It has been a very
long time since I posted a blog. Several things have happened in the last few
months that I put in my “note to self” box but forgot.
So today, I had to write.
A couple of weeks ago, we were blessed to be a part of a two
day clinic and training in Moheto, southern Kenya. The training part was
facilitated by me and Len’s Mom Sarah. We talked about many things facing women
in that part of Kenya. We talked about menopause, post partum depression, and
the practice of female genital mutilation. For two days we delved into
practices that are more than 100 years old and why they continue these
practices even though they are detrimental to the health of young women. We had
great discussions and we all learned a great deal . I now have a greater
understanding of the whys and hows of courtship and marriage in the Kuria
tribe. Life is simple and complicated for them.
When those couple of days were finished, I was exhausted. When I am teaching non-stop for two days, I
just feel worn out. I give it all I have when I am in that group setting. But
that type of setting is tough for me.You see, I like to be alone. I like
reading alone, studying the bible alone, praying alone – I just need time
alone. So after a few days like that, my well is completely dry and I have to
hibernate. My closest friends know that about me, my family knows that about
me. But I struggle with how I am seen in this culture. I am not the kind to
come out every day and spend time talking all day. I am however, the kind who
likes a good one on one in a quiet place. So I have to learn to adjust. Please
pray for me that I find the right balance. Surely God made me this way for a
purpose. I am praying over a bible study that will be starting in the next
week. This study will be for new Christians, for those who have never known
Jesus but know His name, for women who are prostitutes or have addictions of
one sort or another – basically those Jesus would have spent time with while on
the earth.
Clearly I diverge…. POTATOES…. Why did I title this
potatoes? Well, you see this morning our neighbor loaded his motorbike with
potatoes just like he does every day. Today, as he passed our house, two large
sacks fell from his bike and spilled everywhere. I grabbed my “market bag” and
went outside to help pick up the pieces.
When we were finished, I said goodbye, we all smiled and he
went off to market.
That’s my kind of servanthood… no words spoken ( well a few
Swahili words, but basically we worked in silence)… just gettin’ the job
done. There was a need, we met the need
and then everyone went on about their daily routine.
You see… I am a quiet person… I like quiet… and I could pick
up potatoes in silence. And I am pretty sure my neighbors felt the love of
Jesus as plainly as those to whom I spoke for two days…
Lord help me find my way….
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