Well, day one in Kenya is gone.
After arriving late last night, we got into the Hampton House around midnight. Because it was so dark we did not see much of the city, but anticipate that will rectify itself before we are done.
Didn’t sleep enough, but woke ready to jump in.
After running to the bank to exchange some money, we went and bought some food to hand out at the local police station. With so many people displaced because of they lost homes in the conflicts, hundreds of people were gathered there just waiting for some hope. Many had a bag or two of clothes while a few were carrying their furniture around the country until they could figure out what to do.
We were able to hand out some bread and candy (which we had brought from home). We are going back tomorrow with more food and some other supplies.
It really is sad to realize that these people have nothing.
The first day of the conference went well. I preached the first and last sessions of the day while Earl preached the middle. The people are very receptive and very fun to preach to. They love to laugh and it is great to see them worship without abandon. Can’t wait for more. They are awesome.
Well, so far things look safe. We did see one guard with a machine gun in the streets, but that is normal for Africa. We saw the results of the crisis here, but did not sense any danger. The people of the country seem to believe the majority is behind them.
Earl almost got ripped off today. I kinda saw it coming, but didn’t want to step in and play the parent role. Now you know I like bossing people around, but I didn’t want to come across as condescending. When we were leaving the grocery store several people saw our white skin (which translates into $$$$$ here) and started asking us to buy their products. Earl was about to buy something very sweet for his daughters (won’t tell you what in case she reads this) when the Pastor stepped in and told the “salespeople” to stop trying to rip off his guests.
A one-sided argument ensued between the street hocker and the pastor. One was complaining that he should have let the American spend money. The Pastor told him he would if he would stop jacking the price up 600%. Pastor got in the car smiling and the businessowner gave him a good talking to all the way down the street.
The church is in a slum. Very interesting to have to walk between several buildings to find the church building hidden among metal buildings. The corrugated metal that they use to make shelters in the slums is nothing new to me, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t affect my heart. I will try to get pictures up tomorrow so you can see what we are seeing.
I will tell you that we have our own cook. He is doing a good job for us. Feels a little strange to have someone cooking meals for us in our little apartment.
Well, till next time.
Sean