Names.

Here at Made In The Streets, learning names is really difficult, especially when there are 89 kids running around in uniforms. Also, all Kenyans have a “Kenyan” name, and a “Christian” name. They call it a “Christian” name because when you are baptized into the Catholic church you are given a new name, usually something semi-biblical and very European, like James or Eunice. This creates problems because you have multiple kids that might tell you their Kenyan name one day, and their Christian name the next.

Kenyans like nicknames, too. One boy, Francis, told me he goes by Frank, Karani (his surname), and 2 other names that I can’t even remember.

Each person has chosen his/her nickname(s) with care and consideration. One of the students, Onesmus, goes by GBG, which stands for Good Boy of God. Names are important here. They are all amazed when they find out I only go by one name…they are eager to give me a Kenyan name with a great meaning, like joy, or smile, or peaceful, all things they think describe me (ha!).

If we truly had names that described us, what are the names we would be called? Pot-stirrer? Complainer? Or would it be Encourager? Or Defender?

What are your names?

Kalli, Me, Scott, Amy, Shannon(Mom), and Chris

A Day In The Life

Made In The Streets Chapel.  What can I say about it? It’s in a hot room.  It’s crowded.  It’s quite a walk to get there.  It’s at 8:00 AM.

It’s the most joyful worship I have ever experienced.  It’s filled with the greetings of friends who are family.  It’s made up of some of the most earnest singers.

When you go to a new place, there’s always that fear of rejection.  That feeling of mild panic when you think, “what if they don’t accept me?” Being welcomed with open arms by some of God’s brightest and most beautiful was so good for my soul. Being remembered even after almost 3 years was the boost of confidence I needed. Having my hands grabbed by tiny little people in their preschool uniforms with no fear of strangers made me feel so loved.

We are sort of easing into life in Kamulu.  Weekends for the locals are a hodgepodge of chores, naps, farming, & homework, so for the interns it’s an excellent time to relax, take it easy, & catch up on computer work.  Spending time with my housemates has already been a huge blessing, & it’s only been one day.  They make me laugh with their quick wit, charm, & silly antics.  Already I am so sad that they will leave me soon…I am quite forlorn about it.

The best thing about trips like this is that they bring people together from different countries, peoples, languages, ethnicities, & backgrounds. We all are wildly different, but so similar in heart, mind, & soul.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.

I forgot how terrible goodbyes are. And how bad I am at them.
I told a friend the other night "Peace out, see ya in 3 months!"
I said that. What kind of farewell is that?
Today, someone said, "Well, I guess I'll see you in 3 months when you get back?"
My response? "See ya then!"
If you are either of these 2 people, I apologize.

I laugh a lot when I say goodbye. I make a lot of jokes, and I generally skirt the issue, because I don't know how to say, "I'll miss you. You've blessed my life, and the thought of not seeing you for 3 months makes me unimaginably sad. I can't wait to come back and see how you've grown, how you've changed, and where life has taken you."
I can type it out, no problem. NBD*, right? But saying those words, expressing those emotions, that's scary. That's vulnerability at it's max, at least for me. I don't do emotion...it's hard. When I feel the tears coming, I change the subject, put up an emotional barricade, and say something funny (because I know you all think I'm hilarious).

In John 12, we see John's version of Mary anointing Jesus' feet with perfume. That girl bared her soul. She wiped His feet with her hair, and laid her heart at his feet. Jesus wants us to be vulnerable with Him, and with our loved ones. Honesty with ourselves and with others shows that we trust one another with our most sacred feelings, thoughts, and desires, which only makes our relationships grow deeper.

So, I'm sorry if I've ever slapped your feelings across the face...my bad. I'm sorry if I've ever made you feel like I don't value our relationship, or like I'm mocking your sentimental goodbye. I'm here now to tell you:

I'll miss you. You have blessed my life in ways you cannot even know. Your friendship, love, and support has been so completely appreciated, and I love and value what we have. Three months isn't that long, and I can't wait to see your beautiful face and hear about the adventures, the hardships, and the many opportunities to smile and laugh that you've had in my absence. 

*NBD - "No big deal" for those of you who might be out of the lingo us young, hip adults use.

Countdown.

EIGHT. DAYS.