Graciousness is not an easy gift to give. It requires intentionality, effort and
sacrifice. Yet, the Marakwet Community
here at Kapsowar abound with this gift. Whether it’s interacting with the
hospital staff or members of the surrounding community, we have been met with
calm patience, generous welcome and gracious acceptance.
It cannot possibly be easy, when you receive a continuous
stream of foreign visitors to your town and hospital. Especially when these
visitors seem to be full of well-meaning suggestions and ideas as to how your
workplace and home could be improved. Visitors who despite their extensive
education and seemingly limitless resources are still unaware of local cultural
norms of communication and health care practice. And yet, despite our
shortcomings, our Kenyan hosts continue to emphasize their gratitude for our
time here and repeat “this is your home!”
There seem to be two important themes that have impacted our
month of service and never-ending learning.
The first is that we have returned, and second, that it is for only a
short time.
We have a deep reservoir of memories of our two years of
service here in Kapsowar from 2006 through 2008. Some are of stress and challenges but most
are of extreme beauty, sweet relationships and spiritual growth. The Marakwet, like everyone, like to be
remembered and that we would return here after many years of absence seems to
provide a sense of encouragement and familiarity. It helps that our beautiful children have
grown! The little girls who arrived here in 2006 are now beautiful young ladies
with generous spirits who have their own feelings and ideas regarding effective
Christian service. Our three ‘White African’ boys who were born in Kenya during
those years and who grew largely because of the rich Kapsowar earth, clear
mountain air and deep love received from this community, have turned out to be
rambunctious and energetic boys eager to hunt, explore and swordfight with any
and all, willing or unwilling, neighborhood children.
The missionaries who live their lives and serve here do not
do so with any expectation of recognition although there is, of course, a
desire for long term impact in the local church, community and hospital. Returning as a short term volunteer, however,
carries a very different set of goals.
We find ourselves thinking less in terms of change and development and
more in terms of support and encouragement. This is manifest by taking some of
the patient care responsibilities in the hospital so that the long term workers
and Kenyan medical officers can take a much needed break. It is manifest in the hospital with an
intentionally supportive attitude and communication with the hospital nurses
and doctors who will continue to labor with little long after we return to
abundance.
We leave this week with much gratitude to our Lord, who in
his great sovereignty brings people together and pulls them apart according to
an unfathomable plan of restoration purposed long before we ever heard of the
town of Kapsowar.
