...Be the Shoeshine Man

If I Had My Life to Live Over Again--- ".... I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. When my child kissed me impetuaously, I would never have said, "Later. Now get washed up for dinner." There would have been more I love yous, more I'm sorrys, but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it, live it and never give it back.." Erma Bombeck

..Things I have learned and some I haven't and just some notes from the trip

In the middle of the muddy, garbage laden, rocky streets, which are criss-crossed by an open sewer there are shoe shine men. These men are right down in the mud and garbage shining shoes.. Why I wonder? The shoes will very likely be covered with mud, food waste or animal waste in just a few steps from the stall. Maybe this is the difference between Kenya and some other Africa nations, These people in spite of the hardships and squalor of their surroundings are trying as hard as they can to make a good life. To dress nicely, smile and be friendly to strangers, Love God with a passion and a public devotion not known in the US much anymore. I am amazed.

I wonder if God wants us all to be "Shoe Shine Men" (OK Shoe Shine Women too) in the middle of the World, and in our little part of it.

"Just when you thought it couldn't get any better it does!" a quote from Kyle O.. more than halfway into the trip.

When the numbers of kids increased so did the numbers of Swahili only speaking kids.. But there are some things that work in any language.

I will never forget the kids running down the rocky street to get to bible school!!!

I won't forget the Chapel Evangelist having to almost "make" them go home when our time was over.

The inflatable globes are the perfect "toy", We played soccer and volleyball outside w/them, feetball inside with them, Talked about where Kenya is and Oklahoma is and Israel, Even "held the whole world in our hands"

I will never forget the rock a women picked up as I tried to ask if I could take her picture. Was just a mis understanding, her son quickly straighten things out.

I will never forget their beautiful singing.

I will never forget the desolation of the drive to the wildlife parks and of the incredible time warp of the Samburu.

Having Guy tell us that the hospital and Chapel staff was very moved and impressed by the bible school, turns out that noone has done that with the children here, and we are going to send them and the Maua church some of our thoughts/plans for sunday school/bible school.

Having some of our own group say that they were amazed at the bible school, as they first thought that there was no way you could manage with swahili speaking kids.

Understanding that the entire population of 20 - 35 or so men in Kenya is running the risk of disapearing due to HIV/AIDs. the population is apparently supposed to make a pyramid, with the top being the older and the larger base the younger. However, in Kenya, it doesn't make a pyramid anymore because the middle is "GONE" !