Friday, June 16, 2006 - Week 8 of 10 Garissa

“Then [we] realized that it is good and proper for people to eat and drink and to find satisfaction in our toilsome labour
under the sun during the few days of life God has given—for this is our lot. Moreover, when God gives any person wealth
and possessions, and enables them to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their work—this is a gift of God.
[We] seldom reflect on the days of our lives, because God keeps us occupied with gladness of heart.” Ecclesiastes 5:18-
20

Sorry, no strange creatures of God’s World (except we humans) to report on this week.
Most of the time was spent on general chores, challenges, chance meetings and changes in routine. We had Sue staying
with us and she left this past Tuesday morning. Her focus changed from interviews to teaching and this woman Sue, just
came alive! She was so much happier.

Unfortunately, Bobby’s asthma came alive too – the winter breezes are blowing constantly, rearranging the sand all over
the place and one of the places is right into Bobby’s lungs. So far, she has had two full days indoors, with only tepid
drinks (no cold or hot is the local advice) and no fans. Poor Frank has to endure the no fan part too. It is uncomfortable
all ‘round. Except of course, we are on the right side of the world to enjoy World Soccer at a reasonable time of day.
Three games a day and its free.

This past Sunday Service was in a beautiful Baptist Church. The 6 x 6 x 12 inch home-made cement block structure has
a cross at the entrance and at the altar – the crosses being the spaces left open and the walls alternate with spaces
and blocks in a checker pattern which allows the breeze to flow through. It is right in the middle of a Somali settlement
and the folks there hang on the fence to hear the children’s church which is taught outside; to hear the beautiful music
from inside and some get brave enough to come to the door to hear the preaching – what an outreach. Frank was the
preacher and he was very well accepted. Following that, the three of us were invited to noon meal at the pastor’s home
and a good visit was had. Definitely felt we had met with the Lord and His people, big and small.

Nearly lost Monicah out the door of the Land Rover – said door has been repaired three times in the last week but
continues to f l i n g open unexpectedly. Frank and Josephat had words with ‘Wamo’ the garageman so hopefully it is a
true fix this time!

Frank had one of those “eureka” moments in the Pastor’s Discussion Group last Thursday. He had taught them a play-
acting game in order to relieve them of some of the constant, unremitting stress they experience. It had to do with
guessing which of the 47 Kenyan tribes others may belong to. One young pastor, new to the meetings, said, “My tribe isn’t important, we’re all Christians.” Halleluiah! In an area of intense fanatical differences between Muslims and
Christians, this Christian Pastor said, “let’s put our differences behind us and concentrate on what God wants done.”

The bottom of the cooking pot (30 inches wide by 20 inches tall – steel with copper bottom) from Mayetta TB Clinic, fell
out! Yes, the bottom fell out. Frank and Josephat, when notified, retrieved said pot (which cannot quickly be replaced)
got it to the fuendi, and three hours later (dark by now) it was back in the kitchen, ready for Helema’s porridge for
morning. 500KS well spent. It is amazing how fast some things can get done.

Yet, on the other side, trying to get Monicah a citizenship identification card is nigh unto impossible! She exists, stands
in front of them, obviously more than 18 years of age, with her Garissa high school graduation sheet, yet more is always
needed. A lawyer’s affidavit was requested, supplied, denied. 1200KS not well spent -he had written it his way, not
what they wanted. We are now in the process of hopefully obtaining a baptismal certificate from the Pastor who
baptized her seven years ago. Unfortunately, her mom never registered her birth.
Last night -
As I watched the mongoose play, the rising sun was but a wish
The tent swished forth and back, with flap - their quickness like a dragonfly
I was enraptured with their wit
They each dove in and out and then attacked
With skill, the other’s tail
Then flipped around and back again
Quietly, quietly, on they played, until my breath no more could I hold.
Gone. Gone. In that instant’s draw
Like a dream of grey flashes across the sand.

Blessings, Bobby and Frank

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