Week Four!

         Bright-golden rays of sunshine beamed across the valleys and onto our now rosy cheeks as we walked from the clinic to the Siyiapei primary school. We were much grateful for the warmth. We arrived at the gate of the compound where many children had already run out to greet us. Waving and running up to shake our hands in shy excitement, they made us feel welcomed even in our first moments upon arriving. We met with the principle and several of the teachers, and then we were taken to a meeting place where hundreds of happy and curious eyes fixated upon us while a shush filled the room. We sat at the front looking out at all the students that had come to listen to us talk about America, healthcare, who we were, why we were here, and in return to tell us about themselves and answer any questions we had. I must say that it was quite nerve-wracking at first, but the atmosphere quickly turned lively as we laughed and shared, seeing them get up the courage to show us a Maasai dance, and us speaking English with funny accents or Swahili with strange pronunciation in our explanations of different health infections they asked about. We loved singing praise songs with them and experiencing a glimpse of what their lives are like. When the session ended and everyone was dismissed they crouded around us, combing through our hair, rubbing our palms, giggling, asking us questions, plucking our armhair and giving us hugs. It was wonderful to be able to spend a big clump of time with so many beautiful little Kenyan boys and girls. And it is amazing how brightly Christ shines through his children. We waved and hugged goodbye and made our way back to our home, promising to come back again soon.

           At the clinic this week we were graced with presence of Nelson and Tom, both skilled in nursing, who stepped in for Orpha when she had to attend a conference mandatory for all nurses employed under the government. We missed working with her but were so blessed by getting to know and learn under both Nelson and Tom. It was really good to see how, while each person has a different style of treating patients, all display an amazing model worth emulating, as they whole-heartedly show the patients care. We were able to learn so much this week and talk with, treat, and pray with many patients. Most of the people we meet are Maasai and it has been incredible to see and experience their culture. Conversations with those who know Jesus Christ intimately have given us an understanding about how they relate to Him in thier culture, and has revealed so many unsearchable truths about His character. It has blown my mind to see the faith and dedication of so many we have met. Often, we have found that people depend on God to supply even their next meal or their fare to get to school the next day, waking up early just to spend time in prayer with Him, giving away thier best simply to love and welcome others. We have recieved many a fruit from people sending a dozen mangos or several avocados our way wishing us blessings and sending us greetings (a few days ago we recieved two huge bushels of banannas from a mama who is 85 and still working the garden!) One morning, talking with our Lab Technition, now really good friend Fred, about his growing up in the orphanage, he told us about how he and nine other friends would pray together every morning from 4am to 6am just to pray. He said that not a single one of them ever went to bed hungry and that all of them now have jobs, that God has and always will be faithful to meet every one of their needs. Another woman we met, though physically weak and in great pain, could barely contain her joy as she exclaimed her love for Jesus.

      

       Earlier this week we were surprised when a knock on our door turned out to be a young boy, 12, who had remembered us from church, wanting to take us for a walk. We thought this a strange proposal but accepted nonetheless thinking it the cultural thing to do and come to find out, he was wanting us to come meet his family at his house. Passing the breathtaking prairie and musical herds of cow, sheep, and goats along the way, we arrived to see a quaint mud house with a tin thatched roof and two little girls peeking around the corner. It was one of the most at-home places we have felt as the mother, Sabina, and her children (who warmed up to us shortly after we arrived) sat and spent the afternoon with us, their jubilant personalities and laughter contagious. We were touched and put in awe by her story and the love that we not only saw but also felt by their family. We are looking very forward to having them over to our home tomorrow after church!

       It hard to believe that already, half of the time we have here is over! Amidst the ups and downs, trials and blessings, the vast depth of how much God is working behind the scenes continues to amaze us, much of which remains to be revealed. We have been able to grow so much as a team, make relationships with, and further those relationships with the people around us each day. On Thursday, we had a blast celebrating Fred's birthday with a home cooked meal of goat, ugali, sakumawiki, cake (which according to their tradition, you feed to each other), a good ole fashioned birthday card, and water (important for pouring over the head of the birthday boy when they least expect it, we learned). Each saturday we hear the beautiful voices of Maasai hymns being sung by a group that meets on the other side of our house in the morning, and we have even come to learn a few! We hope to be able to preform one at church before the end of our stay! We are praying for continued opportunities to witness, encourage, learn, and develop deeper relationships with those around us (at the clinic, at church, in the community, possibly having some of the older women over for chai and sharing how Jesus has worked in our lives, mentoring some of the children at the school, etc.). We are so thankful for the support and prayers, knowing and experiencing how faithful the Lord works on behalf of them!

Many thoughts and much love from Siyaipei!