Hello friends!
This past weekend we had a great party in order to celebrate Rapha center and all the people who make it happen. It was a wonderful time to thank God for all that He has done and appreciate His provisions of food and family. The children at the home were very excited to eat meat which is a delicacy for them. But they don't get the meat from a supermarket, they kill it themselves. In total, we had two lambs, 7 chickens, and one goat. At first, being a vegetarian, I was very nervous for this slaughter to take place. But I realized that this is a very sacred and normal tradition within Kenyan culture. My anthropological side took over and I had to witness this feat. The boys all came together to help in killing the animals and it became a community event. Most things in Kenya are very community centered. They work together as a well oiled team. It amazed me when the boy as young as 5 knew what to do. The older men killed the animal by cutting the throat and the younger children were eager to get a front row seat! Once the animal died they all got to work skinning the sheep and goat and cleaning it. It was a really cool process to watch. The boys and men coming together, this cultural practice running deep in their blood as they worked to create a meal for the rest of the community. I felt honored to be apart of it. Some of the boys killed their first animals as young as age 5. Two boys are from the Maasai tribe where they must kill animals to prove they are warriors at age 16. And I thought these things happened books but they still happen here in Kenya!
The party in Sunday was a success! The kids had a great time eating, dancing, and taking pictures. It was a real treat for them as they do not get soda or sweeties very often so they thoroughly enjoyed the blessings. It was a beautiful moment to reflect on all of God's goodness. The children celebrated with full hearts and praised God for providing. While the children may be orphaned, or close to destitute, they put their faith in the one who is a good Father. I admire them so much for their faith. In America we can simply buy meat, candy, cake every day if we want. We don't take the time to realize how lucky we are or to acknowledge that someone labored so we did not have to. I want to appreciate life and God's blessings in full when I return. We should not short God the glory just because we have an easy life. He is the one who makes all things work together, bad or good. Overall I was so thankful to be apart of the cultural experience and celebrate with the children.
On Monday, Sami and I sat in on classes so we can help the children study at night. We sat in on Biology, math, Christian learning, English, and Swahili by accident. Funny story, we thought we were sitting in on math class but then the Swahili teacher walked in. Kenya time is whatever time. You never know what you are going to get. For example, we took a motorbike than got in a matatu, or a large can that had 20 people in it and 12 seats. They were all very surprised when two muzungos got on. But we had to get off before the police checked and we took another motorbike to town. As the locals say, it's Kenya.
Sorry goat!! Also on the left is my family's sponsor child Dennis!
