A People In Search of Peace

Wednesday November 9^th We went caravan style out of Kitale toward a little village called Rafiki. Olive the pastor’s wife was on the back of the first motorcycle. I was next and Pastor Thomas was on the last motorcycle. The sky was threatening rain and we questioned if we would make it in time before it started to “fall.”

Our journey took us through Kipsongo slum area. Little ones wave to us as we roll by. Others holler out the familiar phrase "mazungu" (white woman) and run along trying to catch us. There are people walking in the road with a mixture of sheep, goats and cows and a few bikes. The driver tries his best to avoid the pot holes, wet areas while he weaves around all the various bikes, humans and animals.

It is mid morning and we pass those sleeping on the sides of the road others are out cold in piles of garbage. It is a sad sight to see but ever so common in such an area. We leave Kipsongo slums behind and the country breaks open before us. It appears that we are riding straight into the beautiful majestic mountain in front of us.

Mount Elgon was once the home for the people of Rafiki which we will soon be visiting. They left the mountain and all of the tribal wars to find peace. They settled in a little area at the base of the mountain and called it Rafiki or Friends.

Today we will be having a meeting at Faith Church for the women in the area. Drums are beating and women are singing as we enter the church. The praise continues and the word is out that there is a visitor. Small children run up to the open door of the church and peer in. I smile and instantly their eyes light up. They run off but they soon return with more of their friends.

In the afternoon we are treated to a meal that the women have worked so very hard on. Ugali, potatoes, steamed bananas, greens and chicken are prepared with great care. You know you are an honored guest when chicken is served! I'm served a plate full of food and before I can finish more spoonfuls of food are added to my plate. I am well taken care of!

The rains came before lunch was over and it poured. When the rains stopped we decided it would be best to walk out of Rafiki and then find a ride from the main road back into Kitale. As we said our goodbyes there was a request that we continue to meet as they want to be taught more.

Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Prov 12:20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.