"Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of pleasures, costs nothing, and conveys much. Erastus Wiman
"Do not forget small kindnesses and do not remember small faults." Chinese Proverb
It's been another interesting week in Kisumu! On Monday evening after the usual Pastor's meeting, the group from Hillcrest treated us to a wonderful pizza meal... complete with bars and ice cream for dessert! It was great to enjoy REALLY good cheese, pepperoni and even sausage from America! And after supper they didn't allow any of us to help them with dishes!! They were a real blessing to the compound here in numerous ways! We also enjoyed watching a slide show that evening by Phil Yoder. It had to do with the work at Hillcrest. Very interesting!
On Tuesday Wayne went to town with Dean to work on marriage legalization papers for a couple from their church. That eve. the Hillcrest group was scheduled to fly out of Kisumu so we ate an early supper together here at our house. They seemed to really like Kenyan food so I made one last meal for them... rice, beans, chicken stew, sukumu, and we bought chapatis. I was impressed how eager they were to try new foods! They put me to shame!
Wed. afternoon found Wayne and I and Shonda heading to Tobias and Elizabeth's house, near Ahero, for Bible study. I love to see these couples working together to host activities like this. Many couples seem to be embarrassed to be seen together a lot but I think this couple may be an exception. They were very gracious hosts and served us nyoyo and mandazis afterwards. One thing that's still hard for me is when the ladies are all laughing and talking away in Luo and I can understand so little of what they're saying. Maybe if they'd talk a bit slower... Oh well, it's ok. It's just hard not to feel like an outsider sometimes. I guess I should take time to study the language more... but when?
Thursday and Friday were very interesting days... also busy with food preparation!! Our joint unit meeting with Nakuru was held in Joseph and Beck's lawn on Thurs. afternoon. The meeting went well and was not so long-winded this time. The special part of the meeting was when the Pastor's all took time to share what was on their hearts... struggles, victories, etc. and then there was time spent in prayer. We find out during times like this that we're not alone in the things we struggle with. We have all come from a different culture and are trying to blend with a new one. We have much in common and the missionary bond is great!! There was enough room in the compound that we didn't need to host anyone here although Shonda's good friend from Nakuru, Abigail Byler, stayed here.
On Friday morning breakfast was served bright and early, 7:15, and then Orientation began at 8:30. Marlin Yoder led the spirited singing. I LOVE hearing English songs at times like this! But don't get me wrong! I love Luo and Swahili as well!! Freeman Byler shared a very thought-provoking message on "Balancing Vision and Experience". The thrust of the meetings had to do with Harmony in relationships... especially blending new people on the field with those that have years of experience. It can be a challenge because new people tend to ask questions like... "Why do you do it this way?" and the old timers say things like "we've tried this and it doesn't work!!" It's good to have fresh vision but along with that we need the wisdom of those who have been here long-term. Freeman shared a writing by Glenn Schwartz that was very interesting and helpful in understanding Stages of Missionary Development. In stage 1. everything is wonderful. Stage 2. everything is terrible. Stage 3. some things are wonderful, some things are not, but that's the way the world is. Stage 4. I am now accepted as an insider in this culture, and I feel good about that. Stage 5. I have left my first culture and totally accepted the new, and I do not intend to turn back. His writings are unique and we can identify with a lot of what he says. Don't ask what stage we are in! :) I don't think we really know ourselves. I feel like I'm in several stages at once. The workshops were titled, "When do I get fed?" by Winfred Miller and "Purpose for Mission Youth" by Mark Beachy. Very worthwhile subjects! Wayne had the last message titled, "Harmonious Unit Relationships." To illustrate what he wanted to say he had 3 brothers join him up front to sing a song and they all sang off key! It sounded terrible and caused some laughter. But then Wayne told us what ingredients are needed to create harmony and then they sang together beautifully! :) Harmony cannot be created without diversity; however, that diversity is not self serving but only creates harmony as each part is firmly anchored and surrendered to the "melody". Mary Ellen and I were in charge of making hot dish for lunch so we served ricardo chicken, rice, and beans. We REALLY enjoyed the fellowship and thank God for the blessing of others with the same vision for the Kingdom that we have!
This morning we worshiped with the Rabour church. I always love going there partly because of their awesome choir! The singing gives me chills! Wayne preached a good message on how we need to worship in Spirit, AND in Truth. We need both! We had to wait there quite a while after the service because the Pastors had an issue they wanted to talk to Wayne about. Our children's patience was thoroughly tried... but that doesn't hurt us.
Tomorrow is the famed chicken butchering day! I don't need to help cut up chickens because I'm responsible to make breakfast for the whole crew and babysit the children. So we'll see how that goes! We have visitors in the compound right now! Jake Gingerich's parents, John and Christina, from WI as well as Carolyn Rodes parents, James and Esther from VA.
Blessings to all of you! Clara
 |
| Anastacia Yoder (Marlin's) |
 |
| You got a smart Grandpa!! |
 |
| Marlin and Abbi Yoder |
 |
| Plumeria. It smells as good as it looks!! |
 |
| Kenya Youth Group |
 |
| Clarissa treated the family to shakes after unit meeting! |
 |
| Esh and Burkholder boys |
 |
| Typical Rosemary!! |
 |
| Rabour pastors team. William and Rosemary Ondeyo (Left), Thomas and Susan Amata (Right) |
 |
| Elliot Yoder |
No comments:
Post a Comment