Day 6 and Home Again

On Thursday morning, following another night of rain showers on the tin roof, we set off to tour the hospital at Tumutum. Even though the conditions were below U.S. standards, the good care being given to the patients was obvious. The tour included the medical/surgical and maternity wards as well as the HIV counseling and testing clinic. After the tour, we divided into 2 groups to go into the community with the home health care nurses. The visits were one of the highlights of the trip for me. We were able to see how the network of staff and volunteers was reaching into the communities to care for others. We visited a grandmother caring for her 8 year old orphaned grandson - both parents having died of AIDS; we climbed a hill up a muddy path and met a couple - grandfather 85 and grandmother 76 - caring for their 3 orphaned grand daughters. We witnessed how the nurse and the social worker cared for the families and for their patients. Our last stop was at a children's home/orphanage housing 185 students age 8 - 20. Many are orphaned but some have parents who just can't take care of them. There we met Eunice and Virginia - the headmistress and the President of the local congregation. They welcomed us - embraced us - and prayed for us and our families as we left them. Our closing devotions and communion on Thursday evening were especially moving. We have been changed by the experience - we are trying to determine what God would have us do although we know God wants us to be present somewhere in Kenya.

Friday arrived all too soon. Our last day as a mission team. As we began our journey back to Charlotte, I began to reflect on the week. When I look back in total, there are three words that will remain with me. FAITH, JOY and HOSPITALITY. Never have I seen such a witness to God's love through faith by people who, by our standards, have little or nothing. But, when I see how joyful they are and how we were welcomed (not just tolerated) into their midst, I wonder - are we the ones with little or nothing? If we can just remember that God will take care of our needs; faith will sustain us; will we then be free to express our joy, to welcome strangers as our guests and to share God's kingdom with others. The worship service at Covenant yesterday closed with the spiritual - "I'm going live so God can use me, anytime Lord, anytime." How appropriate.

Thank you for allowing me to share with you - I don't think I have given all that's due the experience. I believe the impact will continue to evolve. I can't wait to see where God takes Covenant with Kenya - please keep the process in your prayers.
Bill Keith