Homa Bay, Kenya
Communication is not always reliable. We arrived in Homa Bay under a cloud of rain and confusion. Ben and Dorothy, our contacts didn't hesitate to do everything they could and more to make us comfortable and see to all our needs. The eight of us packed out their house, sleeping on every available space of floor, hanging our mosquito nets from the rafters. It was quite a site. After traveling overnight by plane and all that day by bus, we collapsed in eight heaps on the floor at 7:30 pm.
Things got better, but not less interesting. One of the orphanages in town also runs a school. Janelle spent a couple mornings in the orphanage with the kids under the age of three. At first glance, it appeared she was in her element--holding and feeding babies! Due to a lack of proper care, materials, and water for washing, it turned out to be quite a tough experience. Pam and Sarah got a chance to go out into the community with the social workers for home visits. It was a highlight, especially for Pam, who is a professional social worker in Canada. The rest of us, as well as Sarah, spent our time teaching in the classrooms. As the English teacher was preparing Maria and I for our class, he asked if this ciriculum was anything like what we use at home. At that time we got a funny feeling they thought we were actual teachers! He was suprised when we confessed to the truth. It was all fine, though, since they teach K--grade 8.
I learned a lot during one of my free periods, sitting in on a class Aaron taught on Human Rights, the difference between rights and freedoms, and the Kenyan constitution. He's a smart college student in real life.
We also walked through the villiage visiting homes. It's something I'd never do at home, but here it's acceptable to ask a stranger if you can come in for a visit. Ben and Pastor Francis met with us that morning to tell us a little about the people in the area. Everyone will say they are Christians. They go to church on Saturday or Sunday, and that's the extend of their "faith." Some major problems here are widow inheritance, which allows the family to inherit their brother's widow. This happens quite a bit with the prevelence HIV and AIDS. Unfortunately, the widow is commonly physically and financially abused. The man doesn't care that his brother died of AIDS or take into consideration that his wife is most likely also infected... thus the vicous circle continues. The real need in the area is not evangelism. The city is saturated with churches and shops named things like 'Hallelujah Salon' and 'Happy Church.' They have heard the basics of Christianity. But they do not know or understand what it means to live. So, getting back to the home visits, we really wanted to focus on what it means to live in the freedom and fullness of the kingdom of God.
It was a tough, but fulfilling time for all of us. We also got the chance to visit the YWAM base in Mbita for a day. It's on Lake Victoria, one of the largest lakes in the world. At the end of the day, after our visit with the director and staff, we had about 10 minutes left to swim. So half the team made a mad dash to change into swimsuits and dive in!
Currently we are in Uganda... healthy and well. Looking forward to working here and finishing up our outreach strong. Thanks SO much for your emails and prayers.
Much love,
Sara
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