I’m in Kenya, not just RVA. Sometimes it’s hard to remember because we get so busy here. But this past week I’ve had several opportunities to be in Kenya more than RVA, and I loved them all.

First, our dorm went to deliver food to widows in the area. We didn’t have to go far off campus at all to get to the homes of widows in need. The homes were very small. The last one we visited was one small room, maybe 8×8, with a dirt floor and no windows. Sarah’s back is permanently bent, she is almost blind, and hadn’t bathed recently yet she was ready and eager to share about her God that she loves “kabisa” or completely. After we delivered the food, we ate at the dukas (or shops). We had a wonderful meal of ugali (a cornmeal mixture cooked to the consistency of playdoh), sukuma wiki (which is like turnip greens), gitaweo (a stew of cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions garnished with meat) and chapatis (a bread that is a cross between a pita bread and a pancake and I could eat all day long). It was a very interesting and broadening day. You could see on the boys’ faces that they were impacted by what they saw.

On Saturday we went to the local African Inland Church to watch a competition between the youth groups of 5 area churches. They were competing in 5 categories: hymns, original music, poetry, Bible quiz, and drama. Our worker Fred leads one of the youth groups and we went to see and support him. It was a typically African event, which means it started about an hour later than publicized, it was not very organized, and 2 of the 5 churches did not show up. I wondered why this happens and I realized that probably no one or maybe only 3 or 4 of the hundred people involved had phones. Most do not have watches. How could they get there on time? How could they communicate about how things would work or even that they could not make it.  I guess I’m realizing that I should be pleasantly surprised at how well things do get done, all things considered. We could only stay for the music, but it was wonderful! All acapella, all very African whether done in English or Kikuyu.

And finally, today I had the first gathering of the Vegetable Ladies in our home. What a blessing! I was nervous, it was awkward, they don’t speak much English, but it was wonderful. The Lord was present and these women were so gracious. There were 17 of us counting Grace and myself. There were 3 children (who also help carry and sell the vegetables), and the rest women. They ranged in age from toothless grandmas to one very young girl who I imagine wasn’t more than 18. I asked them about their families and between all of us we must have had over 70 children!!

I greeted them, with Grace translating, then we prayed and then they sang. Oh they love to sing! We got Matthew’s drum and we sang and clapped and it was wonderful, even though I didn’t understand a word. Then they sang a special song for me, thanking me and letting me know how happy they were that I had invited them into my home to “siti downi”! We shared prayer requests and prayed and then had chai together, and they left singing a goodbye song. My heart was full and I’m already looking forward to next week. I’m also trying to learn the Lord’s Prayer in Kikuyu. (and I checked out 2 books on Kikuyu grammar!) Please pray for me as I decide what to share with them next week. These women have seen more of life’s hardships than I probably ever will. They don’t need or want fluffy Bible studies. They need the Bread of Life.

So, another spirit-broadening, mind-expanding, culture-challenging week! God is so good. And, we had several more good rains. It’s not nearly enough, but every drop helps and encourages. Thanks for your prayers. We love and pray for each of you,

Nancy Peifer