Here is an excerpt from my Kenyan journal of one of my favorite days at Tumaini.
OK, yesterday was probably my favorite of all days at Tumaini….and that is saying a lot because I have had so many incredible days here. The new car has finally arrived at Tumaini! God has really exceeded everyone’s expectations with this vehicle. There are some pictures below, so check them out. Yesterday we had a party/prayer time to thank God for the provision of the vehicle and to pray safety and blessings over the car. There were many rituals/traditions in this process – and there was a HUGE celebration. Rose’s parents even traveled from a few hours away to join the celebration.
The children were precious and priceless, as always. They were invited over to Rose’s house for cokes and snacks, but they did not know what the celebration was for. The house mother, Violet, kept asking the children what they were celebrating, but none of them knew. She then took one of the girls, Ruth, outside to show her the car, and she came back in saying, “Gari, Gari!” This is the Swahili word for car. They were so excited and they began singing one of my favorite songs they sing, “Jehovah Jireh,” meaning the Lord provides.
Then, the best part. We took the kids out to look at the car. They were SO cute. Remember, many of them have never sat inside of a personal car before – and they have only been on public transportation a few times. At one point, I counted 18 beautiful children piled inside a four door sedan. They would look at their reflection in the car or in the windows and just laugh and laugh. We turned the radio up loud and the kids were dancing outside.
Next, we ate lunch. The ladies who help in the kitchen have been teasing me about how I am Kenyan now….and there are just a few more things I have to do to receive the official Kenyan stamp of approval. Earlier in the day, I had told Rose’s sister, Neddie and Rose 2 that I was feeling more and more Kenyan, and they agreed that I was ready for the chicken head. They had killed 6 chickens for the party. In Kenya , the chicken head is reserved for special guests or the head of the house…..especially the chicken brain. You read that right…..the BRAIN. So, today, I partook – and I think this makes me officially Kenyan.
I am almost finished telling you about my fabulous day, but I can’t leave this part out. I forgot to mention that I am the only one who can currently drive the new vehicle. Amanda can, too….but she just wants to practice a little bit before taking the plunge dodging potholes, bicyclists, matatus (public vans) – all while driving on the wrong side of the road. I, however, was up for the challenge and concluded my most fabulous day driving Rose, Amanda, Rose’s parents, and a few other people to Kakamega, about 30 minutes away from Tumaini. Amanda was my co-pilot, and together we maneuvered through the adventure.
I ended my near perfect day by tucking the young kids into bed – and reading
”The Chronicles of Narnia” to the older children.
Tumaini is definitely different without having an ISF team here…not better or worse, just different. I pretty much love this place every way I have experienced it. I am so grateful for this opportunity. Thanks for continuing to read.......and pray.
