Transitioning from Middle East mode to Africa mode is
certainly not without its challenges.
We’re used to guarding our words (Muslim countries have a tendency to
make you do that), drinking the tap water (sort of), and attempting to avoid
any and all contact with members of the opposite sex. But now that we’re in Africa, it’s like
there’s been a complete 180 in cultural expectations.
certainly not without its challenges.
We’re used to guarding our words (Muslim countries have a tendency to
make you do that), drinking the tap water (sort of), and attempting to avoid
any and all contact with members of the opposite sex. But now that we’re in Africa, it’s like
there’s been a complete 180 in cultural expectations.
Since blending in is not really an option (Tres is the only
one of the squad who has even the slightest chance of getting lost in a crowd),
we already know that we’re going to catch people’s attention. It’s totally normal for Kenyans walking down
the streets to extend their hand in greeting to you as you pass each
other. When Danielle asked a woman on
our first day in Nairobi for directions to the city center, she went out of her
way to personally escort us there.
And–get this–it’s totally culturally acceptable for women and men to
talk to each other without intending to elope instantly.
one of the squad who has even the slightest chance of getting lost in a crowd),
we already know that we’re going to catch people’s attention. It’s totally normal for Kenyans walking down
the streets to extend their hand in greeting to you as you pass each
other. When Danielle asked a woman on
our first day in Nairobi for directions to the city center, she went out of her
way to personally escort us there.
And–get this–it’s totally culturally acceptable for women and men to
talk to each other without intending to elope instantly.
At the same time, it’s hard to transition from a mentality
of don’t-make-eye-contact-don’t-look-at-them-don’t-talk-to-them to one of
openness and sisterly love. Every
interaction is tainted with a thought of what their motive is for starting a
conversation. What are they trying to
get from me? What do I have that they
want? And, let’s be honest, that’s just
not fair.
of don’t-make-eye-contact-don’t-look-at-them-don’t-talk-to-them to one of
openness and sisterly love. Every
interaction is tainted with a thought of what their motive is for starting a
conversation. What are they trying to
get from me? What do I have that they
want? And, let’s be honest, that’s just
not fair.
We’re in a country where 78% of the people identify as
Christians. I know a certain level of
caution is smart, but to still be in a mentality of skepticism isn’t healthy,
and it’s not going to allow relationships to happen. These are my brothers. We all sit at the same table. We are all loved by the same God. But at the same time, it’s equally important
not to throw all caution to the wind just because we’re no longer in danger of
being swept off our feet by a Turkish restaurant owner.
Christians. I know a certain level of
caution is smart, but to still be in a mentality of skepticism isn’t healthy,
and it’s not going to allow relationships to happen. These are my brothers. We all sit at the same table. We are all loved by the same God. But at the same time, it’s equally important
not to throw all caution to the wind just because we’re no longer in danger of
being swept off our feet by a Turkish restaurant owner.
Sofia is currently living with a family in a village about
twenty minutes outside the Eldoret city center with Fanatic. Our contact, Patrick, is working on planting
a church in the area, and we’re helping to further his dream. We went out in the rain on Wednesday to meet,
play worship music, and preach to the crowd that had gathered. We did the same
in a different market Thursday and yesterday. I’m excited that
we have concrete and semi-structured ministry this month after two months of
not really having too much to pour into (especially in Turkey). It was a learning experience to figure out
how to find opportunities to minister in the lack of structure, but I think
we’re all excited about having something to do every day.
twenty minutes outside the Eldoret city center with Fanatic. Our contact, Patrick, is working on planting
a church in the area, and we’re helping to further his dream. We went out in the rain on Wednesday to meet,
play worship music, and preach to the crowd that had gathered. We did the same
in a different market Thursday and yesterday. I’m excited that
we have concrete and semi-structured ministry this month after two months of
not really having too much to pour into (especially in Turkey). It was a learning experience to figure out
how to find opportunities to minister in the lack of structure, but I think
we’re all excited about having something to do every day.
We’re also planning on helping Patrick out with some projects around his house, including installing lighting and building a new bench for his yard. These kinds of projects would not be possible without your financial support. I’m still in need of $2325 by February 1, and a total of $3200 by the end of the Race. Please prayerfully consider supporting me so Sofia can continue to bless those who are blessing us. If you’re not feeling led to make a contribution, spread the word and tell those you think might be able to help. Every little bit counts, and I wouldn’t have made it this far without your help. I know that God didn’t call me to the Race and not provide a way to finish it. I just haven’t seen what that way is just yet.
