Nyahururu and Nairobi, two locations and two missionaries

I traveled to Nyahururu to visit Joanie (fellow Ripe for Harvest missionary).
As you can see from the sign, the town is at the equator and is at just under
 8,000 feet in elevation. Where I live in Nairobi, the elevation is about 6,000 feet.
Nyahururu tends to be chillier and also gets a lot more rain. 

It's always great to see Thompson Falls!
It's 240 feet tall and is named for Joseph Thompson, an early explorer of Kenya.

I find chameleons quite fascinating. These Jacksons are especially good-looking.

Not the best shot, but I enjoyed watching
this butterfly flutter about from flower to flower.

I ordered a flask of chai and enjoyed the beautiful ambiance
at the Thompson Falls Lodge while reading a book.

We shared some laughs when Joanie joined me later :)

Each night I enjoyed building and stoking a fire,
basking in its warmth and watching it flicker and dance.

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One week later, Joanie visited me for a couple of days. We had a good time exploring a few fun spots in downtown Nairobi, eating some great meals, watching a movie, and chatting about cross-cultural ministry as aliens living in a foreign country.

I love chai, but sometimes I think maybe I drink too much of it.
Perhaps I should cut down to just one cup per day :)

One of our favorite places to eat in Nairobi is L'Arena Pizzeria!

I Fold My Hands

Like a praying mantis, I am feeble.

I am weak.

I am nothing.

I’m frail.

I am so fragile, relying on my spindly self-assurance.

And yet a zephyr - a mere breeze - could topple me.

Like a praying mantis, I am compelled to clasp my hands.

I am compelled to look to you, my God.

I fold my hands and I look to you.

As I teeter precariously on the edge, I clasp my hands.

I look to you, God.

I acknowledge you as my creator.

You are my provider and the lover of my soul.

You designed me as I am – frail, fragile, and feeble.

Without you I would fall.

Without you, I would fail.

It is in your wisdom that this is so.

I am designed to look to you.

It’s in my nature.

It is in my very DNA.

I am created to need you.

I cannot survive without you.

In your absence, I exist merely in a vacuum.

I look to you, my God.

I enter your presence.

I take a posture of humility.

I am still before you and I wait.

I wait for you.

I wait in expectant anticipation.

A calmness and a peace surrounds me.

I bow my head.

Like a praying mantis, I fold my hands.

My fingers interlock,

As I lock my attention onto you.

I clasp my hands in a prayer of submission to you.

I look on high,

For that is where you dwell.

As my focus zeroes-in on you alone,

The things of this life blur and fade away.

My concerns fade into the background.

I hold my hands in reverence before you.

I am quiet and I rest in you.

You are mine and I am yours.

As I fold my hands,

I am aware that you hold me in your hands.

I am gripped by your love.

Your love surrounds me.

And as you hold me in your hands...

I fold my hands

And I proclaim that I love you.

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Note:
While working in my little yard/garden space yesterday, I spotted this Praying Mantis. Because I have long admired them and find them so intriguing, I often stop whatever I'm doing and linger to observe them. As per usual, I did that this time and even took a few photos.

Later, in the evening, my homegroup from church practiced an exercise of 'soaking' in God's presence. As I quieted my soul and focused on Him, thoughts of Scripture and worship flooded my mind and spirit. I got out a pen and paper and tried to keep up with the meditations as it all flowed so quickly.

Included in what I penned, was this piece about the Praying Mantis.

This tiny, fragile insect is such a perfect symbol of prayer to me. Perhaps it will also prompt you to 'fold your hands' in reverence before God.

Vervet monkeys

I took these photos at my house. Vervet monkeys often invade our neighborhood in search of anything edible. On this particular day, it was only females and their young - approximately 15 of them in total. Other times, males are in the group as well and they can number up to 30!

Sure, they're cute and I even enjoy watching them frolic in the trees.

But they are quite pesky and annoying, as well! They eat my landlords' fruit and my flowers. Additionally, they break tree branches. I can count at least five times they've come inside my kitchen! Three of those times were Vervets at the house where I currently live. The other two times were Sykes monkeys at a previous house. All five times, they grabbed some of my food (rice, cupcakes, eggs, etc) and ran back outside with it... sometimes leaving a mess behind them.

Just a day in the life of a missionary in Africa :)

Solar Eclipse

I absolutely love being in God's out-of-doors! I'm amazed at the beauty of his creation all around us.

On November 3rd, a hybrid total solar eclipse was visible in northern Kenya. In that area, Turkanaland, 

it was dark for 15 seconds. The entire eclipse was approximately two-hours long.

In Nairobi, at the peak of the eclipse, the moon covered 80% of the sun.

Myself and several members from my homegroup gathered at an open field to view it. 

In addition to us, we shared my single pair of viewing glasses with several folks passing by.

Simon

Martha

Gichinga

Annie

Lyz

One of many conductors and drivers who borrowed my glasses at their bus stage

One of many children who were curious about the sun

We had an added bonus of a beautiful rainbow in the eastern sky,
just as the sun was setting in the west.

We watched the whole thing unfold with the ever beautiful Ngong Hills on the horizen.

12 Years in Kenya; Westgate Terrorist Attack and Other Security Issues

Yesterday, I attended a Town Hall Meeting for US citizens. These are held periodically by the staff at the US Embassy to keep us informed of significant current events. They’re always well attended and I consider them to be very much worth my time. I would estimate 500 people participated in this one, held on the lovely grounds of the residence of the US Deputy Chief of Mission, Isiah Parnell. Numerous Embassy staff were present and introduced.

The entire grounds and surrounding area was under tight security. We were required to RSVP at least a day in advance and had to carry our passports to gain entry. We were treated to a quite nice selection of snacks and beverages.

I attended the meeting with my friend, Denise. 

The US Ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec, was the keynote speaker and fielded about an hour of questions after he gave his talk. The following are highlights from the copious notes I took. Most of these words were spoken by the ambassador, but all of the content was also reiterated by the other key staff members who spoke and fielded questions (the Consul General, the Regional Security Officer, and the Political Counselor).

US Ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec

General comments

It’s estimated there are between 15,000 - 20,000 Americans living in Kenya. Approximately 100,000 American tourists visit the country on an annual basis. [Brief comment of my own: This figure would include short-term missions teams that enter the country on tourist visas.] 350,000 Kenyans live in the US.

The two countries have enjoyed a healthy relationship for 50 years. Over one billion US dollars have been invested in Kenya by the US government. The country hosts the largest US mission on the continent of Africa. And, of course, we all know that President Obama’s paternal roots are from Kenya.

The number one priority of the US Embassy is to ensure the safety and security of American citizens in Kenya. [This comment was emphatically stated several times.]

Westgate shopping mall during the siege

Terrorist attack on Westgate shopping mall

It is difficult to make sense of such evil as this monstrous attack.

Although originally thought to be more, this crime was likely committed by four well-armed terrorists, all members of al-Shabaab (the Somalia-based cell of the militant Islamist group al-Qaeda). We can’t be certain, as the CCTV video coverage was not constant, but this is what we believe based on what we currently know. All four most likely died inside the mall at some point during the four-day siege. Investigations are ongoing, but we at the US Embassy believe there were no hostages. The rubble of the now-destroyed shopping mall is still being sifted through and DNA samples are still being analyzed. The figure of 67 deaths remains as the final count at this stage. No American citizens died, but five Americans were among the 200 injured.

Great bravery was displayed by many police officers and average citizens. They have my deep admiration. Many of them lost their lives as they assisted others. However, because of their actions, hundreds more were saved and to them we owe a great debt.

The objects of terrorism are two-fold:

1)      To kill and maim

2)      To divide

Kenya remained strong and resolved, as did Americans living here. After the bombing of the US Embassy in downtown Nairobi in 1998, we pledged ‘never to forget’. Just as then, we will get through this. Courage, resilience, and our values bind us together. We can and we will get through this.

Americans showed strong solidarity by donating blood and giving money for the victims’ fund. There was an overwhelming outpouring of support worldwide.

The US Embassy took immediate action and maintained it 24-hours a day for the entire siege. Our staff visited the injured in hospitals and assisted with logistics of insurance, etc. Other staff made daily visits to the morgues to check on any American casualties. We also responded to over 50 inquiries from abroad, regarding the whereabouts of various Americans. We were able to track them down and report back to the inquiring family members. To this day, we are still responding to and assisting victims.

The US government has offered all assistance we have available to the Kenya government. Much of it has been received and utilized, including helping the local Red Cross unit and assistance from highly trained members of the FBI, as two concrete examples. We brought in our best experts in the full range of challenges that are experienced as a result of terrorist attacks. We also provided disaster management assistance.

As ambassador, I have been in close personal contact with senior government authorities, both during the attack and in the days since. We continue to dialogue with the government of Kenya regarding improvements in security. But ultimately, Kenyans are in charge. This is their country.

The Kenyan government gave much misinformation and there was also much media speculation that was misleading or wrong. Please, at all times, be wary of text messages from so-called security groups. Please confirm any rumors on our website. Whatever communication we send you from the embassy is as accurate as we can determine; we take our time and do our best to first verify it. We maintain a ‘no double-standard’ rule. In other words, what information we have as embassy staff also goes out to you American citizens here in Kenya.

We immediately sent out a text message when the attack began alerting you to stay away from the Westgate area. We sent text messages on the second day of the attack as well as the day after it ended. Additionally we kept you informed via emails. We received feedback from Americans that were inside, informing us that they had escaped. We appreciate such communication very much.

Please encourage any American citizen residing in or visiting Kenya, if they haven’t already, to enroll in our STEP program so they will also receive our communications and travel advisories.

We also must remember that we at the embassy, as well as all of you, are guests of the government of Kenya. In many regards, we are limited in what we can do. But be assured, we will inform you of any threats that may affect you. Always remember that we are here for you.

Much need for improvement in disaster response

The government of Kenya recognizes their need to improve in the area of disaster response. Sadly there are many serious problems; the recent fire at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is another grave example of this. The US government has provided training and equipment. We have given advice regarding both effective ‘control and command’ and emergency response.

Kenya is no stranger to terrorism

Besides the very tragic 1998 bombing of the US embassy, there were also two simultaneous attacks in 2002 near Mombasa on the coast. A hotel was bombed and an airplane was fired upon. In the past two years, numerous terrorist attacks have happened throughout the country of Kenya. There have been 14 such incidences in Nairobi alone, resulting in many deaths, injuries, and destruction of property. The Kenya diplomatic post has had ‘robust’ travel warnings for years. This is our new reality.

The two maps show all the zones in Kenya and give the names of wardens for each zone.

Advice:

• Always be aware and alert
• Vigilance is of utmost importance
• Evaluate your environment
• Vary your routes and times of day whenever possible
• Don’t be loud or attract attention to yourself
• Have an emergency communication plan and a back-up plan
• Always carry your phone
• Make sure you have the numbers for the US Embassy in your phone
• Know who your warden is [Note: these are US citizens that voluntarily act as zone representatives throughout all of Kenya.]
• Let someone know where you are
• Take care of yourself and others
• Report suspicious activity to your local police station
• Get to know your local policemen. Yes, there is the issue of corruption, but the vast majority are professional and courageous.

Thought-provoking questions we all need to ask ourselves:

• How can I reduce my risks?
• What is my personal risk tolerance?
• Realize that resilience is an amazing human attribute, but it varies from person to person. Am I comfortable with Kenya’s ability to adequately respond to emergencies? 

If caught in an emergency situation:

• Remain calm
• Look for an exit and move toward it
• Do not stay in one location
• Have a plan
• Ask yourself - What would I do if something happens in this scenario?
• What are my capabilities?
• Think through your options.

Issue of crime and general insecurity in Kenya

There is a huge threat of crime in this country. The chances of being a victim of crime are much higher than being caught in a terrorist attack. Statistically, the level of crime is down in Kenya. However, the incidences of violent crime are on the increase.

We are aware that in many of the neighborhoods where expats reside, there is a recent increase in armed robberies and muggings even in daytime hours. [Note: this also includes my neighborhood.] 

Crime in Kenya is a serious, serious problem. For years, it has been rated as ‘critical’ on our scale. One of the problems is that countering it is difficult. Even in this area, we provide much advice and support to the government of Kenya and to the police. But we are limited in what we can do; as diplomatic guests in foreign countries, we have no authority to do any policing. We will always do our best to keep you informed of whatever we know.

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[Final note: Ambassador Godec also touched on two other issues:

1)      The huge refugee population in this country and the policy change Kenya is considering on the matter

2)      The two current cases at the International Criminal Court, with Kenya’s president and deputy president

Godec assured us he has been deeply engaged with the relevant Kenyan authorities regarding both of these issues and that we will be informed if any developments raise concern for American citizens.]

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Be sure to see related post below, God Engineers the Goings.

12 Years in Kenya; God Engineers the Goings

I am created for God. All I know is that I am his to obey. I am here for God to send me where he will. Where we are placed is a matter of indifference; God engineers the goings.
- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

My twelve years in Kenya has been sandwiched between two horrific terrorist attacks – one in the States and now one in Kenya. My first trip to Kenya was a mere one month after 911. You may recall that the US government warned its citizens against flying at that time. However the two gals I traveled with, along with the church that sent us, strongly believed we should not change our plans but rather carry on with God’s compelling us to go.

Last month, only a few days prior to my 12-month anniversary here, Kenya experienced its worst terrorist attack since the 1998 bombing of the US Embassy – the four-day siege of the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi. Sixty-seven innocent people were killed and 200 were injured. Numerous others were emotionally traumatized and are receiving counseling.

Although I haven't been a victim of a terrorist attack, in my 12 years here, I certainly have not been immune to physical dangers and troubles. Two of my houses – one in Nairobi and my mud hut upcountry – were broken into, both on more than one occasion. I’ve been pickpocketed three times, plus have encountered other failed attempts. I suffered serious injuries after being hit by a car. I was hospitalized with a serious case of malaria and have had both typhoid and typhus on two occasions. I’ve suffered through a serious case of food poisoning, plus have been diagnosed with worms, amoeba, and numerous bacterial infections.

Kenya is a lovely country but anyone that's lived here will tell you it is rife with dangers – whether it be tropical diseases, unsafe roads, rampant crime, or ever-increasing terrorist attacks. If I walk or cycle around my quiet and tree-lined suburb neighborhood, tackle the bustling and congested streets of downtown Nairobi, or travel upcountry on the atrocious highways, I can never let down my guard. I must be keen of my surroundings and always on the alert.

However, in spite of all that, I am still here after 12 years. Like Isaiah, as I sat at the feet of my Lord in intense worship, I heard his call, “Who shall I send? Who will go for us?” 

And like that trembling prophet, my response was, “Here am I, send me”.

Because God has yet to revoke that compelling call on my life, I remain focused on the honor and responsibility that it entails.

As always, I covet your prayers for me!

I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me. (Acts 20:24, NIV)

Jesus said, ‘Mark my words: No one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land – whatever – because of me and the Message will lose out. They’ll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land – but also in troubles.’ (Mark 10: 28-30, Message)

When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty concentrates on carrying out orders. (2 Timothy 2:3, Message)

You know that from the day of my arrival I was with you totally – laying my life on the line, serving the Master no matter what… I feel compelled to go to Jerusalem. I’m completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there. I do know that it won’t be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me. (Acts 20: 18-24 excerpts, Message)

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[Note: Be sure to see related post above - Westgate Terrorist Attack and Other Security Issues.]

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12 Years in Kenya; Celebrating with a Picnic on Mashujaa Day

Far and away, the most important benefit of celebration is that it saves us from taking ourselves too seriously. Celebration adds a note of gaiety, festivity, and hilarity to our lives. Jesus rejoiced so fully in life that he was accused of being a wine-bibber and a glutton. It is healing and refreshing to cultivate a wide appreciation for life. Our spirit can become weary with straining after God, as our body can become weary with overwork. Celebration helps us to relax and enjoy the good things of the earth.

- Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline 

Carol, Bevaline, Emily, and Ken show their patriotic colors as we celebrate the holiday

This year marked the fourth annual Mashujaa Day, a national holiday to honor past and present heroes of Kenya. [By the way, it's pronounced Mah-shoo-jah].

For my friends and I, it was also a fun way to once again mark another anniversary of me being in Kenya - now 12 years. The sprawling and beautiful Uhuru Park, right next to downtown Nairobi, was the perfect venue.

I think all kids everywhere must enjoy bouncing castles!

Joy and Cliff braved a camel ride, high up in the air as the beast sauntered along

Horse rides - Even for Ken, as an adult, it was a first-time-ever experience!

George, Linet, and Jeremy enjoy their leisurely boat ride on the beautiful pond

A rare day to sit back and relax for Joan

As in the past, we once again shared our food with some hungry children.

Joy, Jeremy, Denise, Pippa, and Joshua show their patriotism for Kenya.

Cliff with his face painted, waves the Kenya flag, as the others behind him join in on some fun games.

Such a fun, fun day! I also got my face painted :)

Joy had fun with her face painted and a balloon.

New friends - Jasmine and Moses

Joan, Linet, Jennifer, and Jacky - Making new friends was a fun part of our outing!

12 Years in Kenya; A Fun Review of Past Octobers, Year-by-Year

October is a very pleasant month in Kenya. 

The sun shines so warmly and the lovely lavender blossoms 

of the Jacaranda trees grace the countryside, towns, and cities.

- my words

“One should just forget about fear; otherwise there is no point in living in Africa.”
- Francesca Marciano (Rules of the Wild)

A missionary is someone in whom the Holy Spirit has brought about this realization: “You are not your own” (I Corinthians 6:19). The desire that comes into a disciple is not one of doing anything for Jesus, but of being a perfect delight to Him. The missionary’s secret is truly being able to say, “I am His, and He is accomplishing His work and His purposes through me.” Be entirely His!
- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

The three excerpts above are from blog posts during past Octobers. Besides the Jacaranda trees being in bloom during this month, another significant detail is that it marks the anniversaries of my living and working in Kenya.

This year - 2013 - marks 12 anniversaries since I first arrived in 2001.

As I reflect on this landmark, I thought I would share a few glimpses from previous Octobers. The first two quotes are from my second book – Created for Relationship; Compelled to Love My Neighbor – and the others are from my blog.

I hope you enjoy the montage... and please do take a minute to leave me a comment at the end. 

11-year Mashujaa Day picnic celebration

Three years, 2004

“When we met the other day I felt like I should come here and see you. I’ve never even known this place - Mtoni. I had to ask a friend for directions. Thank you for welcoming me into your home and for the chai. I’ve enjoyed talking to you very much. I want to ask permission to go now, but let me just leave you with a word of encouragement.” He stopped walking and very intentionally looked straight at me. “What you’re doing here in Kenya - for people like Rose and Martin - is so important. You just keep doing this good work!” Even though I know I’m in the center of God’s will, I often get frustrated with many aspects of living in this foreign land. Kisiangani’s unexpected visit deeply touched my heart. Those simple comments, from a total stranger, really encouraged me.

- my words, and quoting Kisiangani

Four years, 2005

“True bonding of an expatriate missionary and another people and their culture doesn’t take place at first sight. Becoming bi-cultural takes years… Jesus envisioned discipleship as a lifetime of building into the lives of others. The work of missions takes weeks, months, and years - an entire lifetime.” 

- Forget the Pith Helmet, various authors

Five years, 2006

I’m far, far away from my family – my parents, my children, and my grandchildren. I miss my friends and I miss my church. At times, I miss the familiar culture of home. I miss the comfortable, free, and easy way we Americans interact with one another. I miss the ability to unreservedly be myself, and in turn to be accepted for who I am.

- my words

Photo accompanying my five-year, October prayer letter

Six years, 2007

Learning the ways and thought patterns of an unknown and alien people group is quite challenging. Virtually every aspect of this foreign culture is at the opposite extreme of my American upbringing. I’m not proud to admit that I have succumbed to the sense of having been offended. Likewise, I’m ashamed to admit that I have likely caused more than my share of offenses.

- my words

“You have taught me to slow down and to prop up my feet. It’s the fine art of being who I am."              

- Sara Groves, lyrics from Every Minute (“All Right Here”)

“Interpersonal relations between Africans and Westerners in Africa may be friendly and cordial, and typically are, but developing significant friendships on a personal level requires considerable effort...[The most significant reason for this difficulty is] the important place that material resources are given in African friendships.”

- David Maranz, African Friends and Money Matters

Crossing a bridge, near my mud hut - 2007

Seven Years, 2008

Our work as God’s servants gets validated - or not - in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly…

• in hard times, tough times, bad times
• when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed
• working hard, working late, working without eating
• with pure heart, clear head, steady hand
• in gentleness, holiness, and honest love
• when we’re telling the truth and when God’s showing his power
• when we’re doing our best setting things right
• when we’re praised and when we’re blamed
• slandered and honored
• true to our word, though distrusted
• ignored by the world, but recognized by God
• terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead
• beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die
• immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy
• living on handouts, yet enriching many
• having nothing, having it all

- 2 Corinthians 6:4-9 (The Message)

YUM! Fresh-picked coconut at Masudi's mom's house, Shimba Hills village (interior from the South Coast) - 2008

Nine Years, 2010

Jesus is called a friend of tax collectors and sinners… He seems to have enjoyed being with them… Jesus gladly shared meals with these friends and brought them love, hope, and healing… In a particular and protective way God loves those who are most vulnerable: widows, orphaned children, strangers, and those pushed to the margins of a community.

Friendship puts the focus on relationships and offers an alternative to models of mission that are more formal, professional, or bureaucratic… The greater the distance and the more complex the work, the harder it can be to assume that local relationships matter, that they might be interesting or satisfying, or that they are important to one’s relationship to God. Such distancing also makes it harder to resist turning people into projects.

One of the most powerful expressions of mutuality and friendship is sharing a meal together. We tend to eat with people we like and with people who are like us. But shared meals break down social boundaries. All of us need to eat, and when we break bread together we embody our solidarity and common humanity.

- Previous 3 quotes from - “Friendship at the Margins”, Heuertz and Pohl

“One great reason why the rich, in general, have so little sympathy for the poor is because they so seldom visit them. Hence it is that one part of the world does not know what the other suffers. Many of them do not know, because they do not care to know: they keep out of the way of knowing it; and then plead their voluntary ignorance as an excuse for their hardness of heart.”
-John Wesley, “On Visiting the Sick”

“We are here to offer our hands as Jesus did when He was on the earth, to touch people with acts of kindness and compassion. We are the feet of Jesus to walk where people are hurting and to offer them the hope that is in God. We are the ears of Jesus to listen to those who suffer and to be a friend to them. We are the eyes of Jesus, always looking for the despised and rejected, that we might go and encourage them.”

- Joel Vestal, Dangerous Faith


Ten Years, 2011
To celebrate 10 years of being in Kenya, I hosted a picnic for many of my friends. We met at Uhuru Park in downtown Nairobi on Mashujaa (Heroes) Day, a national holiday in Kenya. Whether or not you've seen it before, I hope you'll enjoy this slide-and-video show! Make sure your volume is up, so you can hear the audio on the video portions.

Eleven Years, 2012
Last year, I once again, hosted a picnic for some of my friends. Here are two photos, but you can see lots more by clicking here.