Jambo from Kenya! I can’t believe that I am finally here! Can we just say that Africa is real cold right now. I couldn’t believe it! But anyways, I have waited for this since May and for it to have finally arrived it seems so surreal. When we got to our home in Kijabe I immediately felt a sense of peace. It didn’t take too long before we were told that we were headed out to the bush for the week. (the bush is like the country, pretty much the middle of no where with not much civilization around for miles.) I was nervous to leave so soon because we had just arrived and I wanted to get settled before we left again. God had a complete different plan, as He often does! So, on Thursday, we left for the week. Going into it I didn’t have much expectations, all I knew was that God was going to show up, and did He ever!
As a team everyday we would all separate into groups and go hut to hut evangelizing. On Saturday I had the honor of going to a hut where a lady named Alice lived. She was beautiful. She was just a little shorter than me and had little hair, like most of the women in the Massai Tribe. She had a gorgeous beauty mark on her cheek that accentuated her smile that could light up the world. Her eyes were shining and were so full of life. We were only there for a short time, but while we were there, she asked me if I wanted to get dressed up in a traditional Massai outfit. I immediately said YES! That would be such an honor! So, off we went into her room in this small house. She started pulling out tons of jewelry and fabric and belts. I felt like a princess wearing all these clothes! When I came outside I was able to get a couple pictures taken with Ryan, who got dressed up as well. Then, I had to take off all the stuff and head on my way to different huts.
I didn’t think much about getting dressed up again until Sunday, during lunch when someone was calling for “leh-ze” which obviously means Lizzie. I headed outside and there Alice was! I went up to her and gave her a huge hug, which most people don’t know what to do when you give them a hug and so she just nervously laughed. I then asked her how she was and what she was doing, and all she said was “I’m fine” (You will find that answer everywhere. The people tend to repeat themselves a few times “How are you?” “I’m fine.” over and over and over) Once we talked for a minute or so she pulled out a bracelet. I was in shock at how beautiful it was and she told me that it was for me. She said “From me to you. You are now a Massai Tribe Warrior” I was taken back by this. I had only spent a few minutes with her the day before and didn’t realize the impact I had made on her. I was so grateful and so excited that God had used me in a tremendous way.
On a fun note, I thought I’d share some things that we in America take for granted!! So get ready.
1. Flushing toilets.
2. Ice cubes in water.
3. Clean Water
4. Showering whenever we want to.
5. Paved roads
6. Internet.
7. Being able to text whenever you need something.
8. Coffee Shops
9. Bed.
10. Clean clothes.
