Getting to Know the Neighbors

This week, we spent some time in the community. Point of Grace is surrounded by the Ogal Beach community, and Pastor Edwin conducts a service in English at the Academy, and one in Luo in the village. Members of the community are welcome at either service. We visited the homes of several of the neighbors, all within walking distance.

All of the homes are mud huts. They are typically built in small groups where members of the same family live together on their plot of land. Their homes are simple. Most have no electricity and none have running water or plumbing. They cook over a fire and depend on Lake Victoria for fish and water. When Pastor Ruwisch asked if there was anything we could pray with them for, their requests were just like ours would be. Theresa prayed to be steadfast in their faith, James and Esther prayed for improved health in their old age, Bernadetta prayed for relief from her aching joints, and Angelina prayed for her daughter who can not walk. In the end, even though we come from different countries that are thousands of miles apart, we all pray for similar things.

When we weren’t visiting neighbors, we were working in and around Point of Grace. We continued with the sanding and painting of classrooms. Doug and Dan worked some more with the maintenance department, and Doug worked on some designs for improved water distribution throughout the campus with Richard, the school administrator. Michelle worked some more with the teachers who have 2 new young students with special needs.

Each afternoon, the children have free time. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the kids in an informal situation. We were able to spend time, not just with our sponsored children, but many of the children wanted to get to know us. They are very curious about life in America and had many, many questions. They asked about how American children live and go to school (It is VERY different). They asked about going to school in the United States (it is MUCH more expensive than in Kenya), and they asked about what types of jobs are readily available and lucrative. Some of the younger children wanted to hold hands, hug, or just touch our skin. The teenagers loved hanging out with Dave and Sara who are both closer to their age. Dave played soccer with the boys and Sara sat and talked with many of the girls.

Again, in the end, regardless of the difference in culture, kids are kids. They love a little attention, someone to talk to or play with, and someone who cares.