Today we worshipped at Sukari. We only had one service today so the congregation could celebrate Guild Sunday together. The Women’s Guild (basically Presbyterian Women) have had a week of service in which they’ve: prayed, worshipped, planted trees, had bible study, learned a theme song, visited shut-ins, cooked for he elderly, advocated for children, witnessed in their places of work, cleaned the church, and many other things as well. Today’s worship marked the conclusion of Guild week. The Women’s Guild was in charge of leading worship. Aside from the children’s sermon and the sermon, they planned the whole service.
Their leadership in worship is a big deal considering what the role of women has traditionally looked like in this culture. It celebrates and notices all the work that they do. Their vision is to be an inclusive Christian Woman organization that empowers women to transform society. Their mission is to holistically empower Christian women enabling them to effectively transform the society through worship, fellowship, networking, partnerships, advocacy, communication, mobilization of resources, research and training based on Christian values. So basically they do lots of good stuff in the name of Jesus. The services was centered around their theme verse from 1st Peter 5:10 “The God of grace who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.” The highlight for me was watching a skit that the Guild put on about laying down your signs at the cross do Jesus. It had everyone laughing. Shortly after that I did the Children’s Message. It was kind of a mess because I tried to do it without notes, but I’m just glad I was allowed to speak during the service. I’ve had to adopt lingo that I wouldn’t normally use because of cultural differences. I’m finally starting to get the hang of it though. Also, I got to wear my new dress today! It’s technically called a kitenge and is very commonly worn by women around here. Below is a picture Mama Faith and me after worship. She and I picked out the fabric a few weeks ago and her sister custom sewed it for me last week. It’s not the best angle but at least you can get an idea of what it looks like. Everyone kept telling me that I look Kenyan now.... that might be a stretch because I’m definitely still a mzungu, but I do feel more Kenyan when I’m wearing it.
~ Nell in Nairobi PS: I got an official invitation to a wedding happening later this month. I have gotten the opportunity to sit in on a few of the couple’s premarital counseling sessions and I know the father of the groom pretty well. If I had a favorite elder (which I totally don’t because that would be favoritism) it would be Elder Joseph. He is the groom’s father who gave me the invitation and is always quick to flash me a smile or shake my hand when he sees me around the estate. I’m looking forward to attending the wedding festivities on June 16.