April 18……

Waking up to an unfamiliar sound here…..gentle rain for a few minutes. A gentle washing as our day begins. Another reminder to me of the washing away God blesses me with everyday….washing away of my sin through repentance, washing away thoughts that might bring fears or concerns….the rain was a sweet reminder. Last night was a little busy…..the dogs were quite loud barking. Karey and I both could hear them quite busy. The rooster is crowing now, we still look like misfits with our clothes but we laugh and it feels normal now as I sit and read/pray with a sheet as part of my clothing…..and coffee. Have I mentioned African coffee? It’s taste is amazing! 

Back to the mission house….

What a great day! We started off going into Zumba to get a few things…..you know, us misfits needed a few things. I said to Karey and Ed, “now that we found saline for my contacts the luggage will come today”. Afterwards we went into familiar roads where they sell on the side of the road and in buildings. I spotted a “farmers market” and asked Ovi about it. He promises to take me there this week…..but he warns it might be a little shocking….especially the meat section. I am all for it……the desire to know these people, their ways, their customs/culture is all I need to get through the meat section! I will keep you posted!

We then drove the roads to Kachere. I don’t know if it is possible but the roads today might have been worse than yesterday. School is out as it is Easter Monday but Stanley is teaching 8th graders to help them make it to the next level of opportunity for “high school”. We sat in on the class …..it was both fun and a time of prayer. These students and their commitment to learn, may they be rewarded for their focus. May these next steps continue them on a path out of poverty. We went walking down paths in the village seeing children play with a ball (they found plastic bags and had rolled them up with some string), children sitting together. I just see their sweet faces and are drawn to them. I desperately want to show them attention and love. A group was sitting alone so we went over and shook their hands saying “mueebangee” (I am sure I am not spelling that correctly, giving it my best shot!). We also got to meet with the Chief of this village. We have had opportunities to meet with her for many years. She is still as sweet and welcoming as she has always been. She is older, wiser and she is thinner. The hump on her back remains causing increased pain through her body at times. Ovi had helped her seek medical attention a few years ago but they said they could not do anything. Stanley translated for us and we were able to ask questions and encourage each other. She will not have enough food to make it until next harvest. A serious conversation was shared as she explained she thought she might not be here the next time we came. That’s hard to hear…..that’s heartbreaking to hear. I stared at the ground praying……Lord can you show us how to help? Ovi assured her she would have food.

 Meanwhile……behind us children were watching. Some just standing there and some peering out from behind trees. I went over to see them. They were not sure at first……so I started the fist bump with the finger “explosion”. The giggles that started……more children came, more giggles. We started writing in the dirt and a favorite….we took pictures.  It has been too long……

On our way back, we came upon more children…..some from the first group who wanted to fist bump again. There was this one little peanut in the back of the group. Such big eyes and chubby little cheeks. I tried to teach him the fist bump but he was too little. All I could do was stroke his cheek with my fingers as he stared into my eyes. Little man may you grow to know the Lord, may He call you, may you become a testimony to His grace and mercy. 

We also had the opportunity to meet with the Pastor of Kachere…..a man with such a humble spirit. A man whose faith in the Lord I p ray is a testimony to everyone. There were more conversations about lack of food. Families that will go without food until NEXT April. How is this possible? Lord show us how to help.

And then the call………our luggage arrived at the airport! We made the trek back and scooped all 6 up. It was odd, I had come to think it’s okay if it never shows up. God provides, God shows up. Peeling away a few more layers……..