reflections on the Wazungu wengi...

The invading hoard of 11 Wazungu has come and gone. And I already miss them dearly. They are on a plane as I type (all except 3 stragglers). To be honest it was just shy of 2 weeks of utter chaos. Hosting everyone meant lots of days of constant motion for our family. We are exhausted but so blessed. I already cried twice spontaneously out of nowhere. Their fellowship, their excitement, their willingness to serve, and their friendship was all just precious to us. When they came we did not know half the group but I know count them all as close friends. Being thrust into a crazy 2 weeks together will fast track your relationship for sure.

We had a debrief session and love fest sharing time of encouragement yesterday followed by lunch together. It was 2 hours of crying, sharing, praying, celebrating, and being together. Oh, how I needed that. They made such an impact in their short time here and I also sense there will be more to come. Before they left I shared with them a list I started one morning of all they did while they were here. I hastily scribbled the list on 3 torn and folded pieces of paper because it kept getting longer and longer the more I reflected. I think the biggest results from this time are internal, immeasurable to others, and allude a photograph but here is the list because it gives a glimpse of what a group of people who love God and love others can do in a short time....

*hosted 3 days of conversation hours at Pamoja and now have many of our neighbors saying "see you later alligator"

*recovered from jet lag and culture shock and never complained once

*took a well earned boat trip and beach day at prison island

*visited a computer teacher in training and met his grandfather

*Stopped by a local maternity clinic on prayer walk

*Painted murals for a local primary school (Pic to come soon)

*Debated technology as the source of all evil with a local secondary school

*Survived the all rice and carbs and oil everyday diet!

*Planned a 3 day crazy kids camp for 30-50 kids (depending on the day) and did it with love and joy!

*Rode the dala dala everyday and survived the sweat and the squash

* Worshiped with a local body and were a bit confused by the sheer number of offerings

*embraced the sweat, dust, & dirt...and needed lots of laundry washed!

*Planned and ran a football tournament that is still the talk of the neighborhood

*Helped repair cars alongside Pamoja students and learned from them

*completed a Scavenger Hunt in Stonetown—in which cheese & coffee proved to be quite a challenge!

*Praised Him together in word and deed

*Prayer walked and asked God to bless the people here

*Fixed computers at the ministry of health

*Visited, read stories, and taught at a local school exhibiting much flexibility when plans were suddenly changed

*sang your hearts out at local school and kept many students laughing

*Visited a local school for the deaf and learned some local sign language

*Bargained for shoes, spices, and fabric in the local market...sometimes getting white price :) but getting their barter on!

*Planned and executed a 3 day business seminar that blessed local entrepreneurs with excellence

*Visited our friend and local tour guide company owner and learned how to cook local bread....so what if some fell in the fire...

*Visited our neighbors and friends and learned how to make many local dishes including kachori

*Were brave enough to embark on an all day local fishing expedition with some neighbors

*Drank warm soda and sugar biscuits with the student government and headmaster of a local secondary school

*Served us and our families: washed dishes, gave massages, changed blow out diapers, braided hair, and painted little girl toes....so appreciated!

*Sang songs, taught, and learned greetings with the watoto wa shule

*Learned to appreciate internet speed, variety, and all things Chicago more

*Prepared and tirelessly cut out hearts, filled water balloons, and evenly distributed food into “parcels”

*Ate at Forodhani and even tried "50-50 juice" (we call the sugar cane juice 50-50 juice because that is about the percentage you have of getting some unpleasant bathroom issues after drinking it...but I would say it is worth it!)

*Played musical chairs with deaf children

*Responded to an urgent need and went to the hospital to pray for healing

*Brought listening ears, encouragement, perspective, prayer for our team

*learned to take opportunities to just be with people: small talk with a machine wielding guard at the bank and learned you can talk to anyone

*brought and received many gifts

*Learned to live more "Inshallah"...take life as it comes...

*Got traditional henna done by a beautiful and "heavy" Pamoja student (the way she refers to herself after taking my class ..instead of using the word "fat")

*Taught and helped our team develop healthy community goals and strategies & cared for our kids with love so we could all attend!

*Worshipped our Creator and Savior in the dark (no power one night) in 2 languages but with the same heart

*stepped out of their comfort zone and learned there is much to learn there

*Were flexible, loving, tireless servants of Jesus. Brought blessing and received blessing. Thanks to everyone on the team and to everyone who made it possible for them to come! It was awesome. God is good. We miss you already. And as all good Waswahili say .... Karibuni tena...