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)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
You are in my prayers and thanks for the updates. I'm sure the stories that you will tell when you get home will be even more filled with the excitement that I read here. I'm looking forward to your report when you return.
(Angelista is sending this through my ID):
We are thankful to God who laid this burden on your hearts and you answered the call to go to Kenya. We believe that God will accomplish His will for the Kenyan people through you. The Lord will protect you as you do all the trekking as he did when Paul was on his missionary journies. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Massas
Post a Comment