Sheboygan

Kenyans really know how to Sabbath well, as Sundays are reserved solely for church.

The morning started off with warm milk and monkeys in the back yard. Then we left around 8:30am to head to the small village of Eburru, in which we endured an hour and fifteen minute drive on the bumpiest, rockiest road in order to worship with them. Upon arriving in the village, we were immediately noticed as mzungus tend to stand out pretty well here. We were welcomed by a sea of children who, after a short period of confused timidity, lowered their walls and loved us well.

A Kenyan worship service knows no time. The congregation was led by a series of songs, dances, and prayers in which many women and children were invited to participate. Everyone danced without reservation, without inhibition, and without any fear of what others might think of their worship styles. Needless to say it was an incredibly joyous worship service.

Kenya has 42 tribes, in which 7 are represented in the Eburru church. Today happened to be the day where all of the tribes were individually recognized and appreciated, as the emphasis during service was on unity. And yet, as we are obviously different than the tribes, we are one body, serving one purpose, worshipping one God.

Paul was allowed the privilege to deliver the message today, with an interpreter at his side to translate (into Swahili) for the other members. After struggling a little bit in preparation for this message, Paul informed us that he was continually led back to Ephesians, and what book was the church currently studying? You guessed it, Ephesians. Again, God in His infinite wisdom...

Afterwards, the tribes prepared traditional dishes to share with everyone to celebrate the unity within the church. We partook in traditional goat fat, which looked and tasted similar to wet dog food with sand mixed in, potatoes, and butter sandwiches. What is a butter sandwich? It's butter, between two slices of bread. This was, by far, the most delicious thing at the festival.

After the celebration, we had some more time to love on and play with the children of the village. The kids got a huge kick out of us taking their picture and then turning the camera around so that they could see themselves. Having 30 kids pile on top of you, braid your hair, and irritate your sunburn was incredibly refreshing.

Pastor Steven then invited us back to his house for a second lunch. They went all out for us with rice, potatoes, beef stew, green beans, and carrots. This meal was much better than the butter sandwiches.

We then headed back to Kijabe with full stomachs on a long, bumpy, rocky trail. And after an hour of being home, it was time to eat again. The cooks prepared incredible curry chicken with rice and vegetables – our 3^rd meal in 4 hours. As you can tell, our blessings have been numerous on this trip.

Things to pray for:

Tomorrow will be our first full day in the CURE hospital. Please pray for each of us to be as patient and flexible as possible, as plans tend to change continuously here in Kenya. Most of us have Type-A personalities, so perpetually changing schedules have the possibility of hurting our ministry here at the hospital.

-DJ (proofed by Leah)