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RSS FeedAfrica #4 Heading to Tanzania,Struggles & God |
Dec. 2, 2006
Categorized in: REFLECTIONS ON AFRICA
email # 4 10-10-06
Word up to all! I pray all is well on your side of the world. I feel like I just wrote, but it will be a while 'till my next letter as we are going to Tanzania, Thursday through Monday. We are going to support a guy by the name of Jesse who Krystle interned with when she was here before. And also just helped with the church he is working with and in any way they are in need. I'm excited to say I've been to Tanzania, but I honestly am not excited to go to another "strange" place. But it's only for a few days, if God can get me through each day here He certainly can get me through another unfamiliarity. So please keep us in your prayers for safety and I guess just that I would be excited and put my heart in to all that we will be doing. Please also pray I would continue to adjust…or simply, get used to the fact that I am here right now and make the most of my time here.
One of my biggest struggles is learning to BE rather than DO. I got to speak with a very wise woman named Joyce. This was an answer to prayer…she is like a counselor at the church…she's just really good with listening to people and helping them sort through what's going on. This was really the first time I got to talk to anyone about all the change I've been experiencing, my frustrations, just everything. And it seemed that so much came back to Being vs Doing. Most everything we are doing here is to BE with Kenyans…no, for instance…building a house for a family, painting a church, feeding the homeless…in other words Doing. By Being we are Doing. Everyone here is so relational. Most, and I'm saying more that people in the states, would drop what they are doing and be with you in whatever way you are needing it. Maybe, that is because they don't have much money and money wouldn't solve their problems anyway. I'm not sure?
I'm enjoying the 2 hours I have with the 3 girls at TULIP. Ann, is 15. Lillian, is 19 (and kinda like the big sister in the house). And Mercy, she's 18. These are the girls that I'm "tutoring" for their very big and important test coming up Nov. 1. I also led the devotion (for all the girls) this last Monday and also last Tuesday. Seems like each week we are there, they start sharing more and opening up. :o)
I am relating my experience here in Kenya to a crooked shopping cart. Ya know those ones you push that never go straight because of the one messed up wheel? Yes, that is what it's like here. Krystle and I went shopping Saturday which was an all day event. Trying to get a mat, trying to get money out of the bank, trying to rent a movie and getting groceries. What should have taken no more than 2 hours, took us about 7!
I really enjoy the public transportation here. It teaches me patience. It also gives me pleasant smells to my nose. One ride home smelt like a citrusy b.o., and with loud reggae music vibrating on my butt as the bass speaker was under my seat. At least there was some citrus smell in there, instead of straight up b.o. Of course I'm being sarcastic, but seriously sometimes you can't do anything but laugh. I love that on the mat's and busses there are paintings or stickers (on the outside and inside). I think it's like the owner sharing their personality with Kenya. I see a lot of verses, from the Bible, which I think is just so cool. My favorite was seeing a picture of Bart Simpson and in writing above it "With God, All things are possible."
Seems like God is placing a few people in our paths to share Jesus with them. We seriously don't even say anything at first, they come up and approach us. It's neat! We have become friends with this guy Geoffrey who works at Java. Did I mention Java yet? This place is so good…they have Muzungu food and I love it there. They have everything from ice cream to quesadillas to hamburgers. Although, I tried a bite of Krystle's hamburger and didn't like it. I don't know if it's that every time I try to eat meat here, I get a picture of a huge piece of cow hanging in the window of a kiosk with flies all over it or they just put different seasonings in it. It tastes different! Anyway, we will now enjoy going to Java more now that we met Geoffry and he wants to learn more about God.
Things around the house: operation egg Krystle was not successful. I've had in my head for about a week now a way to get Krystle back…she did something to me, I can't remember, just being sarcastic or something so I told her I would get her back. So I had an egg up stairs, she was walking up stairs and I aimed for her head and chucked it. Well, it hit her shoulder and part of her arm and then hit the ground. I guess I'll have to think of another way to get her back :o) It has been a joy being here with Krys and even though this part of my life has been the most difficult, she is really helping me cope. And of course, your prayers. I could not be here and make it through with out you guys. Thank you!
Please continue to give us prayer requests. I always look forward to praying with Krystle and lifting you guys up to Jesus. I can always feel His presence here with us. Have a great week and will be in contact soon…
Love always, Megan
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