Rain? and Grace

Yesterday was quite bizarre in Nairobi. First of all, it was very cold and secondly it was pouring almost the whole day! This is unusual because it is not the rainy season and January is actually supposed to be the hottest month of the year. So on our way to work, we were stuck in traffic for about two hours since everyone was using cars instead of walking. It was absolute mayhem! But it made for some great conversation time with Mary Kamau again. I asked her more about the ministry and the struggles they have faced. I learned that people in Kenya have no problem bad-mouthing people in authority. I guess that even if people do not get their way, they make sure to talk down the person to other people. This really surprised me because I know in America, one does not openly badmouth someone in authority for fear of losing their job. Not smart!

Last evening, I went on a walk with Leann and we were talking about life and how so many things seem to be expected of us. We were wondering what we would do as a career if there was no pressure. So we dreamed for a little bit, and as you all know I have been thinking a lot about my future and whether nursing is something God is calling me to. Through talking it out, I came up with an idea regarding AIDS patients and hospice care. I got really excited about this prospect and was determined to ask Mary if Missions of Hope did anything like that. I was surprised to find out that they do! And so today I asked Timothy, a CHE (Community Health Evangelism) worker if he might be able to show me that section of the department sometime and he said, "Sure! How about today at 10:30?" !!!!!! So, almost with uncontrollable joy I followed Timothy all around  different parts of Mathare.

As we walked, Timothy was informing me about the areas and told me that people with HIV/AIDS do not like talking about their condition mainly because of the stigma that comes with it. But the only way to get through to them is to mention God. Kenyans revere God whether they live for Him or not. So when a CHE worker like Timothy comes into someone's home and listens to their concerns and worries then asks if he can pray with them, people are willing to trust in his suggestions for help. We met up with a woman named Pamela who showed us around to a few houses of people with HIV who expressed an interest in joining a Missions of Hope support group.

The second house we went to was Milicent's house. We were greeted by her on the road and then led to her small 10x10 apartment where she promptly motioned for us to sit down on a bench. After making sure we were comfortable she smiled, sat down, and lifted a small little girl into her lap. She and Timothy talked in Swahili for awhile before he translated for me. He said Milicent has had a hard time these past few years. The little girl in her lap, named Ruth, was actually her niece whose parents both died of HIV. Ruth's parents refused to take ARV's (anti-retrovirals) for their HIV because another religious group told them that if they truly believed in God then he would heal them and they would not need to take the medicine. Ruth's mother quickly deteriorated and died soon after giving birth to her. Ruth was given to Milicent by the little girl's grandma after telling Milicent that Ruth was worthless and weak and would die soon anyway. They do not know if Ruth is HIV positive yet. But to Milicent, Ruth is a blessing and a joy. She calls her Grace. After a little more conversation in Swahili, Timothy asked me to pray for Ruth and Milicent. I was overjoyed and prayed silently that Milicent would be able to feel the peace of my prayer even if she could not understand what I was saying. I prayed that God's grace would rain on this family and that his hope would continually enrich their lives. I am so thankful to have had that opportunity!

Well we walked probably 2 more miles around Mathere visiting some of the smaller Missions of Hope centers. Of course, children were constantly calling out to me, "How are you? How are you?" I even heard, "Oh Muzungu (white person)!!" Some man on the street even gave me a Kenyan name 'Wanjiro', at least I think thats how you spell it. Timothy didn't know what it meant though because it is in a different dialect. I told him hopefully it doesn't mean 'Stupid White Person' haha. He said, "Oh, no! It does not mean that." Hmm...

Overall, today was extremely exciting and fulfilling! I could not believe that my prayers were answered regarding God's guidance on this new idea I have about AIDS patients. Even if this door eventually closes, I am encouraged by God's leading. Thank you again for your many prayers. And please keep praying for the people of Mathare and especially Ruth and her family. Blessings on your day!