Over the past several days we have settled into Nairobi quite nicely. Right when we think we are stocked up on food and supplies we realize something that we have forgotten to pick up. Considering the position we are currently in, we can’t just jump in the car and run to Wal-Mart. We have to wait until a nearby missionary is planning a trip to the market and invites us to ride along. Fortunately, we have not had to go more than a few days without the opportunity to catch a ride.
Over the past week we have met many of the local missionaries and their families. It is amazing how they become family to each other and how welcoming they are to the three of us. We have been invited over for dinners and even an upcoming 4th of July celebration. It is clear that everyone understands the trials that we face being away from friends, family, and everything that is familiar to us. They have gone out of their way to make us comfortable and ensure we have what we need.
A group of four guys from ICC (International Christian Center) came for a meeting to discuss possible modes of transportation for us while we work in two different schools around Nairobi. It was our first time to entertain guests in our new home. Ironically, it was also our first time to cook a full meal in our kitchen. Similar to everything else, cooking in Africa is NOTHING like cooking in America. It was a fun experience and it gave them the opportunity to taste something they had never eaten before.
The best part of the entire night was the genuine relationships that we developed with these four young men. Ryan and I contemplated the best way to describe the hearts of these people and we basically decided that there is no way to fully explain it. We invited them over for the opportunity to ask their advice on the best form of transportation, and they arrived offering much more. Prior to their visit Joseph and the pastor at the church he attends arranged a team of young adults that will travel to and from the schools with us each day. When we acted surprised and so appreciative they responded with bewilderment. They acted as if they would have it no other way. We told them that we had a meeting with the principal of one schools scheduled within the next 2 days each of them picked up the phone and started making contacts to find someone that would ride the matatu (bus) across town to pick us up and ride back to the other side of town to take us to the school. This could take them up to two hours one way. It was within in minutes that they found someone that was willing to spend their entire day just helping us get to a meeting. Then we told them that we were scheduled to spend the weekend at an orphanage that is located out of town. One of the guys at dinner made arrangements to borrow a car to drive us to the school, potentially a 3 hour drive one way, depending on traffic. When trying to express our gratitude and feelings of guilt for “putting them out” Elias stopped me and said, “Let me explain, in our culture you do not feel guilty for us offering to help you. We are honored to help and the best way to show your appreciation is to accept what is offered.” That is just one example of the many ways they showed how big their hearts really are. They were a direct answer the prayers the three of us have been praying since we started this adventure.
We look forward to continuing to develop these relationships and hopefully begin developing new relationships. The Lord continues to bless us in many ways, further affirming our presence here in Africa.
No comments:
Post a Comment