A Thankful Heart

September 9, 2011 As we leave the compound and start our upward walk we are not alone. The roads are full of people coming and going. Early in the morning the clouds shelter us from the hot sun that will soon beat rays of heat over Africa. As we pass the garbage bin it seems to be alive. There are five or six men pawing through the garbage. Some are even inside the bin. They are so busy trying to uncover something of value that they don’t know that we are there. We arrive at the corner where we wait for our Matatu. (public transportation van) Most matatus are old and run down, very much in need of repair but if the tires roll they will be kept in service. Squeezing one more in the van seems impossible until they show you it can be done! I can tell you that it is possible to fit five adults in one van seat. I was there and I was one of the five. They try to give you a good ride though, the thud of the music beats throughout the van as you ride along. No one talks because you cannot hear the person next to you. It becomes a time of prayer for me as I see them avoid all traffic jams by riding down the center of the road where there is no lane. Then there are times when the sidewalk seems to be the quicker route. The quicker they get you to your destination the more successful they are. Speed limit signs do not exist. The seat we are in rocks back and forth because it is not attached to the floor, but then again there really isn’t much of a floor to attach it to.

They deliver us to the outskirts of the slums and we begin our walk further into the slums. There are masses of people coming and going. Going where, I’m really not sure. There are so many that are without work. The prices of food have double and crime continues to increase. Someone cut through one of the tin sheets of the church and stole the clock and some benches. I believe they would have taken more except there wasn’t more to take.

It doesn’t take long to feel the heat of the sun. Children are sitting by the road playing, some are trying to reroute the brook of waste beside the road.

The dusty roads, piles of garbage and running waste make a blend of smells that never leaves the area. When the wind blows small pieces of debris hit the face. You never know when a Mama will throw her basin of dirty water out into the path way.

There are many new church buildings made of metal siding in the same area. They are within a stone’s throw of each other. I would like to say that it was a good thing but to many being a pastor is a means to power and the possibility of more money.

We arrive at the church and the children are already outside on their benches. Those that can read are given a New Testament. Their eyes widen and smiles take over their face as they proudly stand and read a scripture to us. While sitting there I noticed the little girls in their new shoes. Every once in awhile they would look down at them and then dust them off.

After speaking at the morning service we walked into a different area of the slums called the Congo. It is an area that is known for more crime and despair. Consalta lives here and she had prepared lunch for us. She put on her best with beans, kale, ugali, cooked bananas, noodles, and some beef pieces. Hours of preparation went into this meal. On the inside it was a time of relaxing and enjoying the company of friends. On the outside there are those caught in the sea of extreme poverty with the belief that they will never be free. Many are using the ground for their bed, it is the closest thing to home that they know.

Throughout the past week we have visited many. Janet is praying for a way to get a home in a different area of the slums. Streams of water flow through her house when it rains. Judy, who will deliver soon, is praying for a healthy baby. The first two were taken C section. She still remembers the pain. Both times the baby died during the operation. Ava is 30 years old with four children. Her husband has left and does not help with feeding the children. She has a job but it is only 4 hours a week. We go to her neighbor. She is HIV positive. Many go home at the end of the day tired and hungry but there isn’t any food. They will visit a neighbor and a friend only to find out they don’t have any food either. A cup of chai/tea has become a meal and some don’t even have that.

A father’s words hit my ears, “My child doesn’t eat faith. She eats bread.”

There are so many needs and so many challenges. There are so many eyes that look my way.

There are visits that uplift as well. Little “Linda Joy” sleeps on the bed as we visit with her mom. Virginia had not been able to carry a baby to full term. Before I left Kenya last year we stopped and prayed with Virginia. She was very fearful as she was having complications with baby that she was carrying. We prayed against the spirit of fear and that joy would fill her and her house. While I was in the states Virginia gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Linda Joy.

As we visit with Rachel she quickly tells us that last year we prayed for her sick son and he was healed. We stand together again and pray but this time we give thanks for what God has done.

There is a time of happiness within the slum school as pencils, charts, erasers, and rulers are passed out. A little girl with a thankful heart holds her pencil tight as she thanks God for it.

Time was set aside Friday afternoon to meet with some of the pastors. We enjoyed our time together as we shared some bread and had coca cola. One pastor said I had been gone so long he thought I was lost! Another gave encouraging words of how he felt good and important because so many would not walk with them in areas such as this.

One pastor told me he was taking a course with an American teacher.
She was thin. She left and the next semester she came back with weight on. He said from behind he wasn't even sure it was her. He was happy to see her again and went to her and greeted her and told her she was fat! He couldn't understand why she got mad at him and wouldn’t talk to him.
He talked with her husband about it and he just laughed. He wanted to know what he did wrong.
As I explained all ears in the room were very attentive. He understands now :) He was trying to give her a compliment. Fat here is saying you are healthy looking.

Psalm 123:3 & 4

Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much ridicule from the proud, much contempt from the arrogant.

Still "Daddy's Little Girl"

Monday, September 26, 2011

After hugs and more hugs, a few tears and a reminder that I am still “Daddy’s little girl” I left the comfort and safety of home. It would be a long journey one that would take me almost 8,000 miles away, one that would deliver me to Africa for the 5^th time.

My suitcases were full of love. They had beanie babies, ties, dresses, dolls, pencils, crayons, Bibles, pocket size New Testaments, reading books, jump ropes, soap, band aids, slipper socks, afghans, baby blankets, handmade bible covers, reading glasses, teaching material and more. So many have given and in such big ways. Your love has been felt by me and soon those you have never met will feel your love as well. As I was filling my suitcase I noticed a little brown fur ball nestled inside. I think my puppy was hoping to tag along too! `

I had one quick stop over London which found me “fast walking” and praying all the way to the next gate. The weather in London did not permit us to land on time so it was a contest against the clock. I did make it to the gate before it closed with 5 minutes or less to spare.

From London to Nairobi I sat beside the Foreign Affairs Minister of Kenya, David K. Musyoka. He was returning from a UN meeting. One topic for discussion was on Palestine & Israel. If I have any problems while in Kenya I am to call him. Missionaries are special to his heart because he is the product of a missionary. Years ago a missionary from Ireland came to Kenya and put him through school. He now travels the world. He has been in 9 different countries this year alone. I was also flying with the Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga. He was returning from a Mini-Summit on the humanitarian response to the Horn of Africa, convened by the UN. I wanted a window seat but God had other plans.

My plane was about 30 minutes late landing in Nairobi but my taxi man was still here waiting for me :)
All my luggage arrived :) I walked through customs so that was a great blessing and a time saver. Outside I saw a taxi man with a sign in his hand that said "Linda Gove" - perfect!!!

I arrived safe and sound at the missionary compound Tuesday evening around 11 pm. The guard at the gate passed me my key with a hand written note attached to it which said "Welcome back home Linda."

Wednesday, Sept 28^th Morning came too soon but it was great to see everyone once again. There were many welcomes, there were hugs and also an observation that I had eaten well while I had been away.

One worker came to my window and in a quiet voice he asked, “Did you remember the Bible?” When I left last year he had asked me for a special study Bible. I’m sure glad I could say “yes.” He was so very happy. He is a Bible teacher at his church and every night after work he goes out and evangelizes. Last year they had 100 in their church now they have 425 members. I asked him if he thought I would remember. He said he didn't know because it had been a long time. Before he asked me he had asked two other missionaries and when they returned they both told him that they had forgotten. He has waited so very long for his study Bible.

Thursday, Sept 29^th It has been a day of having Africa sink one more layer deeper into my skin. I had forgotten about eating out with armed guards carrying AK47s standing at the door way. I had forgotten about going to the ATM machine and having two guards with guns stand there beside you. The organized travel at home seems so unreal now. Speed, chaos, bumper to bumper at times, no order, switching lanes without a care in the world, people running across the road in front of you, cows and goats are next! Oh yes it is all coming back to me. The area where I stay is a haven for birds and they start singing at 4:30 every morning. That is after the dogs that barked all night go to sleep. The call to prayer rings throughout the area for all to hear. Matatu drivers add the sound of “beep, beep” from early morn to night. The smells of garbage and brush burning fill the air. Time, schedules, and appointments mean nothing it all seems to work out just fine when you are on African time.

It was a day of connecting once again with friends I have not seen for some time. Pastor Joseph & Gladys, who work with the street boys, found their way to the compound after a three hour Nairobi traffic jam. They both share about the hard year they have had but God has always provided them with food. Food prices have doubled! It was hard before and now it is impossible for many.

Sunday, Oct 2^nd I put my new white walking sneakers on and got ready for church. Today was my first day back in the slums. My body has finally caught up with Kenyan time and I’m excited to have some energy. Have you ever seen white sneakers after walking through the slums during the season of short rains? It rains everyday for a short amount of time but last night it rained so hard I thought for sure I would not be going into the slums today. The African sun did not disappoint us though; it was shining bright and with intensity as we walked through the slums. We stayed away from the small paths as much as possibly. It would be slippery and the low lands would hold the water. People filled the walk ways, garbage was piled in places I’d never seen it before. Children were pawing through the garbage looking for food right along with the goats. Carts and small vendors lined the streets selling their goods. Children call out to me as I walk by “Mazungu, how are you?” Oh they wear the biggest smile when you turn and respond to them. They so want to be noticed.

As we walk we meet some that have remembered the “white woman of Kawangware.” We soon arrive at the church and I view the many changes that time has made. More units for people to live in have been built around the church. There are many. The children are sitting on their benches outside as they study their lesson. They are happy to show me how much they have learned. They are great students and have memorized so many scripture verses. Their class ended with a very special treat, crayons, a paper to color, and a piece of candy!

After speaking at the morning service we concluded with giving the children some colorful slipper socks made by my mom, Charlotte Towne. She was prayed for, blessed and thanked over and over again. They also received a pair of plastic shoes. One little girl was dancing up front and she would lift her leg every once in a while and just look at her shoes. She left for home but soon returned. She looked at me and in a sweet little voice she said “My mom says thank you.” They so appreciate their gifts. The men also wear their new ties with great pride. It is such a big deal to have a tie to wear to church here. Many thanks everyone for bringing smiles to those that go without so very often.

Then it was my turn to receive. They had prepared a very special meal for me. They wanted to make sure that I did not leave hungry and I didn’t. My plate was full of rice, potatoes, cabbage, and chicken. It was a meal of honor. You don’t have chicken unless it is a very special occasion!

Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.