View from top of the stairs on one of the hospital buildings
Laura (England), Emily, Me, Shelley (Washington state)
down at the dam today
I was very excited for the church service this morning because I had no idea what to expect. We knew it was the English-speaking service (they also have a Swahili-preached service we can attend that lasts around 3 hrs) but we were still unsure of the style of music they would have among other things. I have to say I was greatly surprised when we opened up the hymn book to begin the service and we sang two hymns I've been singing all of my life. They then took care of some business (time to elect new officers on the plate for next weekend) and then had a praise team take the stage with a few guitar players, singers, and an adorable little boy banging on the drums (see picture below). They sang a couple of local short choruses and then "Shout to the Lord". I was having chills during this time and I LOVE when I get chills during church services. Music has always held a very special place in my heart and I love the way it can touch you all the way deep in your soul. It's even better when you can feel that it is God moving through the song and at work inside of your heart. I love the excitement of praise with which everyone sang the local songs and the contemporary song we sing back in America. The people here worship with such reverence. It excites me! Even though we are from thousands of miles away, we all worship the same God. The one, true God. His children are spread across the globe and it's such a blessing to know we can all come together and praise him together for all the great things He has done for us. It's just how I imagine heaven :) I should also mention the sermon today was on spiritual gifts and I believe Mark, Emily, and I are all here because of certain spiritual gifts we have and I hope we are able to share them with as many people as possible during our stay here.
The Praise Team
Banging on the drums - wonderful job! I took video :)
We are now a week in here at Tenwek and I believe we are all becoming accustomed to a new kind of normal. We all had our reservations and thoughts of what we thought things were going to be like here, but I think we've all been pleasantly surprised by the conditions under which we live. I would almost say we are spoiled by all the great meals that are prepared for us and the way they take such great care of us. Here are a few things I have learned while here so far:
I have learned how to brush my teeth and wash my face using bottled water.
I have learned how to take a scalding hot shower every morning because the temperature will not adjust and I am thankful it is not a freezing cold shower instead. I have also learned how to keep my mouth shut in the shower so as to not accidentally drink the water (there goes my singing in the shower).
I have learned that sleeping under a mosquito net really isn't so bad.
I have learned that I can live without Mountain Dew (8 days!!)
I have learned how to play around in the dirt and hike in a skirt.
I have learned that the people here are fascinated by white people: they either stare endlessly trying to figure you out or smile and wave like crazy!
I have FINALLY learned how to get toilets to flush around here - they do not have enough pressure so you have to push the handle multiple times in a row to build up enough pressure.
I have learned that there is no hope for me watching any kind of UK Basketball game well I am here, unfortunately.
I have learned that a smile and a warm greeting can go a long way, even with language barriers.
I have learned that there is barely any study time, but I should not let that stress me out and I should enjoy this experience for everything it is worth. I may never get this opportunity again (even though I pray I do).
Here are some pictures of around our guest house, the hospital, and the Kenya countryside.
The Great Rift Valley
My room: two beds with nets and the bathroom in the far corner. The shower is behind one door and the toilet is behind the other.
Other side of the room: my desk and dresser with a great view out the window
The MCH Clinic that Emily and I trade off days working
On the side of the wall walking to the maternity ward: "You knit me together in my mother's womb,....I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:13-14
The labor room with three beds separated by curtains
One side of a large room in the maternity ward (all the moms were in the nursery for 3 PM feeding time)
God's beautiful creation - I stand in awe!
God Bless!