Week in Review
These past seven days have disappeared without a trace. This week marked the beginning of our Bible class which takes us through the entire small catechism (katisimo ndogo). Thanks to the translating and publishing work of the dedicated people at the Lutheran Heritage Foundation in Nairobi, I was able to procure a box of 115 catechisms and a box of their Good News Magazine publication, both in Kiswahili, free of charge. Every household in the congregation here will be able to have their very own catechism and I will be distributing more to our congregations in other parts of Kenya and Tanzania.
We spent a little over two hours going through the introductory parts of the catechism. I explained the purpose for the catechism was to arrange parts of the Bible according to the teachings so that every father or head of household can learn these things and pass them on to their children. I also noticed that I’m not the only one who struggles with Kiswahili. A few comments were made on some of the tough Kiswahili words, which have been either changed or replaced in the Kenyan version of Kiswahili. The Kiswahili spoken in Kenya is known as the “bad” or “dirty” Kiswahili. The ones that stay true to form are the Tanzanians…and they won’t let the Kenyans forget about it either. (Just one of the reasons that make this border rivalry interesting.) I guess the only comparison I could make would be the way regions in the U.S. make fun of each other…especially the merciless treatment of the Southern States…y’all know who y’are.
They were very glad that I was able to write in both Swahili and English when I used the chalk board for the instruction. That seems to be one thing that is universally true. Great appreciation is shown when someone tries to connect in their own language, so that is all the more motivation to keep learning. (Sidenote: some of the Sagalas have requested German lessons in exchange for Kiswahili, since one of their sisters lives in Germany. When this sibling heard this idea she remarked, “I had to go all the way to Nairobi to learn Germany! And here you have a teacher move right into town!”) I told them not to get too excited since I’d be reaching back and giving them what’s left of the 2 years of High School German that I remember.
After our Bible Class time was over I asked what time it was. (I didn’t even bother bringing a watch here…it’s just easier that way) Turns out we had spent the better part of 4 hours in church and Bible class. Anna commented, “That was so safi, nice. And no one fell asleep!” We had blown right through lunch time, so next time I might have to bring some snacks for everyone.
That afternoon Mary, Anna, Daisy, Wendy, Eric, and I went to the Olive Inn/Motel (9 times out of 10 motel just means restaurant) and enjoyed some chips (french fries) and chicken. Many people here in Matunda are still getting used to the idea of a mzungu (white guy) walking about freely in their town. White visitors are rare to begin with, and when they do come they are usually escorted around in a car and aren’t allowed to mingle with the everyday townsfolk. I’ve been told that it’s a compliment to them and their city when I make myself at home and do as the locals do, such as…riding in the matatus, riding on the back of a motorbike, buying things from the local sellers (helping to “lift their work up” as they say), and enjoying a soda while sitting in front of John Tirop’s kerosene shop.
It was while doing exactly that…sitting in front of the kerosene shop that I was treated to live entertainment. I was chatting with Mary, John, and two other local pastors when a young man came down the road and stopped in front of us. He greeted each of us and then asked if we’d like to see something special…well, the video pretty much explains the rest. For a job well done I gave him 20 bob (schillings = about 25 cents) and he was much appreciative and set for the rest of the day. The immediate area around my house is on the main road that goes from Kitale down to Eldoret. It is a busy stretch of road that brings a lot of interesting folks through this small town and it is one of the worst roads in all of Kenya, by my humble estimation. It has not undergone any type of repair in the last 20 years…and it shows. So if you have spare time, please petition the Kenyan government to rectify this situation. My tailbone and many people’s suspension will thank you.
Monday and Tuesday were spent mostly in transit going back and forth from home to Eldoret. Trying to set up a bank account is a multi-day, lengthy process here, as well as finding some other big city items like peanut butter and razorblades! A peanut butter and honey sandwich along with a smooth face made for a wonderful evening.
Midweek was time to get some things accomplished like continuing to forge through the catechism and get parts of it translated in order to make it easier to teach using the same book as everyone else. Thank you Google translator. I also visited the school a couple of times in order to get individual photos of the students, have a devotion, teach some more English, learn some Kiswahili along with the kindergarten, and play some football. That is, until the football was punctured on the barbed wire…I didn’t do it. Honestly.
I was only able to get photos of about half of the student body at Emmaus Hill School. There are officially 107 students enrolled, but the problem many have is keeping up with the school fees which are minimal compared to other schools, but still present a challenge for some. If everyone brings their school fees then the school is able to buy food for their lunch, there is no shortage of supplies, and the teachers are even able to get paid a little.
Walking back from the school one day I ran into one of the older gentlemen from our church and he proceeded to tell me about the different farms that he owns. He has one near the church in Milimani and one several km’s away in Kitale. He had never gone to church before Anna invited him to this one very near his home. He had made plans to move away to Kitale to tend to that farm but he now plans to stay and hear the Word of God. The Lord is Good, His Word is Strong.
Thanks for all your prayers and support for the folks here and for myself. I have been in good spirits and for the most part in good health (fighting a bit of a cold). I always appreciate any questions, e-mails, letters, or anything else from back home.