little one room apartment, about the size of closet, that we are living in. It has worked out pretty well so far, but we are going to continue looking for other possibilities. However, the town of Malindi is pleasant little beach town with some great Italian food, beaches, and last but not least churches. We have already met with several pastors (including a Pastor’s fellowship). Each person has been full of information about Malindi and the coast area. However, over and over again when we ask what the Church is doing to reach out to the Islamic community, the answer is always very little. And, when asked why, the answer is always lack of knowledge and know-how. There is a desperate need for love and grace towards the Islamic community on the coast, and a need for the Church to take part in this. Hopefully, as At and I spend more time here, we will find out more ways for the church to get involved in community building activities and ways to love and build relationships with the Islamic community. There are many needs in the Malindi community: poverty, infrastructure, education, and sex tourism.

“Sex tourism”: This has been a shocking and more prevalent side of Malindi’s dark underbelly that we never expected to encounter. Unfortunately, while Malindi has some delicious Italian food, many of the 2,000 Italians that live in the area are perpetrating another terrible and deplorable business: sex tourism. It has been going on for years now, and it has been very difficult to stop. In the basics, many older Italians, men and women, after being divorced, retired, or widowed will move down here because there money goes a lot further. However, it has been twisted into preying on the poor and young (some as young as 9 years old) in the area for sex. It is not uncommon to walk around town and see an older women or older man with a much younger Kenyan hand-in-hand or showing affection (not part of Kenyan culture at all). Additionally, one of the many ways that these people exploit the impoverished and young is to offer to pay for their school fees or food in return for sex. Sadly, this isn’t a difficult way to convince the poor, because of the desperate need for money for school and food. In fact, some poor families will even encourage the practice in order to bring home money for food. Many young Kenyans will hang out near the resorts or on the beach in order to solicit money in turn for sex. It has even sparked a pornography industry. It has really turned into a depraved business that has perpetuated poverty, sexually transmitted disease, and corruption. Little has done little or nothing to end this corruption, because it brings in a valuable tourism industry and money to the country. I tell you this, not to degrade Kenya in any way or point out its faults. Every country and person has faults. Rather, I tell you in order to expose a serious issue that is prevalent throughout many other countries in the world, and to call on the Church and others to act. I ask for your prayers and suggestions for solutions.

On a lighter note, Katie, Ryan, and Lindsey are here for a few days to visit. We had a great day yesterday showing them around town, drinking Obama mix, getting slightly (or a lot) burned at the beach, and eating some delicious dinner. They will be here for a few more days, and we are all looking forward to hanging out and spending some more time together. Also, keep AT, Katie, and me in your prayers as we will be continuing to follow God’s leading in the last few months. Lastly, we are excited to head to Ethiopia for two weeks as we have to leave the country to renew our visas.

For the times they are a-changin'...

Well, it is a new year and change is coming, so I thought it was a good time for another post to update everyone on what has been going on during the holidays here. It has been such a joyful time and full of adventure. It has also been a sad time as we left another home to come back to Nairobi before heading to our final ministry on the coast of Malindi. It has been bittersweet, because we all miss Thika, its people, and its life dearly. But, I will go ahead and get to the past month…

“Lake Naivasha and Aberdares National Parks”: We did a little park hopping a few weekends ago. First, we went to Lake Naivasha and took a boat tour around the lake to see the hippos. Almost immediately after getting into the boat, we thought it would be a better idea to get out of the boat and go onto a little peninsula where we saw some giraffes. We got really close, and Ryan chased a few of them around creating a great National Geographic-esque video. After the wild adventure, we got back in the boat for more of the tour. We saw many hippos from a safe distance. We all wanted to get a lot closer, but our guide informed us that hippos are rather ornery and mean-to the point that they are not opposed attacking a boat. Hippos are also the most deadly animal in the world, which surprised me, but made the game “Hungry Hungry Hippos” seem even more realistic. However, we got too close once and a very large hippo decided to charge our boat, but he stopped before he got too close. It was awesome; I even got part of it on video. But, that was the closest we got. Overall, it was a gorgeous day outside, and it was relaxing to kick off my shoes and prop my feet up on the boat for a lazy ride around the lake.

Following this, we went to Tumaini for a much needed reunion with the children. It was so exciiting to finally go back after three months and see my “brothers and sisters” again. Lindsey told us that they were all really eager to see us, and they even prayed for us the night before. When we returned, it felt a little like coming home and back to familiar faces. After arriving, AT and I walked out onto the field where they were all playing games, and the looks of excitement and the smiles on their faces had me smiling all weekend. My little girl Doreen wouldn’t let me put her down the entire day; she was constantly on my shoulders and making demands about where she wanted to go. I couldn’t believe how much she and so many of the other kids had grown. We all picked up right where we left off with the kids and had such a great time hanging out with them again. Fellowship was really great, because we all got to re-experience the children’s overwhelming hearts for God again, and we were reminded of what we were here for: to serve. It was great falling in love with the kids all over again, but our time there felt too short.

Lastly, we went to the Aberdare’s mountains. We took a safari van through the park in hopes of seeing the famous wild tembo (elephants) that live there, but with no luck unfortunately. But, the day was not lost. It was filled with trips to several huge waterfalls. Each one had its own unique appeal: one had a rainbow, one had a cave, and one was enormous. AT, Ryan, and I even hiked our way through the brush and down the river to the top of one. It took a good hour or more, because there were no trails, and eventually we decided to just walk in the river down to the edge since that seemed like the easiest option despite how frigid the water was, and we knew it would lead to the end. When we got to the edge it was all worth it for the view down and out from the top. And, who doesn’t love a good adventure? We also had a mini-adventure trying to push and pull the safari van out of the mud. Luckily, the girls captured our efforts on video.

“The Amazing Sun (Solar Oven)”: Well, it is finally completed. After several months of research, buying, building, blood, sweat, and tears, the solar oven is finished. It was a long process, and AT and I aren’t sure if we would do it again outside of the U.S., because the access to materials and tools was difficult. But, the payoff has been great. The first thing we cooked was brownies, and they turned out amazing. The oven reaches a temperature of around 280degrees Fahrenheit. It can cook about 7-10 loaves of bread at a time. We found a bread recipe, and have already baked several loaves and shown the caretakers at Macheo how to use the oven and make the bread. They were quick learners, and we hope that they will continue to use it to bake bread for the children. The bread was delicious and a big hit with all of the kids.

“Christmas in Africa”: I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical of what Christmas would be like minus my family and home. But, Christmas here has surprised me in more ways than I ever thought it would. At Macheo, we celebrated Christmas twice. First, we celebrated with the boys from Macheo-Joyous. It was a full day event that included everyone waking up early in the morning to retrieve the goat to be killed for the meal. I didn’t participate in this event; instead, I opted to help chop tomatoes, cut potatoes, and sing a few songs that were played over and over on the CD player. The entire day was amazing and full of fun. All of the boys were really excited to celebrate Christmas, and we all really got to see each boy’s personality. They were all extremely relaxed and joyful. Most of the times that we had visited before, the boys all seemed a little guarded. But, on that day, everyone was singing, laughing, dancing, and letting loose. It really helped remind me of the joy we are supposed to experience and live during the Christmas season with our family and community. The day ended with a big meal of chapati, goat meat, chips, cabbage, stew, and sodas. We all crowded into the small house and ate together, and watched to boys cheer as they received presents.

A few days after, we celebrated Christmas again with the children at Macheo. It was the last day we would all be together before many of them headed home for a few weeks. I can’t think of a better note to end on. The day was very similar to the events at Joyous. It was a full day of cooking, laughing, and playing with the kids. But, the most touching experience was the when the children all received their gifts. Each child had their own separate bag of presents, and they were all called up individually to receive them. It was encouraging to watch as each child walked up with a smile ear-to-ear to receive their bag. All of the children cheered for each other as the process continued. But, the neatest thing was seeing how each of them waited patiently, until they were told to open their gifts. You could see the excitement in their eyes and incessant movement. It took me back to being a kid and waking up way too early in the morning, because I was so excited to run downstairs to see the gifts. But, they were so patient, and it paid off. I have never seen so much joy and excitement when gifts are being opened. They were each so grateful for the gifts, and they were ready to show them off and many of them started sharing with each other right away.

“Masai Mara”: Well, several of us just got back from one of Africa’s most notable national parks: Masai Mara. It was a bumpy journey there in the “raise the roof” safari van over dirt and rock roads. But, the journey took us to one of the most beautiful places in Kenya. The Masai Mara landscape is vast fields and rolling hills of tall grass with scattered Acacia trees and mountains throughout. We saw many lions, buffaloes, hyena, cheetahs, giraffes, and elephants. We even witnessed several male lions eating a buffalo and we got very close to several giraffe and elephants. The land was breathtaking and it was like walking into the photos of Africa that everyone pictures in their mind. Getting to see the animals in their natural habitat and so close to the vehicle was a once in a lifetime experience. Lastly, we saw many Maasai peoples of the Maasai tribe. They are a beautiful people adorned in colorful kangas, blankets, and beads. Seeing them walk across the landscape is like watching art in motion as their vibrant colors dot the vast expanse. They are very graceful and joyful people whose sole existence depends wholly on cattle (food, marriage, wealth, etc.). Katie thoroughly enjoyed yelling “Supa!” (a Maasai greeting) at them as we drove by, and they all responding in kind. Lindsey, unfortunately, had a little less luck. But, overall the Maasai are a very friendly people. It was an experience that I won’t soon forget.

“Thank you”: I wanted to extend a very big thank you to everyone that replied to my last post and expressed interest in helping with many of the projects I mentioned. It is a blessing and encouraging seeing everyone’s heart to help and love those in need in the margins of society. You are all truly living Christ’s love and encouraging others in the process. I hope you all are encouraged just as much as we are. Also, if anyone is still interested in helping out, feel free to send me an e-mail anytime and I will be able to direct you further.

Continue to keep us all in your prayers over these last four months. While we were sad to leave Thika, we are anxious and excited about the possibilities in the last four months on the coast. We know it will be a very trying time, but we are trusting God to guide us and help us spread love amongst the Church and the Islamic community there.