“Will You be My Twin?”
On Wednesday evening, Lauren, Casondra, Leisa, and I spoke at a nearby high school, which—despite the repetition—I still find myself excited about. More than anything, this is because I can visually see the future through these students and hear it, too, through their questions.
After we spoke, we found ourselves in four different directions. I found myself following a few students into their classroom, a 40’ by 20’ foot room made of cement and packed with 54 wooden desks. With pride, two of my new friends showed me their text books and lunch boxes, which (along with the desks) looked as though they were created and published in the 1950s. Within a few minutes, I began talking to Emma, a bright 17-year old. After I asked a few questions about herself, I could see a delight on her face as we found common ground in our interests in history, soccer, and the arts. Within a few minutes, Emma asked me, “will you be my twin?” I smiled at such a sweet question and answered in the affirmative. I mean—why not? I already feel ‘at home’ here in Kisumu, so why not add a twin to the family of friends here? Emma and I shared a smile and continued to talk about life, God, and love.
It is enjoyable to truly, if though briefly, get to know the hearts and lives of the people here in Kenya. Their eagerness to love, be loved, know, and be known fascinates me. This eagerness is neither unauthentic nor limited to students. I cannot count the times I have had questions posed to me about my life, why I serve God, who I love, and what I do. Consequently, it truly has been a fresh of breath air that I have enjoyed being loved and loving others, both Emma and the family of friends that we are surrounded by.
