A World of Change

02 May A World of Change

The months turned to weeks and have now turned to days. On May 21^st we will be getting on a plane and moving to Kenya, East Africa for 3 years. In my time of rest and quiet it starts to hit me, “I’m moving my family to Africa. Our world is about to change.”

Having been to Kenya before, I don’t think I am experiencing the anxiety I would if it was my first time there. It will be a little different this time because we go as a family, not as a single guy that can pick up and go anywhere, and not as newlyweds who are ready to take on any challenge because we feel like we can tackle anything. But this time with 2 children, ages 5 and 3. Even with these precious gifts, we are not deterred from facing all that Lord has for us. And what He has for us is a whole lot of change.

Language: Everything will get a new word: things, actions, emotions, descriptions, colors, food, thoughts, etc. Yeah, that’s going to be a challenge.

Driving: It’s on the opposite side of the road. What could go wrong? And then there’s the traffic thing. You have no idea, really. Your rush hour complaints have nothing on Nairobi traffic. At least people here know what the lines on the roads are for and that traffic lights are not just decoration.

Matatus: (Muh-taw-toos) Think VW bus. It’s supposed to seat a crowded 14, but usually there are 20 or more. But hey, they’ve got some cool graphics and the bass is thumping. Every ride is an adventure. We will certainly be sharing matatu stories in the future.

Food: Maybe the biggest change here is giving up the numerous options we have in the States. However, there is the produce. I’m not going to lie, they have some pretty delicious produce, and the bananas…best in the world, hands down.

Air quality: Homeless burning tires and shoes on cold nights might be part of the problem. Then there’s all those cooking fires and the vehicles with their “smoke screens.” We won’t even mention the factories.

Time: I’m not talking about the time zone. There’s no hurry in Africa. That might be why no one’s ever on time. Then there’s just trying to get things done. If you plan too many errands for your day, you might end up a bit disappointed.

Shopping: Get your bargaining skills going. Not everything has a price tag.

Restaurants: Put down the menu and just ask what they have available. Lots of hole-in-the-wall eateries and roadside vendors. In fact, sometimes it’s in the road, as there are plenty of hawkers walking in between traffic with all kinds of snacks.

Hawkers: Speaking of hawkers selling among rush hour traffic…you can get half your shopping done while you creep along at 2 miles an hour: apples, bananas, oranges, cell phone chargers, steering wheel covers, soccer balls, peanuts, newspaper, couch cushions, (pirated) movies and TV shows on DVD, clothes, toys, live chickens, shoes, dishes, sun glasses, towels, bed sheets, knives and the list could go on.

Animals: Kenya is known for its animals – big, beautiful, abundant, and often dangerous. This is why most tourists visit Kenya. You can’t get enough of the elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebra, hippos, rhinos, crocodiles, giraffes, ostriches, water buffalo, baboons, monkeys and deadly snakes. Okay, maybe we could do without the deadly snakes. My wife has forbidden me from picking up snakes in Africa. It might have something to do with the Black Mamba (Africa’s deadliest snake) that I picked up once before it was identified.

Police: They’re nice enough, just give them a small “tip” (financial compensation) for doing their job. Or maybe we should say for not doing their job. (This is one that you can pray for us about. We want to have a positive, Godly impact on the culture.)

Relationships: It’s all about relationships. Maybe this is why there’s no hurry and no worry about time. It’s rude to just “get down to business.” Time must first be spent talking and enjoying each other’s presences. And don’t dare just wave at somebody you know as you walk by, even if you’re in a hurry. Stop and take some time to talk.

Slums: One of the saddest and most tragic aspects of life is the slums. I can’t even begin to help you understand this; pictures will not allow you to grasp it. Until you are there and all 5 senses experience it at once, you just can’t understand. Homes are constructed out of sticks, mud and rusty metal sheets. Open gutters flow with sewage. Garbage is thrown out into the street (muddy path) or piled up against the walls outside. The stench is horrific. Men are often drunk from homemade brews, street boys are high on shoe glue and others are barefoot kicking around a soccer ball made from plastic bags and twine. Many of the women are trying to sell produce or some other goods they bought at the wholesale market. Life is depressing in the slums. But hope found in Christ can overcome.

Minorities: Okay, I’m just going to be honest here. Sometimes it just feels really strange being one of the few white people. We’re talking less than 1%. And on occasion we will go to an area where white people have not been seen (at least by the kids). It’s like being in a parade, all the time! Everybody is watching, staring, wondering what it is we are doing and why we are there. Yet, there is a beautiful diversity among the people. There are over 40 major ethnic groups, each with their own language and culture.

Climate and geography: Lots of variety here, but not in the way of seasons – just dry or wet. And the temperatures depends on where you are. Nairobi is near perfect, highs around 80, lows around 60 and this is pretty much year around. Head northeast and it’s just plain hot, almost desert conditions. The coast is a perfect tropical climate (if you like that sort of thing like me). Then there are the extinct volcanoes, the vast forest, the snow covered mountains and the savanna grassland where many of the game animals are found.

I could go on with more of the distinctions, but we will save those for another time. What truly matters in all of this is the people. There are so many who are lost and condemned to Hell because they do not know Jesus Christ. Whether we enjoy the changes or struggle through them, our goal is to see as many lives brought into the Kingdom of God as possible. We are Laboring for HIS Harvest!

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” Luke 10:2