Life in Kenya is so simple. The pace of this place is so different from anywhere else I’ve ever been. I am learning to run on African time which means when someone tells you to meet at 8 that actually means anytime between 8 and 10. There is no rush for anything at all and I love that. When I say life is simple I don’t mean it is easy, I just mean these people take time to do the things they do, they are intentional, and they work with their hands. It’s just a way of life here. People have little to no material possessions, they cook over fires and use simple ingredients, they grocery shop in the market for fresh food daily, they travel by foot, it’s ok to visit people unannounced, we live in close quarters with the cows and chickens, and there are animals everywhere along the road and in the market. It is just comfortable here and people are incredibly welcoming.
I am learning so much from the kidos, not only have they taught me some Swahili, they have also shown me what true joy looks like. Here joy isn’t a matter of circumstance it’s more of a heart posture. Some of these kids are orphans, don’t have shoes or change of clothes, and can’t afford school, but they have more joy in their eyes and their smiles than I have ever seen before. There have been times I swear I was staring the kingdom of heaven right in the face. I think that’s what Jesus was talking about when he said “unless you become like little children you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven, therefore whoever humbles himself as a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in my name receives me.” Little kids have a type of faith and joy that we sometimes forget about as we get older. The way I see these children reminds me of the way the Father sees me.
You are a child of God whose grace is sufficient enough for you. He sees past all your mistakes and loves you just the way you are. I’m learning to look beyond life’s circumstances and be filled with joy like that of a child, even a child who has nothing.
