Pastor Edward came in from Kenya this past week. Let me tell you what a refreshment he was to my heart. From Wednesday to Sunday I was constantly reminded of the intentionality of kenyans. I felt so honored that after I saw him speak in chapel because he held my hand as he talked to other students that stopped by in the back congratulating him on his sermon. Here I am- I have never lived with him, I just have had the privlidge of working with him since 2006. And he holds my hand like a grandmother who won't let go. It was odd at first because that dosn't happen to me on a normal basis. But then I became quite fond and honored to be holding this mans hand.
Highlights from the week.
The HUB- where he outlined all the work that city harvest does. There are so many things because to the people of kenya the pastor/church is the doctor, therapist, mentor etc. The pastor is the first one called in emergencies and even when babies are being born. This was new information for me. My favorite fact from the evening was that 60% of kenyans live on less than a dollar a day. And out of that percentage- 80% claim that they are christian. That is one reason that the poor flood the church. Edward said one time that he was at the pokot tribe and all the people kept asking him if he had medicine. he had diahera medicine and pain medicine. he made two lines and the people waited till he past out the last package. kenyan healthcare- and we think that america is getting desperate.
We also laid hands on him and had students pray over his ministry and family. This was extremely important to do as a church family as it was a smaller more intimate scene.
Dinner at Teriki Park- on accident after the HUB- Ben and Edward went there. I ended up right behind them. THIS MADE ME SMILLLLLLE! whew- I was so excited- I had no idea that I would get alone time with him. Thanks Jesus!
Friday- {fall break} went to the woman's soccer game with edward and friends. But first we went to chilis too. I think that I can not get enough of eating with him. I always want him to say vege-tabl-es. Then he laughs with his Santa laugh. Its priceless if you know him. The soccer game was fun- and festive because he wore a Baylor soccer scarf- thanks to Ben Dudley.Well worth staying in town for.
Sunday- church- he spoke on being present. What was funny about this was that I wrote him a thank you note for coming this way- I didn't finish it before he started speaking. I wrote " Thank you fro coming. Your presence alone is a refreshment to anyone who has ever been to Kenya. You have been a piece of home that is so far away." Then he preceded to preach on the necessity of just being present.
"physical presence communicates. just your presence alone can be a ministry."
pastor edward
sunday lunch at nifas to say goodbye was AWESOME. my favorite part was sitting with donors who will make things happen down the road as well as debriefing and celebrating what has been done with my dear friend Brandon who went to Kenya this past summer, after I choose not to, to deliver the grant for 100 One Laptop Per Child for the Pokot tribe. Brandon never was able to talk to edward about what they accomplished. And to be sitting in between the two of them talking about how the Pokot children are now are learning to read and write, and that their laptop is the most precious possession that they have was truly a moment I will never forget. It was fun to tell stories of how hungry the students went- and how living in the bush changed Brandon's perspective on Kenya.
Lunch was fabulous. Edward celebrating a matching grant for 25,000 for a well in Pokot, as well as a possibly opportunity to teach at Baylor during his sabbatical {please join me in prayer for that oppertunity}. I love being apart of Kenya, even though it has almst been 4 years since I first stepped off the plane. The Lord is SO FAITHFUL!
This is not Brandon, its Matt. Edward showing us Kibera, the second largest slum in the world."Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace."
Luke 2:29
Kenya, as well as cake has been oh so good for my heart.
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