We spent the weekend in Kweisos, which means "the place of the palms." It is a 3,000 acre farm out in the middle of nowhere. There's not much that can be found here besides sugar cane and cattle for as far as the eye can see. There is no internet or access to the outside world, only an old 1920's farmstead with cracks in the floors and walls that allow the sunlight to creep through. What it lacks in amenities, it makes up in pure beauty! It was the perfect place to get away from all the distractions.Dan and Patty spent much of the time sharing their wisdom about Kenyan culture, so that we will be better equipped to provide ministry while they are gone. Dan and Patty have been working in Kenya for 11 years now and have learned many valuable lessons, some having come through great hardship.
One aspect we focused on this weekend is the Kenyan view of family. In Kenya, family here is more than just a mother and father. Because of tribalism, a Kenyan family is much more extended and involves the whole community. You notice this when you meet someone for the first time the question is always "where are you from?" However, it doesn't mean a physical location like Independence, Missouri. It means what tribe. Because of this view of family a child on the streets needs special care from the whole community, not just a missionary. This is why Dan and Patty's ultimate goal for children living on the street is reconciling them with their "family" and connecting them back to the place they belong, so that they will receive the support that will help them stay off the streets.
At first glance, this concept of belonging seemed foreign to me. Yet, it's not so foreign to me when I think of myself as a Christian. Our very name defines "where" we come from, not by designating a place, but revealing to "whom" we belong. As Christians, we belong to Christ and a larger community, the Church. This is why when we meet another Christian, we automatically have so much in common and feel like we belong. It is because we do belong to each other in Jesus Christ. We too are part of a tribe called Christians.Hello, where are you from?
~Joel
Jen & Joel,
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that the Kenyan's consider the family, or tribe as the center core of someone's identity. It must make explaining the concept that we are all part of a "bigger" family. Additionally, because we are all part of the family of Christ, it's our duty to make sure that we take care of our family. For me, this drive the purpose of mission and outreach home for me. Can't wait to read your next post. God's Blessings to you and your new "family." - Deb G.
Thank you Deb! God bless you.
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