I am sitting in Jomo Kenyatta Airport, waiting for my flight home. This has become my usual time to rehash what has happened on this trip and think about the future, so here goes.
I learned a lot on this trip. My focus this time was "understanding." I have been seeking to better understand the Kenyan experience, at least through the eyes of my workers here. So I spent several nights in their homes, hanging out with their kids and the orphans, and generally try to understand their "context." I think that I was successful, to a point. I learned a lot about how these people live, work and do church, but there is still a lot left to learn. There is only so much that can be conveyed in English; their language is a large part of the Kenyan lifestyle. Until I learn Swahili, I will always be the mzungu saying, "What did he say?"
I practiced preaching a lot. I expected to preach two Sundays, but every night at an orphanage and even at MITS, they wanted me to speak. Years ago I took a Dale Carnegie course on public speaking, and did very well, but it has been a skill that has been dormant until this new Kenyan calling. I really enjoy it. I especially like that rare moment when you can see in their eyes that they just "got" what you were trying to say. Now if I just had something worthwhile to say! I'm counting on what God said to Moses, "I will teach you what to say."
Another goal on this trip was to become more self-sufficient. On all my previous trips, I have completely been at the mercy of drivers and other Kenyans to get anywhere. I made some good progress here, though I would want my language skills to improve before I would be completely comfortable alone in Kenya. I drove for almost two weeks, and covered all the major highways that we use here. I learned how to see the 'bumps' that are everywhere and how to chart a course through the mine-fields of pot holes. Alfayo Bodi called me his "International, Professional Driver," and complemented me by falling asleep while he was supposed to be navigating.
The amazing news about the IDP camp from yesterday's post, punctuated by their astounding generosity with their new found land, was a great high point for this trip. Many Americans have expressed their interest in helping build a permanent feeding station there, so we will begin that process soon. God has shown up in many ways on this trip. From keeping me from danger, to opening the hearts of his children for my visit. I'll forever be grateful for this most incredible journey that I am on in His kingdom.
I'll leave you with my final words for Bernard Kibet, when we parted a few days ago. Know what you believe, and why you believe it. Theology is important. It's not OK to just keep doing the same old church that you learned as a kid, you must discover what God's kingdom purposes mean to you, and how you can participate in His redemptive process. Thank you for listening and thank you, Lord for taking me on this journey. I would not have it any other way.
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