We are pretty much exhausted, but we still have more people to visit today before our plane leaves this evening at 11pm. It is impossible to explain all the sights, sounds, smells and experiences that we take with us from Kenya. It is a magnificent country filled with poverty and deprivation yet full of hope and progress. There is great pride and hospitality in the people. They are gracious and graceful. Our hearts go out to them and pray that Saint Joseph will respond to God's calling in a great way. Pray for our safe journey as we look forward to seeing all of you once again. We cannot express our gratitude enough for sending us on this mission trip. Thank you all, and to God be given all the glory.
Blessings on each of you.
Suzana, Saneta, Brad
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Riakonga Methodist Church – August 3rd, 2008
Sunday found us on a mountain top experience – literally. We had to travel approximately one hour on red clay and rock roads to arrive at Saneta's home church. During the trip we were delayed by a jack knifed semi trailer that blocked the entire road. We walked in our Sunday best for about 15 minutes (enough time to get hot and sweaty) before the driver was able to catch up to us. When we reached the farthest point we could go by car, we walked another mile to the top of the mountain where we were greeted by 300 screaming fans who are all members of Saneta's home church of Riakonga. Even though the service had started, they invited us in and placed us at the seat of honor at the front of the church. They sang for us, sang testimonials, prayed and preached all in Swahili. The service lasted 2 hours, which was a shortened version so that we could enjoy fellowship after the service. During the service we listened to the stories of the orphans, the needy, and those affected by AIDS. Most of these people earn less than $100/year. This low amount prevents them from attending even public school which costs around $50/year. There are many motivated students who are prevented from furthering their education due to their lack of financial resources. We counted 38 orphans, 80 special financial needs, and another 120 students with one parent, who are the victims of AIDS within this church community.
We then walked along the mountain top to the ancestral home of Saneta's parents. Saneta came from a very poor family who farms tea plants and other small crops on 2 acres on top of the mountain. There were 9 siblings growing up. The oldest child helped pay for the education of the next child, who then in turn paid for the next child. In this way all 9 children had achieved advanced education. We were graciously entertained by nearly the entire family. The traditional meal starts with the washing of the hands with warm basin water (reminiscent of the washing of the feet). Then the traditional foods were served by the women who prepared the meal in a detached kitchen where they cooked over a wood fire. We were given the grand tour of the farm before we left in a torrential downpour. We had to walk a mile downhill sharing umbrellas and canes to balance us. At one point we stopped and took shelter in an unfinished house with a metal roof during a lightning and hail storm. When we finally reached the bottom we were drowned rats. This does not come close to explaining the adventure and amazement of our experience of trekking down the mountain top with gushing water all around us. We were soaked thru and thru. The senior Pastor accompanied us down the hill holding one of the umbrellas to ensure we made it to the bottom safely. He then had to walk another 9 miles to his home.
The entire day taught us new meanings of the words faith, grace, and love. These are beautiful and kind people. Truly these are children of God whom we are called to love. Please keep all the Kenyan people in your prayers. The needs are great. The resources are few.
Bwana asifiwe (Praise the Lord)
We then walked along the mountain top to the ancestral home of Saneta's parents. Saneta came from a very poor family who farms tea plants and other small crops on 2 acres on top of the mountain. There were 9 siblings growing up. The oldest child helped pay for the education of the next child, who then in turn paid for the next child. In this way all 9 children had achieved advanced education. We were graciously entertained by nearly the entire family. The traditional meal starts with the washing of the hands with warm basin water (reminiscent of the washing of the feet). Then the traditional foods were served by the women who prepared the meal in a detached kitchen where they cooked over a wood fire. We were given the grand tour of the farm before we left in a torrential downpour. We had to walk a mile downhill sharing umbrellas and canes to balance us. At one point we stopped and took shelter in an unfinished house with a metal roof during a lightning and hail storm. When we finally reached the bottom we were drowned rats. This does not come close to explaining the adventure and amazement of our experience of trekking down the mountain top with gushing water all around us. We were soaked thru and thru. The senior Pastor accompanied us down the hill holding one of the umbrellas to ensure we made it to the bottom safely. He then had to walk another 9 miles to his home.
The entire day taught us new meanings of the words faith, grace, and love. These are beautiful and kind people. Truly these are children of God whom we are called to love. Please keep all the Kenyan people in your prayers. The needs are great. The resources are few.
Bwana asifiwe (Praise the Lord)
Harusi Kusumu – August 2nd, 2008
Over the last few days we travelled several hundred miles through Kenya via Public Transportation, aka bus (not Greyhound)!! However, we have been blessed with enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of Kenya which we Wazungu (all of us who do not have brown skin) have never experienced before. Along the highways we have witnessed some magnificent wild beasts including; Giraffes, Zebras, Monkeys, Elephants, Boar, Camels, Antelopes, Rhinos, Hippos, Masai leading their cattle, herds of Goats and Sheep, and exotic birds.We were privileged to be invited to Saneta's brother's wedding (Harusi in Swahili). Amidst about 300 celebrants we witnessed the Christian matrimony of Clement and Dorcas Maiko. It was a beautiful affair with the bride dressed in white. Somewhere during the ceremony, not sure when, we were adopted by a 3-year old orphan boy that latched onto us. We could never find out his name but he was starved for affection and food in equal measure. By the grace of God we were able to provide a little of both.
Bwana asifiwe (Praise the Lord)
Bwana asifiwe (Praise the Lord)
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