So my month in Kenya flew, ending on the 14th of December. One of my favorite memories happened on the last day of ministry. On that morning a few of my teammates and I were able to serve a school teacher named Eunice that we had met earlier in the month. Eunice has just moved her class into a building with a huge garden along-side, and had quickly transformed the interior into a colorful and inviting classroom. Erin, Frank, and I headed out to the school with no expectation or idea of how Eunice would put us to work, but with excitement for once last chance to bless her before it was too late.
When we showed up Eunice greeted us with a huge smile, and started laughing timidly. She asked, “Are you sure you are ready to work?” We readily affirmed this, which brought on more laughter as she admitted, ”I am having laughter because I am not sure you are up to the work I have for you. Can Moozoongoos work in the garden?”
Okay lady, challenge accepted!
For the next two hours the four of us weeded, hoed, and had great conversation together. It was actually very self-rewarding to be doing some physical labor that produced immediate results. (you can take the girl out of the US, but of can’t take the US thought-process out of the girl…) It was also great to start breaking down the stereo-type that North Americans are only capable of white-collar jobs. At one point, when we were wheel-barrowing soil from across the garden to counteract the erosion alongside the building, Eunice said to me, “I will fill your wheel-barrow very small because you have little muscles”. I laughed and then spent the next half an hour trying to prove my “strength”. Finally with a sly smile she fills my wheel-barrow just a little bit fuller, “I am filling this more because I can see that your muscles are growing!” she says. Niiice! 🙂
The three of us left the school house that day feeling like a million bucks. It was such a good reminder for me to ACT and DO when the opportunity presents itself. We had been talking about going out to help her for several days prior, but kept letting other things take priority. It took the initiative of one of my team members saying, “Hey, let’s really make this happen” to get out there and remember that service is such a win-win thing. My thoughts of Kenya will now forever include Eunice and the big dreams that she has for her classroom and her kids, and my prayers are right there with her.
