Looking Back at the trip to Kenya

Shalom!

I am adding this blog to our website and thought perhaps some people are like me are inexperienced with blogs.

It is easiest to scroll down over to the right side where there is listing of all the posts. The newest post is always listed at the top, so one needs to read it from bottom to top to take it in chronological order.

I have just seen some of the pictures from Dr. Hollisa Alewine, Joan and Brenda's recent visit to provide Creation Gospel Trainers Training and it does make me "homesick" in a way to see them all again! 

The home assembly building in Limuru

People have commented that it must have been frightening to go alone to see people I didn't really know in person in Africa. I would be lying if I said it didn't have its moments!  But in the end, the safest place to be IS where YHWH directs us, yes?

United in prayer in Him,

Barb

Back from Kisii

Day 3 Thursday     Returning from  overnight in Kissi

Amazing days!  The people in Kisii were so welcoming and appreciative of our choosing to get to know them better.  You know, they are amazed that there are people coming into Torah in America; not just in Kenya! Funny how we are always thinking that our experience defines everyone else’s experience! Both Peter’s put their heads together and were finally able to make the online stick work, so I am trying to write about this last day while we are on the four hour drive home. I hope to be able eto upload these words into the blog, too.

It is so hot today that the Kenyan’s are complaining….so I am most certainly uncomfortable. The red dust is blowing and just seems to be in everything.  My white canvas shoes arent’ white anymore so I may have something to ask Jane to see if she can do anything with them. I think I have had 4 bottles of water so far and I am still dry.  The computer keyboard feels a little gritty too.  I almost brought along a cleaning rag; now wish that I had done so.

I have to mention our driver who is called Francis, not to be confused with Francis/ Chege who is one of the elders of Set  Apart here in Kenya.  This Francis has taken this car through places we would call a path; not really a street or a road.  I will try to include some pictures; especially the short portion where everyone in the back seat got out to walk, but they insisted I stay in and ride. When he’s not navigating around rocks and tree stumps, he is equally comfortable navigating around people, vehicles, bumps and potholes.  As we are going along the highway at anywhere from 80-120 KPH he still manages to do the weaving back and forth that seems like a dance here, as all drivers work around the potholes and pass anyone slower than them at the first chance.  He also knows the location of every speed bump along this whole highway and slows down long enough to gentle navigate over each one; and there are many!

Last night, Peter, Francis/chege and I came down the hill to go to a hotel for the night, while Francis and Mama Kamau who accompanied us stayed with friends there.  It was difficult enough getting into the settlement area in the daylight, and even more so coming through it after dark.  On the way back up this mornining, Peter happened to land on several rocks right under my feet and sideswiped a tree trunk that dented the left front door so that I couldn’t get out when we  arrived.  I have  a picture that seems like a universal one to me:  men standing around shaking their heads at what has happened and doing what is necessary to get the car back on the road.  They had it fixed and looking like new by the time we were ready to leave today!

But I am getting ahead of myself! After my first rest day at Peter’s brothers’ apartment, we left to make the four hour trip to Kisii.  After the delays trying to get the computer to work, and various other little things along the way, we arrived at 3 rather than at noon.  We stopped at a western supermarket and I was able to find some tuna fish, which they’d never head of, as well as some Sprite and juice and ultra pasteurized milk in a carton to use with my Herbal Life shakes.  We had traveled through the Rift Valley and I will try to put a few pictures in here.  It is magnificent.  Several of the elders did know that this valley is part of the same geological fault line as the Dead Sea and Jordan River in Israel. We went through the Massai Reserve as well, and saw many Massai tribes people and herders.  Peter explained that they choose to do all things the same,  and still favor the same red clothing of generations. They are like the Bedoins in Israel in their nomadic lifestyle.  Of course, there are “tourist” gift shops along the road where the local people offer a good view for pictures, and various souvenieers  of the “big five” animals.

Several times Peter said  we were getting close; the last time was when we turned off the paved road to a dirt road, which just continued to get smaller and more rough until it truly was little more than a trail that mountain goats were have trouble with. Usually, he and the other elders  travel by public transportation, and the walk up this last few miles that took us an hour to navigate.  A new business venture has been the purchase of motorcycles/mopeds which people can either rent for the day or hitch a ride on, rather than walking up to the village. Peter expressed his concern several times that these drivers have no special training and are dangerous! He isn’t any happier with them than he is with the public buses.  After the first “wild ride” from the airport in the dark, I could now see more of these buses, many of whom are big vans, with the sliding door have hanging off the track.

Samuel says if you take care of your car and make “repairs and repairs’ you can make a car last up to 20 years here!  I am amazed they’d last a year, having ridden in one going up these paths and hearing all the protests of the vehicle. Peter tells me that the final stretch of road to each of the more rural places we will be going will be of the same poor quality.  This trip was just the longest at 4 hours driving time.

Today, the other Peter also was present and translated for me when I spoke with the people; while “our Peter” translated last night. The second Peter came in a little Toyota like we had with 5 people in it, riding with 13 people.  He said he had to sit still for a little while when he arrived so that his legs got over being numb and he could walk. But again I am ahead of myself.

Since we were late, the planned schedule changed a bit.  The ladies there insisted on serving us chai tea and flatbread/ what they call   _____ chaple??___(Chapatti!) The Chai tea was wonderful, and since it was hot, it was something I could eat.  I was really trying to be careful so as not to entertain traveler’s diarrhea but the bread seemed okay; and certainly it was part of a welcoming guests ritual, so hardly one I could refuse. I did realize that I am on antibiotics for other symptoms I had been having which worsened while flying so should probably still be okay!  We sat in chairs at two tables set together, covered with a lace tablecloth, in a hut made with mud plaster, and wallpapered with newspapers. There was the usual corrugated metal roof and a curtained door to the other room. I think I have pictures that will give you an idea.  It is amazing to be in such a home and also be working with the computer! Their church gathering building is of similar construction through several gardens and pasture lands and sugar cane crops and down a gravel path yet they had an electric sound system, with a keyboard for Joshua the talented musician who leads their worship, together with several others. He would like to come to America. Not only that, but I realized as I was talking and Peter was translating, that a young man was videotaping the whole thing!  He even taped our walk back out to the “road” loosely speaking. Peter said he though I would be able to get a copy of that. I said you all would probably not believe me what this looked like! The simple huts with metal roofs, and wooden tables outdoors for the food, interspersed with some cattle grazing between lots, and garden plots are set in an awesome valley in which you can see the roofs dotted among the trees.  They practice some kind of land management  I think with all the patterns on the hill side. The ladies carry water jars on their heads as we’ve seen in movies, and sometimes even bundles of sticks.  Along the way, we also saw the local children heading off to school for the day, each in their uniform. They were truly amazed to see me and some were afraid to shake hands while others eagerly reached out.  (It is custom to do a handshake with a special grip here) The ladies said it is because they hadn’t seen light colored hair  ( or skin either maybe?)

And when we gathered in the simple building for worship, they raised with roof with a song extolling Yahweh and Yeshua Messiah. They seem to feel strongly that they are well able to write and sing their own praise music in their style and do not need to rely on doing things in a “Jewish” way.  HalleluYah!

One New Man in action, I think.

With so many leaders/pastors in the room, it is important to include as many people as possible and give them an opportunity to speak so we heard many strong messages of faith in a short time.  There were 4 variations/tribal languages present there, and some of the people didn’t understand Swahili or English so Peter Ndungu W. translated for Swahili, and Peter Ndungu M. translated as best as possible for the others. It is such a blessing to hear people speak the Word and really lean into what is said and how the message of truth was brought by the Disciples.  One of the elders had said that they knew they are just planting a seed and if it takes root, we praise.  If people don’t want to hear, or they don’t want to receive the truth and become “set apart’ they don’ t worry about them.

Peter gave me a good introduction and spoke about the need for all people to grow together in Messiah as well as learning how to get along.  Peter Ndungu M. said to them that it was amazing that MamaRachel understood Yahweh called her to come and she came to a country she didn’t know to people she’d never met by sight, and didn’t know if she would be safe or unsafe with them. He said if Set Apart Ministries in America was concerned enough about them to send her, they should be encouraged to know that they are important to Yahweh!

Peter had asked me to do the hand teaching first so that’s where we started. They were very appreciative and it was hard to say good bye even for just the night, and even though Peter was trying very hard to get us all in the car and down the road before dark.  Looked like herding cats to me.  I think he needs a tri broom.

I haven’t even mentioned another whole story.  When I had spoken with Brad and Carol Scott about coming to Kenya, they were also concerned I was going alone and gave me the name of several men they know in Nairobi to contact them is possible.  I did write an email to one Joseph O. and he did respond just one day before I left.  He uses a public computer and doesn’t get there often.  He did respond to this “brother” and was especially happy to visit our website and find that we share faith so he said to have the brothers’ there call him on his cell number and we would try to meet.

I did give Peter the number and we called Joseph who then arranged to meet us on the way to Kisii with his pastor Maurice. Since we were late, they had waited for several hours, but when we met it was joyful.  I learned later that Joseph hadn’t realized that Barbara was a woman’s name so was surprised to hear “a sisters’ voice” on the phone.  They enjoyed meeting Peter and Francis and MamaJamai so agreed to come along to Kisii with us for the evening.  They enjoyed that so much that they stayed over night to be with us this morning too.  Turns out they were from Gospel Formation Conference church and their leaders had begun studying Torah several years go so they are pretty new and only knew about Tabernacles so far.  They did not know that Peter and Set Apart Ministries groups were around and were so thankful for new brothers and sisters.   They said how excited they were that this referral by Brad and Carol would lead them to like minded people. So I think that was one of the YHWH appointments we have been praying for. HalleluYah!They left me with greetings for our Set Apart community and thanks for making it possible for me to come.

The local congregation we were at was headed by Pastors Daniel, Ezra and various others.  They too, extend their thanks and joy and appreciation for making it possible to hear about growing up in Messiah.  This morning, after the trouble with the car, we got a late start again after chai tea and flatbread but people just kept coming in.  Peter again spoke eloquently of how important it is for us to know that we can shine like stars in Messiah. That it is good to be different in His ways so that people will be drawn to His light in Us; not to us, but to Messiah.  He said that we can shine in our own homes with our families and out in the world but we should pay attention to what our gifts are.  If we are gifted at home and try to go out in the world, we will make a mess.  And if we are gifted to go out in the world, but stay home we also make a mess. I don’t see how he could have presented me in any more honoring way and bless Yeshua that we were indeed correct that He is a brother in Messiah.

A pastor, DK, from a neighboring village especially spoke thanks for coming and expressed a direct request that Bob will be able to come and visit them sometime when I come back. That was a strong hint from many…WHEN you come back.

Peter and Francis had explained to me that this part of western Kenya is considered the inmost parts, and that the people here are more isolated; girls and boys marrying as young as 13 and 16 and having children, never leaving the villages during their lifetimes. They are good people and are among the newest groups to have joined Yahweh’s Set Apart Assemblies so are young in understanding of what they teach.  He thought they would benefit most from the relationship teachings so we covered Understanding Self Worth and the Responsibility chart today. Once again it was well received, in the midst of such good solid instruction, and wrapped up with a few praise songs beginning and end. I think I was able to get about 10 minutes of the final song and words of several of their leaders. If I can, I will try to enter that, too!

They insisted we stay for lunch so I was treated to corn bread, kale, chicken.  I am afraid I was insulting to the ladies though I tried to say they had served much more on a  plate than I could eat.  Peter M. insisted that I needed a picture of myself eating their corn bread and kale so he ran for the camera. 

Someone always insists on carrying things for me and MamaJamai was surprised that I was so comfortable walking on paths through the sugar cane and between the hedges, even climbing through a fence.  I tried to explain a little about camping and enjoying the country, but I’m not sure that the idea of camping would mean much, for people who live, camping!

So now we are on our long way home. We stopped in Bomet for some more water bottles, and like before there were some people from the Set Apart community there again.  Today, I met Edward  who is a welder, and have a picture, as well as shaking hands with a number of smiling children!  Then a young girl was looking troubled, and Peter began to ask some questions.  Turns out she was visiting her grandmother and was on her way home to her parents, but the money for her bus was missing, so she is riding home with us, now 4 people in the back seat, though not nearly like the 13 in the other car!

I see the battery is running low so I will see about entering this now before it stops entirely.

Despite little sleep, blowing sand, the strong “Kenya” wind odor, bumpy roads, and worries about illness with food, I am already so glad that YHWH called me to come and that you all made it possible for me to do it!

Watching and  praying

Back in the USA

Shalom once again!

I am here back home at last.  Arrived a few minutes early yesterday in Green Bay. No problems with any flight or connections, though I did see that we were flying over Libya and had read that political unrest is happening there, too.  A common thread of conversation for many passengers was the sentiment that we are not living in the same world anymore, generally said with sadness.

My last day there was a peaceful one, with a quiet morning after getting the last entry to this blog done, a final run to an ATM machine, and the elders arriving to sample the remaining American food I had for them, a meeting about what has been happening and how we might work together.

I really didn't want to go into Nairobi again so we went northwest to Kiambu to see if there was an ATM there that worked, and there was, so we didn't have to go as far as Limuru.  I didn't get enough zeros in so we still ended up looking for another ATM on the way to the airport.  I am just not used to thinking in terms of  40,000 or 30,000 in money!   I had another opportunity to capture a picture of one of those "Christian" labels.  How about this one:

Answered Prayer Butchery --  see the meat hanging in the window?

I had purchased some tuna fish and crackers but forgot that I didn't have a can opener.  Peter was able to use a knife and get a can open and he had also found two with a finger pull opener so I introduced them to a new food. It was gone pretty fast, along with the Mountain brand dehydrated chicken stew, which they thought was pretty sweet.  Peter laughed as I handed around the bowl for hand washing with a towel.  "Now you are serving us!"  They enjoyed watching and photographing me with new food and I should have gotten out the camera to record their tentative efforts with the tuna! I shared a few of the "tea" Herbal Life tablets too, which they found fascinating as they got fizzy in the water.

As far as the meeting agenda, their only request is that I consider wearing a complete head covering the next time I come, because apparently, they have heard from some people (none of whom spoke to me!) who objected, and the elders concern is that the message I have brought not be lost because of immature people who can't look past physical issues. I assured them we would talk about it and consider how to handle it, Yeshua willing for me to ever return. I had honored Peter's request for at least partial headcovering, and I also heard from Peter M. in Nakuru that people there were just amazed that any American woman would wear a covering, full or partial.  They really don't have much of a view of the rest of the world, where some of these same issues are just about as controversial as they are here! Beyond that, we all agreed that the language barrier was a major challenge; and that includes dealing with American Wisconsin English and British English as well as Swahili.
They are quite convinced that I just need to learn Swahili which is such an easy language before I come back in order to overcome this barrier. Their pride in Kenya is evident among adults and children alike so it must have been interesting for them when Peter told them that last day that he had been told that no American woman would ever come to Kenya because the conditions are just too bad. So, there I was...

 Several times during these congregational meetings, the leadership had asked to pronounce blessings on me, and said over and over that I would be blessed for taking the time to come and see them.  Here's what it looked at at Kawaha West.

I spoke the Aaronic blessing over them in return.

 
BabaMarta said that Susan, his wife, had favorable comments about my meeting with the ladies and several of the men expressed the hope that I would speak favorably of all of them, overlooking any shortcomings. I assured them that this would be no problem as I have great admiration for all that they have accomplished for YHWH's people under such difficult circumstances.  I also spoke with them about the ladies meeting as they seemed a little ill at ease, and had commented with a sort of nervous laugh, that they expected me to tell the women to submit to their husbands!   I had attempted to answer questions as clearly as I could, but that I also explained that my understanding is that any halacha questions are to be established by the local leadership and can easily differ in some ways from region to region.

Then there were several opportunities to talk with the neighbor ladies.

Barb with MamaSara - Grace,  holding Sara

Some of the ladies from our "Set Apart Ladies Summit Meeting"

Really enjoyed talking with Grace/MamaSara who would like to stay in touch and get acquainted with others among us if possible.  She grew up Presbyterian and struggles with the head covering expectations here, knowing that she understands her covering to be Messiah and perhaps her hair, but honoring her husband's request that she wear the scarf on Shabbat. She loves to read and study and Peter has given her a number of books over the past few years.

Exterior gate, leading to a large enclosure, big enough to put a car or two inside.

Fruit and vegetable stand next to door

Peter arrived promptly at 7 pm, announcing that he was on "American" time, not African time today. This is good because the airport is on "American" time, too! They had thought that it would take about 45 minutes to get to the airport, and on the way down the road I finally remembered to take a picture of the front courtyard to Peter's home, with the fruit/vegetable stand in front that several ladies use.


Inside this mud floored enclosed area, there is a concrete porch entrance to Peter and Margaret's home, as well as an additional enclosed room.
They also have the traditional upholstered couch, actually 2 of them, with the same kind of linen coverings that Margaret made for the apartment I was in. They also have the usual plastic chairs in addition to the couches. Their hutch is filled with study books for Peter, china and momentoes as well as their television and DVD player. Scripture quotations and pictures adorn the walls.




As our car pulled up in front of Peter's home, Margaret and several men got into the back seat but elder Francis was walking away. Since he had been with us the entire two weeks I was puzzled why he wasn't in the car.  It took a few minutes to get an answer but as both cars moved out into the street, Peter said. "Nobody wanted to be left behind so we hatched up a plan."  Seems they rented a taxi so we could have two cars of people to go.  I was honored!

The 45 minute trip took closer to 90 minutes as they tried to find  a way around the worst of the traffic jams.  We were moving through part of that highway construction area which is all bumpy mud, crevasses and some rocks, rather like an exaggerated washboard. No informational signs to speak of and it was dark, but they pressed on and we did arrive at the airport at 8:30, which was still in time for me.  The next challenge was finding a place to park, and included watching a very tight squeeze as a car maneuvered out of where a taxi had parked blocking them in.  To my amazement, Peter then managed to put the car we were in in that space!
Everyone from both cars joined us as we piled the luggage on a cart and began looking for KLM desk.  Ended up walking a long block down before finding the right entrance.


To my surprise, they weren't even going to be able to come into the building as there was a security check point for all luggage right inside the door, so we said our goodbyes there in the line on the sidewalk.  All send their greetings and love to their American family in Messiah Yeshua's Name! As I got through that first check point and was "putting myself back together again" i.e. computer in case, shoes back on, and so forth, I looked up and realized that all 15 or so of them were lined up at the plate glass window there watching me, smiling and waving!  I so wish that I had had a moment to pull out the camera and take a picture of their smiling faces as I know that is the mental picture I will have in my head for a long time. They are my brothers and sisters and more of their faces are known to me now!  They endured 90 minutes in and now had at least that going back out through all that road mess just to be able to stand on the sidewalk and wave goodbye to see me off. Kenyans are remarkably patient...because in Africa there isn't much choice!  They have been trained up in dealing with adversity in ways that we have yet to experience. We have much to learn from one another.

It took an hour to get through all the security checks to get to the gate, and then another hour to load the plane but I was in plenty of time.  I saw a Kenya coffee mug in a gift shop window but didn't feel comfortable to leave the line to get it, so my usual practice of getting a mug as  a record of where I have been got missed this time. The flight was uneventful as I said earlier.My seat mate was a Nigerian woman who teaches at a university in Windsor CA, and who has a mother in Nigeria yet.  She travels back and forth often, also overseeing an HIV assistance project in Nigeria. She told me that all the roads in Africa are pretty much like they are in Kenya and was also quick to assert that most police officers were just looking for bribes. Hmm, common knowledge.

  After all the security checks there had been in Nairobi, people weren't especially happy that everyone's passport was being checked as we entered Schiphol airport, but they consoled themselves that after all, it is another country and they aren't so sure they trust Africa's security measures. (They take pictures and a full set of fingerprints on the way in and out of the country, just FYI)

I was in line with a nice Kenyan man who had been visiting family and was now returning to Arizona.  His name was Benjamin and he helped me locate my gate which was VERY close! He had been educated at Nakuru before going to America and was quite pleased to learn that I had visited the small villages and towns. No time to look around there--they were already loading.  I had no idea what time it was really, as I was still on Nairobi time, but thankfully I made it to the correct place.

  We arrived in Detroit on time and went through customs and immigration.  Everyone expressed doubt about the African drum I was carrying so I was referred to Fish and Wildlife officers who sent me to Department of Agriculture officers. I told them the drum was a gift straight from the hands of the maker, who made them for use in worship.  When they saw that the drum was cowhide and had been treated and prepared, they had no problem and off I was again.  I found my gate to be a long way off this time, but the tram was fast. I had a minute to get some water and a chai tea before loading for the last flight.

I was met with hugs and flowers and a Momma Rachel sign!  Visited with Bob, Rachel, Laura, Cheryl, Karen and Phil, Emily, Grace and Henry before getting to sleep. Seems lots has been happening here with all the questions about schools and cuts and so forth...perhaps signs that we too, need to be developing that patience in adversity. I'm sure it will take me a week or so to get over jet lag, get reorganized and dig into the emails and mail waiting.

I have several requests from these brothers and sisters that I am asking all of us to keep in prayer.

1) As these leaders travel around, they see such deep needs, including hunger, and need for clothing and shelter, and along with appreciating the study materials they respectfully ask if it is possible to consider any regular donations to help them help others. When they understood that we are also a small group, and not really "Rich Americans" they asked if we can help them make connections with others who may be able to offer financial support. Peter had made a passing comment one day that in Kenya, $1,000 USD can change a man or woman's life forever. So they know we are unable to make large financial support promises but are joyfully joining in prayer with us for whatever YHWH chooses to do.

2) The Children's Center needs help to purchase the land ($1,000 USD) and set up the dormitories  ($  ??)  they envision to help meet the needs of children there, many orphaned through HIV. We will probably be able to send them some more Bible story books and children's study materials but have no idea how or if we could be of any more help than that.

3) They would dearly love to have a small menorah for each fellowship, which I will check into. Perhaps Talia in Israel will be willing to purchase and send them the same kind I have when we can forward funds to her.

4) One elder has requested a Chumash for study, and another has quietly said that he would promise to learn to use a laptop in 4 weeks if it were possible to provide this wonderful tool for him. ( I also learned from Peter that there is a small side income to be made with a laptop that can do printing projects, which he has been doing with family members using the SAM laptop we sent months ago.)

5) The ladies would still like to see material for their sewing projects if possible.

6) I can see that they would benefit from and wisely share at least a motorcycle if not a car.  A reasonable motor cycle can be purchased for about $600USD.

It isn't that "things" are unavailable in Kenya. They are surrounded by marketplaces and people selling things. The quality may be poor and the price high so they prefer used things that are better quality.  Peter tells me that 8 year old cars from other countries come to Kenya, and then they keep them for 10-20 years.


Well, I went to Kenya, understanding that I was to travel there, "sooner rather than later" and that the purpose we understood was to see that Peter really is who he has said he is.  That was verified very quickly. He is held in very great esteem by many people, male and female alike; though the women would really like to have a woman leader that they can confide things to that they wouldn't be comfortable to tell a man!

The leadership of Yahweh's Set Apart Ministries (as it is officially incorporated--I saw the certificate) includes men of compassion and a heart for Messiah and His people.  They were kind and gracious to me and to those I saw them interact with.  I think perhaps part of a reason for going also included connecting Brad Scott's friends with this group, as they had been unaware and lonely for other people of like mind. Perhaps it has to do with some kind of ongoing support or at least initial help for the Children's Center. It also had to do with helping Yahweh's SAM people with maturity, the roles of men and women, and their connection to Israel.  Beyond that, we will see what will come and trust that YHWH is well able to accomplish His plan when we are willing to Shema! There is a DVD of my visit which we will share when we have had time to consider any additions or subtractions in the editing.

watching and praying for all that Messiah has in mind for us, His Set Apart People of every tribe, tongue and nation.


Barb

Last entry from Kenya

Shalom everyone!

Well, I have just printed my boarding pass in preparation for departure this evening.  I have still only just begun to believe that I am really here and it is time to leave.  Though I am ready to come home and see family! 

My last entry included a lot of pictures. I don't think I will be able to include so many this time.  Since I last wrote, we have visited 3 more congregations and I have finally had the much awaited session with the ladies.

 This place is in Kutus, which is several hours drive from Kamiti.

My last entry included a lot of pictures. I don't think I will be able to include so many this time.  Since I last wrote, we have visited 3 more congregations and I have finally had the much awaited session with the ladies.Above is the building that a landowner allows the group here to use, though he isn't a member. They had a generator running and were quite boisterous!  This is Peter, my 'film crew" here, singing with Margaret, Elder Peter's wife during the gathering.

 

Here I am , moving back and forth with Peter translating, as we spoke to the group.

 They were interested to learn Hebraic dance and several men and women were willing to try while everyone else watched.  Since they don't normally count the same way we do, it was all so confusing!  Redemption, Peter's daughter, later explained to me that they demonstrate a pattern for your feet by using letters, and how many steps you make on each part of the letter, sort of like our jazz square. I left the steps for Oh Jah!  with her and had also taught them Hine Ma Tov.  I think they will need a refresher!

 

As has been true at each place, people visiting from other areas are asked to step up and provide a word or a song of encouragement to all.

Here I am with Lucy and Margaret at Kutus.

 

Our last place of gathering was at Peter's home place in Kahawa West.  They rent this concrete building with a dirt floor for use, by the month.   They are able to leave only chairs and a small table there as more would probably be lost to vandalism.

This man, known as John, survived a terrible beating in which he lost his eyes.  Peter tells me that some people doubt that he is capable, but really all you would have to do is listen to him speak with such quiet and sure confidence in Messiah to know that he is really okay. He was able to provide translation between Kiswahili and English as needed, too.

And here are most of the ladies from the SAM "Ladies Summit meeting!"  we had wonderful time talking about challenges they face and encouragements.  There are a number of single mothers here, as well as many concerns about things like not kindling a fire on Shabbat, and the correct understanding about head coverings.
Some ladies object to them, seeing it as a spiritual matter, not a physical one. Several like wearing them. It seems that there is a sort of "status" or rebellion here too.  Some women wear coverings low over their forehead to their eyes, while others feel more free or daring to let their forehead and ears show.  They were surprised that I wore a partial covering but very open.  The elders had already let me know that they do not view it as a "must" behavior and are not opposed to changes.  Still, most of the ladies have understood that they are not free to have an opinion in their previous assemblies, so it will be some time before they are more comfortable and open.  They had some good questions on marriage and remarriage and divorce as well.  We didn't have nearly enough time, so they do want to know if we can talk and do a teleconference as most have cell phones.  We will see if that can work! 

As always, people keep telling me that I must come back, and fully expect it to happen!

As for me, I am blessed beyond measure to have had this opportunity and am quite willing to wait and see what YHWH might have in mind.

My thoughts are so full that I cannot order any more to write, but will say good bye and blessings with just this final picture of one of the ladies saying goodbye! That's little Marta behind!  She has stuck to me like glue since we had time to talk about Bible stories and questions she has!  Her dad is Baba Marta, the leader of the local group, and her mom is Susan, MamaMarta, who translated for me with the women.   They are such a blessing and gentle though enthusiastic influence here!

I will have time with the elders this afternoon for a wrap up, and discussion of ways we could have done things more effectively and perhaps what we are seeing as any further understanding of how we can work together as Set Apart people.  The plan is to depart for the airport by about 7.

I will be coming into Green Bay about 12:30 Tuesday afternoon, Yeshua willing!

Looking forward to seeing you all there!
watching and praying,
Barb

Kenya Thursday February 17

Kenya  Thursday February 17

Shalom Aleichem!!

I just don’t have enough words to describe what is happening; or maybe just not the right words.

It is so clear that YHWH has been at work here.  I still find it amusing that they are so surprised that there are Messianic believers in America.  Telling them about thematic study and the Hebrew understandings is like pouring water on dry ground…and there have been physical rains while I’m here, too; a few weeks earlier than expected but very much welcomed.

So, Tuesday we did go to Nairobi. I keep forgetting though that Nairobi is a province as well as a city. 

Found myself in a nature park, observing 14 Falls, climbing around on rocks and paths and into a boat. I am standing under an acacia tree here.

Good thing I had the right shoes, but had I known I would NOT have worn a dress! Saw either a lizard or young crocodile depending which person was right.

  Peter found a baby Kingfisher so we had a close look at that one.

The falls were beautiful and while we were there we also watched several divers entertaining other tourists.  It reminded me a lot of climbing around at Cave Point on Lake Michigan.

We did make it into the city of Nairobi.  It is a big city like anywhere else, though perhaps more trees and greenery than I have usually seen.

Again, the concept of lanes of traffic was only a general guide. Those matatus, public transportation bus/van that seat about 15 people each, just careen all over and jump out in traffic when they are done loading or off loading, barely without looking.  It seems everyone wants to get where they are going first so they don’t have much concern for who they might cut off. Yet, it is also true that I saw hands motioning from larger buses indicating when it was safe to pass, and I think I saw passers by bang on a bus to get it to stop before it backed into us.

 

Every walk of people and dress was evident, though I saw just 3 “white” faces while there, so the grand total of “white” faces I’ve seen since leaving Jomo Kenyatti airport is “3”.   I have been taking pictures of all the different churches as we go and all the men have been very helpful in that endeavor.  Everything from Baptist churches, to Word of Faith assemblies, Kenya Nazarene University, Catholic churches, Hindu temples, Islamic mosques, all shapes and sizes.  They range from a small shack to the largest most ornate brick or stone buildings, one with stained glass windows.  It says in the Kenya guidebook that it is a nation of churches; a Christian nation, but I had no idea what that really meant!   Every passing truck or bus has some kind of “Christian slogan”   I may have mentioned this already, but I still find it amazing and so clear that these slogans are just part of the scenery. To me, it is almost becoming offensive to see these words in such obviously not worshipful places.  My understanding, too, is that Peter and SAM here also see them as completely meaningless.  Perhaps an example of what happens when religion becomes integrated into culture?

It took several hours to work through the traffic to be able to get downtown to see the Kenyatta building and Parliament.  Even with the stores lining the streets, there are still street vendors everywhere.  Peter then drove us out to a suburb for chicken at Chicken Inn, which he said is the only place he knows is trustworthy.  I’m afraid I disappointed him by ordering a cheeseburger instead of the chicken. Missed my cue there I think. This restaurant was in a little strip mall, with a pizza place and both indoor and outdoor seating.  They asked where I’d like to sit and I quickly chose outside. I realized then, that the temperature then was pleasant for me, but bordering on too cold for them. Another oops! They found it rather funny that the chili sauce they liked on the fries, called chips, was on the hot side for me.

Having been satisfied with food, we then headed back downtown once again, in search of a highway/street map.  Apparently it is almost unheard of for anyone to have such a thing!  They just travel around knowing where they are headed or asking people as they go to help them find the place they need.  This is one reason the elders seem to be taking phone calls constantly, sometimes even when we have gathered for worship!  If there is someone who is traveling to join them and can’t find them, they don’t want to be unavailable. ( While I certainly understood, especially when people might arrive anywhere within a 2 hour window with all the travel challenges instead of maybe a 15 minute window as we have, you should have seen them laugh when I challenged them that taking a call while in worship was like saying: “Oh, just a  minute Messiah, while I take this call.” ) By the time we got through the maze of traffic, we had purchased a map from a street vendor who came to the window which was better than nothing if we hadn’t been able to find another. We did finally find a small kiosk that was open AND had maps!   It was 300 KS which was outrageous to Francis, the elder, I think K. and comes out to just less than $4 USD I think.  Seemed a good price to me for a full color map with topographical info as well as all we’d usually expect. They pored over it before I had a look.  Now it is much easier for me to grasp where we are going and how long it might take, especially since the map includes different colors for “main roads’  “minor roads” and “tracks.” It took 2 hours to get back to Kamiti in a terrifically blocked up traffic jam, not enjoyable for Peter who was driving this day. He says he’d rather deal with the rocks and bumps out in the country and avoids Nairobi as much as possible.  Can’t say I blame him.

Not much happened when we returned, other than a neighbor lady, Joyce, came to meet me; telling Peter how disappointed she was that he’d waited an entire week before telling her I was there! Then, MamaJamal brought some food for supper and a pink snood she’d made for me.  Her favorite color so she had the yarn.  Very nice!  I wore it yesterday on our trip to Nakuru.

Yesterday, Samuel, the driver, had recovered from his headache and was back in the driver’s seat as we went north to Nakuru, where Peter M. is the leader.  Being a weekday, they didn’t think there would be more than 3-5 people available so the plan was to meet in his home. This was probably the best highway I have seen so far!  We made good time until I noticed some sheepskins hanging for sale.  I asked how expensive they were, and said they were as much as $100-200 USD.  Peter said much less than that here.  Before I knew it, they had seen some nice ones, and we stopped. They wanted me to take pictures of the Rift Valley but NOT get out of the car as they were bargaining and thought they’d get a better price if the people didn’t know I was there.  Do you believe it? A full sheepskin for $10!   I mentioned that I had hoped to be able to bring some remembrances back for our community but we didn’t have a lot of resources to work with.  Again, the men were off, with me staying in the car with Francis K.  They came back in great joy and glee with a bag full of treasures that you will see when I get back!  They did well!  Let no one ever say they don’t know how to get nice things that ladies might like! I think they enjoyed baffling the shopkeeper as to why a bunch of Kenyan men would want these things!

Back on the highway again, we stopped near Gilgil to take pictures of a herd of zebras.  Apparently they are often in this area.  Sadly, it seems I won’t be seeing any giraffes as it is too dry this time of year, and Peter (photographer) says they are hibernating up in the hills where there are still more acacia trees  that they like.  Not sure he meant hibernating, but I got the point!

Peter M.s home is in a group of stone buildings, almost like the insula we saw in Israel, though of course, nicely kept.  Inside, I met MamaMoshe, Peter’s helpmeet, as he made of point of introducing her. (They didn’t know what ezer knegdo was either…but have grabbed on to the concept quickly.)

Their home is painted aqua inside, with lace curtains like I have had in my office window draped over the walls.

Once again, the tradition is to feed guests first before any serious talking or teaching occurs.  How can anyone listen or understand if they are hungry? As we ate, more people kept arriving so eventually we had to move outside into the central common area.

Have you ever heard of a worship gathering being held under a full clothes line?  Well, there we were!  And it was joyful!  This time I was able to do an overview summary of selfworth, responsibility teachings, leading into menorah teaching, and noting mashal rule vs. rada rule, due to questions about marital relationships, and finishing up with our SAM goals sheet, as a picture of the need for individual, family, group and worldwide echad in Messiah.

The elders were delighted to stand up and be candles again, helping those who hadn’t done it before,  even working hard to make sure the one in the middle was the tallest.  Over and over they expressed their gratitude and asked me to tell our community how much they appreciated their having sent me out! Praise Yeshua. I can see a natural segue here, to go from the candle moedim demonstration to teaching them to dance Hine Ma Tov!  We will see if it happens!  One man, who has come to call himself Yedidah/friend, asked that I come again and please reserve 3 days to be in Nakuru!

This was truly joyful! They are so pleased to see things they haven’t seen before.  Again, the children were intensely curious, and wanted to touch my hair again. “It’s soft!” I heard several say.  One toddler, maybe about 1, took one look at me and cried to not have to come close. The Mom was embarrassed but I told her it was understandable!

My “film crew” was again directing some activities, and everyone good naturedly cooperated.  I have seen a few minutes of what he has been shooting, and I would have to say that sometimes he is getting way too up close and personal!!! J We had to shoo the children away from the car in order to get on the road, though we had Peter M. and not Peter W. among the 4 in the backseat.

 We headed downtown, snapping more pictures of churches along the way, until we found a parking place and waited.  Kenyans do a lot of waiting.  They tell me it is not unusual to wait 2 hours to meet with someone you had agreed to see. It wasn’t that long before Peter W. arrived and Peter M. said his goodbyes. I told them in America anyone would be lucky if someone would wait 15 minutes, unless they heard otherwise.  But then, in both places, cell phones have become a way of life and communication so you can keep in constant contact as you go.

Darkness arrived before we got home.  We stopped at Naivasha on the highway, by the turn off to his worship building with the menorah windows, to drop off Francis/Chege who then had a 45 minute walk to his home from there.  10 km.  He called before we reached Kamiti to say that he was home safely. Can you imagine anyone in America walking 10 km on a regular basis to get to fellowship meetings?  Definitely a different lifestyle, and dedicated people who really do all they can to encourage and strengthen the followers of Messiah Yeshua here.

I was glad to arrive home and get to sleep soon.  This morning, I have packed the sheepskins and various things as part of travel preparations. I also gave myself a note reminder to confirm the flight on Sunday night.  It is strange to see these two weeks moving quickly toward the end and I know I will miss these new brothers and sisters. There are still 3 places to visit, another visit with all the elders and a visit with just the ladies to happen before they bring me to the airport Monday evening.  I am also looking forward to being home and with my family and my SAM family there, too!  Spoke with Janell last night and heard that all is quiet and well on the home front so I am glad about that!  Ran out of minutes on the cell phone so will have to top that up today sometime.

The Francis’s and Peter’s should be arriving any minute for another days travel, and I hope to get to the cyber store to enter this note and a few pictures. We won’t be traveling as far today and much of it IS on that good highway.

All honor and praise to our Messiah Yeshua, who is indeed raising up His people from every tribe and tongue and nation!

Watching and praying,

Barb

Incredible day with elders

Shalom everyone!

Well, plans change as we go along.  I have been enjoying meeting people in various places, however, it seems it is just a quick greeting and we are on our way again. I asked Peter yesterday morning if we could just meet with the elders who best understand English as I'd really like the chance to talk with them with translation as needed both ways! Rather hard to do in the car!
He agreed and within hours they were all there!  I had 3 hours time for praise and prayer and was well prepared by Abba for this time.  We spoke of life model things, community, shepherding, and what it means to be part of grafted in Israel.  Their knowledge of Scripture people, places and events is so deep and solid, so that hearing  thematic and chiastic study tools just opens doors in their understanding by leaps and bounds!
We talked for 4 hours, took a break, and some had to leave but others, as above, stayed until about 9:30. Inthis picture I disturbed them from looking over our Pesach Believers Haggadah long enough to take a picture!  They are very interested to have a copy of what we do and to try it!  Since it was raining much of the day it was thought that th eroads wouldn't be good for travel this morning so we';e probably meet again!
Though physically tired I was blessed!

No body came by early and I learned they had all overslept, but today Peter says we are to go sightseeing in Nairobi because it is "not possible to let you teach 14 days straight. We have to have some balance."


So Francis, the one with the grey beard, has accompanied me once again to the cyber cafe so I can share this report with you.

and off to Nairobi we go!



There is so much to say that now I am looking foward to being with you in person to share more!
watching and praying in Messiah!
Barb

Day 6 To Naivasha

Well, we set out in good time and made good time today.  I would have to say that the road turning off the main road to get to the Naivasha building was rather like Brian’s hidden entrance to Pagel’s north!

(Oh! I forgot to tell you that that when the elders read our letters to the community yesterday, they pronounced it PaGEL.  Which I think was the original?)

Today, the driveway was wider dirt and only some rocks and small crevasses but as it was uphill and hard on the car the backseat passengers got out to walk the last quarter mile or so.

Again, they insisted I ride. You can see them way off in the distance, or zoom in!

I took a few pictures of this church, but again, the connection is slow and I am only able to load a few. This one has some kind of chalk whitewash on the walls that brushes off on your clothing.  The iron work on these windows are menorahs!  Peter had said they really hadn't thought much about the menorah, but now!  They will have lots to think about whenever they look at these menorahs and the one on the Israeli flag they have.

 

Samuel, driver on left, and Francis/Chege on right outside the building.

I had hoped to visit longer with John Ezekiel from Tanzania, but he got an urgent call that his son had been killed in some kind of motorcycle accident so he was back on his way home immediately.  Peter said they had had time to have a long talk last night before the call came. Since they had been out of touch for some time when John lost his cell phone, with all of his contact numbers, they were just reunited recently by a mutual friend. (John has all the numbers in two places now!)

Francis/chege seems to be a quiet thoughtful sort of man, and it almost seems as though the group of people here may be more quiet as well. Of course, once they came to praise time and got the drums going, the place was rocking.  Interesting that they do see the difference between praise and worship, too, as we do!  The praise ones are the ones with the drums while the worship ones are much quieter. At least that is what I see so far!

He told me to speak about whatever the Spirit led me to say.  This seems easier if one is just going to make a few comments, which are always good sound teachings as I’ve heard so far.  But when they are so hungry and want to “go deep”  it is a little harder!  I prayed and gave it a try. Spoke about the connection between the first and second Exodus journeys.  They were very quiet and Peter said they had never seen that before, but Francis one of the elders was elated!  He said it is a perfect fit…and was able to list several parallels right away.  “That’s just the way my mind works.” He apologized.  No apology necessary!  Praise Yeshua! And Francis/Chege said it was so delightful and exciting to feel that the Scriptures were being opened up to him in his mind in a way he hadn’t seen before. I told me we all feel exactly the same way!

Interesting note: I was explaining the beit  "house" connection when they all started laughing.  Peter didn't translate for me then, but when I asked later, he said that in their tradition the man must always face the door so they saw the same thing.   I noticed too, that a lot of times, the women sit on one side and the men on the other, though everyone says it is not a "must."  I think I will be exploring what other traditions they might have that could very well go back to their original Hebrew roots!

A quick ride home through the tea plantations brought us home in time to briefly see Victor, as I wrote earlier…and now you are up to date.

I have been able to downsize a number of pictures and am loading them now.    

Praise to Yeshua Who has indeed called His people from every tribe and tongue and nation.  Here is proof! He has indeed called people from every tribe and tongue and nation!

  Despite our differences, and the fact that I have not seen even one white face since we left the airport in Nairobi, I am at ease in the presence of fellow believers! Though I still don’t know who is more surprised—Kenya’s about American Messianics or vice versa!

Be blessed!

Barb