Social Butterfly

It's been a very busy few days in Sukari. GWAV (Growing With A Vision) Fellowship On Thursday evening, I attended the GWAV Fellowship in the home of one of the youths. The term "youth" here means post-collegiate ministry. Most people who are considered youth are early twenties through early thirties. Other than preaching in their service on my second Sunday here, I've not had time to interact with the youth of Sukari. I primarily spend time with adults who are older than my mother, so spending time with youth was a welcomed change of pace. We sang songs accompanied by guitar, prayed, and engaged in a discussion about Atheism. After the fellowship, we all shared a meal and got some social time. It was refreshing to be around people who think and act like me. North View Fellowship Last night, I had the opportunity to attend the North View Fellowship at Simon and Kate's house. It functioned like all other district fellowships. Singing, prayer, a lesson, and of course some tasty snacks too. We even had maize straight out of the chamba! After the fellowship, I had the opportunity to visit with Simon, Kate, and my new friend Joy. Many aspects of this experience have been difficult and, in many ways, isolating. Being able to converse freely with them made me feel like myself for the first time since I've been here. As a future minister, I'm expected to fit into a very specific mold in this cultural context. I've struggled to do this and last night reminded me that when I'm a minister in the future, Ill be able to be myself and not the preacher persona I've had to take on while I've been here. We snacked, laughed, and tried on lots of Masai jewelry while we hung out. What a gift it is to have found real friends in Kenya. Fellowship images are courtesy of Kate.  

Kesha After the fellowship, I arrived late to the Kesha. This is essentially a really long prayer meeting. It began at 9pm and went until 1:30am. The worship team lead us in praise music for a while. Then everyone spread out throughout the sanctuary to pray. Everyone shouted their prayers at the same time and it was pretty loud in the room. The music continued in the background and we were prompted to pray about certain topics. One of the highlights for me was when we prayed over the sanctuary and the church. People laid hands on each chair and piece of equipment to pray for those who would use them. It was a powerful experience and unlike anything I've ever done.  

Home Dedication This afternoon, we attended the home dedication of one of our elders. It is customary for families to host a worship service in their yard before moving into a new home. They tend to be brief and encompass: prayer, songs, presentations, and a message from the Minister. Today he discussed Psalm 118 and I read the scripture. After the service, we all say a blessing in each room of the house. Then we all shared a traditional Kenyan meal.  

Graduation Prayers After the home dedication, we went to celebrate one of the young women in our congregation. Yesterday she graduated from college with a chemistry degree and will be applying to graduate schools to continue her education. There was lots of celebratory singing and foods at this event. The minister gave another brief message on the same passage. After, we all laid hands on the graduate and prayed over her life. It was deeply meaningful. 

Marriage Blessing After the graduation prayers, we walked down the street to celebrate some more. We missed most of the celebration (because all three of today's events started at the same time). The celebration was hosted by the groom's parents. The couple, Marci and Ken, is one of the ones we've been doing pre-marital counseling with. Essentially, it's a day when the groom's family receives the bride and her family before the upcoming dowry ceremony in a few weeks. The goons family gave many gifts to the bride and her family. The groom's family is from another tribe so many of the ceremonial traditions were new for most of our congregation that attended.

It’s been a busy few days and I’m sure the next few will be too! Stay tuned for more adventures...  ~ Nell in Nairobi