New Learning

On Sunday I attended my first real Kenyan service.  I say real because it was long.  The first service was in English and was to start at 9:00 but ended up starting at 9:15 (which is also normal for Kenya).  That service was over at 10:15.  Then the Kiswahili service started.  It did not finish until 2:30.  As you can imagine it was a long time to sit especially when you have no idea what they are saying.  The church was celebrating 55 years since it started so there were also some extra things going on.  Once the service was over we eat lunch together and then I was taken home.

Some people have asked what kind of food I am eating here.  For example on Sunday we were serviced, rice, potatoes, cabbage, a little meat and some chapatti (like a flat bread).  It is all served together in one bowl and usually a lot unless you catch them before they fill the bowl.  Which most times they know we don’t want as much.  Some of the other things I eat are pasta and beans.  When we eat at home we try and avoid these things.  We made spaghetti sauce last week so we enjoyed that for a few days.  During the week when we are at PACE sometimes I eat what the kids eat every day which is rice or corn maze with beans.  Can’t have beans every day.  I will let you guess why.

Children here start school at age 3 (baby class).  Then they move to middle class ( J-K  ).  Then top class (S-K).  These three classes are in an area of their own.  I was able to spend a morning with them.  They start around 8:00.  I sat in with the middle class.  At 10:00 they break for portage and time to run around.  They are back in class between 11:00 – 11:30 and the go for lunch around 12:30.  After lunch they have some more time to run around and then they all go down for a nap and then get ready to go home at 4:00.  The teacher asked if kids at home have a nap in the afternoon and I told her no.  She was a little surprised.

I am trying to learn how to entertain myself while not at PACE.  It is amazing when you don’t have the option of TV or going out how your mind can wonder.  I am learning to lean on God more and take this time to become closer to him.  This can be a struggle as I am a people person and get my energy from them.  There will be times when I am around people a lot and I need to learn to enjoy the quite times.  Quite is good.  I am just not use to it.  So I keep seeking the Lord and what he is looking for from me while I am here.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish it work so that your may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1 : 2 - 5