Kenya: Challenging but Good

I think the best way to describe my intercultural experience here in Kenya is “immersion.” But let me tell you, while this has often been really challenging, I can also confidently say that this has been a blessing.  I know that God has been able to challenge me to trust Him and rely on Him in ways that I never imagined, and the wealth of experiences I've had is well-worth this cultural immersion and its challenges.  By the end of my time here in Kenya I will have attended two weddings, been in another, attended two up-country, traditional pre-weddings and attended various funerals, just to name a few things.  I haven’t just been a missionary serving in a specific task; I've been an individual living life, relating and interacting with Africans in their daily lives.  I ride the matatus; I've been downtown; I’m used to being the only white person around.  I eat what the Kenyans eat; I live like the Kenyans live; I do what the Kenyans do.  I have no choice, and at times what feels like no escape, but even in the midst of it all I can see the blessings of this kind of experience.  Besides learning to depend more fully on God I’m also continuing to learn about His grace and calling in my life.  It’s challenging but good stuff.

I spent most of last week traveling around to different schools to speak at different schools’ prayer services.  The class eight students (8^th graders) and form four students (12^th grade) have national exams they are currently taking that greatly impact there they will go to high school or college and what kind of educational and career opportunities they will ultimately be able to have.  They’re kind of a big deal, and so these prayer services are a time of encouragement for students as well as their parents and a good opportunity to point people towards God’s providence and care for our lives, ultimately through His gospel message.  I’ve been to schools upcountry as well as schools here in the city.  These times are fulfilling and also tiring—you wouldn’t believe how exhausting it can be to sit through a multi-hour service where you understand little to nothing of what is being said, apart from what I say in English.  Still, it was nice to talk to the different kids and their parents.  I usually start by really emphasizing the core of the gospel message, and then I move into talking about three different points in light of this: 1, don’t worry; 2, seek God; 3, do your best.  It’s been good.

On Saturday I traveled upcountry with some people for the pre-wedding/cultural wedding of my good friend, “Diddy” (his nickname, pronounced D.D.), and his fiancée, Kristen.  This involved Diddy traveling with many of his relatives to the upcountry home of Kristen (who is form the Kamba tribe).  Friends are also invited as well.  So apparently this was all supposed to start at 8:00am, but we didn't arrive until after 12:00pm, and we still just waited under the tents that were set up for most of the afternoon.  Diddy and some of his family members met with Kristen’s family to discuss and decide on a dowry, and two goats were slaughtered as part of the occasion (I was able to witness this first-hand, although I was fine with just watching and not helping).  Once things had been settled, a meal was served for the many guests, and then came the fun part.  In Kamba tradition the pride is paraded out to meet her future husband; however, she is completely covered in cloths and blankets along with a number of other “fake brides.”  After the procession with much dancing and singing, the various “brides” are presented before the groom, and he has to identify his bride from among them.  If he guesses wrong he is usually “fined” another goat (and I’m sure he also experiences a lot of embarrassment).  It’s kind of like a cruel game the woman play with the groom that is entirely delightful to watch.  I’m happy to say that Diddy guessed correctly, and this was followed by a short sermon and then the giving of donations toward the wedding budget.  It was a neat experience, and I also enjoyed traveling with my friend Caleb.  Caleb went to school for a few years in America and is actually getting married to an girl from Kansas.  It’s been a blessing to have a friend who is able to better understand my own culture and way of responding to things but who’s still a Kenyan.

I've also become good friends with a guy named Abby (short for Abraham).  He makes a living as a musician.  We've had some time to get together and sing and play guitar.  This past Monday he actually taught me a song that he recently wrote, and we’re hoping to go to the recording studio to sing and play it together.  It’ll be a cool experience, and I've been able to learn a little more about Kenyan musical style.

-Pray for continued faith in God’s promises and work in my life (not just to believe in them but to step out and live differently in the reality of these things)

-Pray for those who are preparing to get married (those here in Kenya as well as those you know back at home)

-Pray for opportunity as well as the ability to see God powerfully working and moving in peoples’ lives (not just for me here in Kenya, but for yourselves, wherever you are)