Author: valuesdr

More Like Home

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I can’t help but be grateful for the oversized Rubbermaid bins and wheely-bags we’ve had to organize our clothes; certainly, we are blessed to have more changes of clothes than the average Kenyan, and their method of storage is typically a grocery sack. However, THIS has certainly made me feel a little more organized and at home:

Many thanks to my wonderful husband, who expended much sweat in this project and encountered no small frustration; for as he so aptly put it, doing such a job without adequate tools was like “slicing cheese with a spoon.”

 

The Rains, She is Coming

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We arrived in Africa during the dry season, and soon the season of long rains (also known as “winter”) is right around the corner. Everyone keeps threatening that the rains are almost here. Our neighbor, who speaks very limited English, refers to the rains as “she” and keeps insisting, “the rains, she is coming.” For sure, it’s a couple of degrees cooler in the early morning and when the sun goes down at night. Every afternoon I have to bring in my laundry a little earlier because the sun goes behind the clouds, and I keep thinking that it’s going to pour. It’s markedly windier in the afternoon as well. But, aside from a few raindrops here and there, the rains have not yet come.

We’re not sure what to expect of this season. We’ve heard that with the rains come big hail, which can ruin crops that have been planted. The man who did most of the building of our house also dug deep trenches along the border fence in our back yard, because our yard slopes that way and he believes that the rains will surely wash our front yard away. He advised that we have shovels ready to dig out the trenches and replace the soil up front as needed during the long rains.

To everything, there is a season. Sometimes you know what to expect, and sometimes you don’t. Even when you think you know what’s coming, you might end up surprised. After all, His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts. No matter what a season of life is bringing to us–and whether or not things arrive at the time we expect or in the way we anticipate–we can’t go wrong by continuing to trust and abide in the Lord. Whether it’s a peaceful season or a stormy one, God is faithful and He will work all things for our good and His glory.

Dirty…

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Jonah was doing his math the other day and noticed something we all found amusing:


The front of the book, as viewed in profile, is obviously “paged through” and used, but is fairly clean. The bottom portion of the book is clearly unused. An in the middle? A very noticeable brown line. Those are the lessons he’s done since moving to Africa. Conclusion? Africa is dirtier than America! Other clues? My feet, which don’t get perfectly clean (especially on those stubborn callouses!), even with much strenuous scrubbing. And of course, the laundry–most especially the boys’ pants, all of which typically result in completely brown rinsing water when the day’s wash is done. (In case you missed it, see the related post, Clean is Relative.)

It Takes a Village?

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The expression (straight from this area of the world, I think) it takes a village to raise a child is now common place and often quoted in support of the need for community in raising children.

I agree, and I disagree.

There are a lot of children in this village, and lots of family in community here. So very often, the children are allowed to go from place to place without their parents. Just one example: a boy of 2-1/2 years whom I’ll call “Tommy.” Tommy visited our home with his mother and played with our children a few times. Subsequently, one morning he showed up at our door and walked in without invitation and without parental accompaniment. I watched, bemused, as he engaged our littles with some toys, saying nothing the entire time. Once bored, he wandered off toward his grandparents’ house. Later, I saw him returning toward home with a cup full of beans and corn. About an hour had elapsed, during which time I believe his mother was doing her wash. I don’t know if she knew for sure where Tommy was the whole time.

Very often in the morning (during our school time) Jane will come and say hello. She sometimes invites the littles to go to her home or to see her parents (they all live right next door). Since the littles are occasionally uninvolved during our academic mornings, and since the children enjoy playing with the animals there and sometimes interacting with Jane’s young son, I allow them to go for a while. Frankly, I hesitate to offend by refusing, since everyone knows it takes a village and all.

However.

This is a safe place to be, all things considered. Most of the families here are in community and are “good” people. I don’t really worry about the children’s physical safety when they’re apart from me. My hesitation in giving them more freedom is not about that at all. The problem is that though most of these folks are “good” people, there is a chasm between them and us in terms of world view. You don’t go very far before you encounter the community witch doctor and see various “shrines” set up in people’s homes and yards. Ancestor worship is alive and well here. The Bible says that our battle is not against flesh and blood and that there are powers and principalities in high places who are opposed to Christ, and I believe it. I also believe that our children are spiritually vulnerable to attack. If I do let them go visiting, it is not without praying for spiritual protection almost the entire time they’re gone.

If the spiritual issues aren’t enough of a consideration, I’ve also seen some of the fruit of it takes  a village. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is the children. The ones who have nothing better to do than line up at our fence for hours on end are the biggest trouble makers. And where are their parents? Letting the village raise their children.

I won’t say that it doesn’t take a village. But I will say, you should take a good look at the village and make a considered decision about whether or not you want it raising your children.

Ideally, the Body of Christ…the family of Kingdom Christians…IS the village. And in that case, community is, indeed, a benefit and a blessing. But don’t be deceived by the worldly concept of it takes a village. Be vigilant to supervise, love, and disciple your own children. Keep them close, and be thankful for the Body of Christ when you find true community to support you in raising your children and chasing after Jesus.

 

Isaiah’s Recipe for Sweet and Spicy Wraps

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Everyone agreed these were yummy. Dad said, “I think this is the best thing I’ve eaten since we’ve been in Kenya!” Made from ingredients we have on-hand. Some suggested adding cabbage to make it more filling and more like a Chinese egg roll, but Isaiah is sticking with the original recipe.

 

 

Sweet and Spicy Wraps
Serves 4


Wraps:

1-1/2 c. wheat flour

3/4 c. water

2 T. oil

 

Filling:

1/2 small onion

2 spicy peppers (small, about 1-1/2″ long)

1 carrot

2 medium tomatoes

3 T. sugar

 

Dice the carrot, onion, peppers, and tomatoes. Mix together in a bowl, then pan fry until the onion is soft, adding oil to the pan as necessary. Remove from heat. Add sugar and mix. Set aside.

Mix the flour, water and oil in a bowl. Add more water or flour as needed to make a thick, non-sticky dough. Knead until it is uniform. Let it sit for 30 minutes under a damp towel. Separate into 8 equal parts. Roll out round until about 1/8″ to 3/16″ thick.

Evenly distribute filling in center of each wrap. Roll dough around filling like a burrito. Pan fry the rolls in a small amount of oil until the outside is crispy. Add oil to the pan as necessary.

Amoebas, Soap, and Elevation, Oh my!

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Almost since we got off the plane here, we’ve cycled through physical challenges of various kinds.

First, I developed a sensitivity to the scent-laden soap we were using. And guess what? You can’t get good old Ivory soap in Africa! Ugh.

And we’re at a higher elevation here than we’re used to, which makes us all a little more tired in general. Our six year-old typically falls asleep during evening family devotions–sometimes as early as 7:00. Personally, I’ve been known to start nodding off myself around 8:00, depending on how early I’ve gotten up in the morning. The increase in physical activity has, as a result, also been hard for some of us, some of the time.

The biggest challenge has been the amoebas. Marc and I have not had any…gastro-intestinal issues…but the children have all cycled through this several times each. According to the local doctor, it’s the result of amoebas, which come from the water or food. In spite of a couple rounds of medication, the sickness has returned. Finally, we discovered the problem–our local spring! We assumed that fresh spring water would be clean and not produce any issues with water-borne critters. Therefore, we were not boiling our drinking water. However, upon inspection, Marc realized that the pipe from which we were gathering water was not actually embedded in the earthen wall surrounding the spring (which would filter the water sufficiently) but instead was driven into the pool of water that was fed by the spring–and contained visible algae and obviously other microscopic “critters.” So, as of a few days ago, we began boiling our drinking water, and actually found an alternate water source (a healthier spring) a further distance away, from which we fetch clean water suitable for drinking.

All of these things have given us an opportunity to encourage one another in practicing James 1:2-4:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

We are hopeful that there will soon be an end to the cycle of…gastro-intestinal issues…now that we have addressed the root cause. But in spite of the health challenges, we’ve maintained an overall positive outlook and are thankful for God’s grace as we have navigated these (amoeba-laden) waters.

“The Floor Moves”

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We’re having a group visit for a few weeks for a short-term missions trip next month, and between the guys and the translators coming from long distances, we’re likely going to have to put up quite a few people here in our home. The kids will all bunk up in one room, leaving a couple of twin beds free, and we have a couch and a couple of extra mosquito nets. As Marc was talking to one of the guys the other day about accommodations, he was explaining that things might be a little tight. He said (not an exact quote, but close): “We have a big living room with a carpet and normally there would be plenty of room to sleep on the floor, but you might not want to. Once the sun goes down, the floor moves.”

Yeah, if there’s anything we’ve had to get used to, it’s the critters. Ants (tons of them), cockroaches (blessedly few, though, praise God!), fleas, chiggers, crickets (everywhere), flies, and spiders. It’s impossible to keep them out, given that the kitchen is pretty much open to the outdoors and the doors stay open most of the day. The saving grace is that we see very few during the day (save for flies and crickets), so it’s kind of “out of sight, out of mind.” But, once the sun goes down, the floor does move… We sit down for family devotions in the living room and count the ants on the carpet and notice the crickets hopping here and there. The ants come into the kitchen for their nightly feast, so we just make sure to keep the food covered and the fresh fruits and veges in knotted bags.

When Jesus said to “count the cost of being a disciple,” I don’t know if this is what He meant.

 

Thoughts on Health and Wealth

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This post isn’t about the modern “health and wealth” gospel–though I certainly have thoughts on that. No,  it’s about the link between health and material prosperity–does one lend itself to the other?

Most people are generally aware that statistically, Americans are among the most obese in the world, and suffer a plethora of health problems as a result. We’re also a very wealthy nation. It would seem, then, wealth doesn’t equal health. Can you be poor and healthy? I would say that in America, we’re trained to believe not. Many of us conjure up media images of malnutritioned, third-world babies and children, and while I agree that this does happen, it may not be the default. Certainly in war-torn areas or places with challenging climates or geography–but not, from what I have seen, in this particular locale.

Many of the people we meet here drink tea every day for breakfast (made with milk rather than water, which we have yet to get used to); a typical lunch would include corn or rice and beans. Supper–almost always ugali, along with some vegetables. A snack might include a banana, other fruit, or even sugar cane picked up at the local market while out and about. Truthfully, this seems to me a pretty balanced diet. Compare that to the average American, who consumes far more calories than they expend and often indulges in high-fat fast food, overly processed “convenience” foods, and many of the like that are, frankly, devoid of much of the nutrition that the body craves. One, the diet of the “poor” and the other a result of opulence. Which results in better health? Looking at the folks here, I would venture to guess the former. Granted, I’ve seen some overweight Africans–but they honestly tend to be those who are wealthier by comparison.

Paradoxically, there is a movement in America toward better health, which involves getting back to “healthy fats” like coconut oil and real butter and eating non-GMO and organic foods. It may also include high-priced supplements. All of these are actually more expensive than going to McDonald’s and buying a dollar menu burger. So, in that respect, better health may be a result of greater wealth. Or better said, better health requires wealth.

One thing we’ve found interesting as we’ve purchased seeds for our upcoming garden is that heirloom seeds are almost impossible to come by here. Most everything is GMO and hybrid. Why? Because with these types of seeds, the locals can get a higher yield and less disease–in other words, a more profitable crop. And not only are they becoming slaves of the seed companies, I also believe they’re selling out their health…for wealth.

This post isn’t really about drawing conclusions; honestly, I’m not sure I have any. Just a handful of observations, for what it’s worth.

Not Listening to the devil…

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Those of you who know me, know that I have historically battled depression but have experienced victory through Christ in the past several years. I don’t believe that discouragement or depression are sin, but certainly they can lead us to sin. As well, when we take our focus off of God and put it on ourselves, that is self-love and self-glorification–which is an affront to God. Because of my history and my disposition, I am often “tempted” to give in to negative emotions and I have learned that I have to be vigilant to recognize the enemy’s schemes, and his subtle voice–the voice of a liar who comes to do nothing but steal and destroy. Emotions are an area of weakness for me and surely the enemy knows that.

I also am aware that times of transition are particularly good opportunities for the enemy to gain an advantage. Frankly, I don’t like change. At all. So when I have to deal with life change–especially multiple “changes”– I have to be on guard. The move to Africa has been no exception. Tiredness and sickness are also “triggers” that can precipitate episodes of discouragement or depression–and those, too, have been part of the experience here this past month. There have been many moments when I’ve had to cling to various Scriptures of hope and promise. I’ve made myself get up early every morning for time with the Lord, no matter how busy things have been and how tired I am as a result. I’ve let myself cry a couple of times but then, like a good soldier, I give myself a kick in the pants and get back up again. All I can say is, God has been incredibly faithful.

Something new in the emotional struggle is fear. I can’t say that I’ve faced the demon of fear very frequently in my life, so it has been a bit of a surprise–but I’m dealing with it the same way I’ve dealt with other negative emotions. I’m not letting the enemy have the victory! In the flesh, there are many things I could fear…but I’m choosing to focus on God, not on the lies of the enemy. And I’m trusting that if anything negative should happen, it will be for my good and God’s glory.

This week I have been meditating on 1 Peter 3:1-6, focusing on the latter part of verse 6: “you have become her [Sarah’s] children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. ” It is comforting to know that holy women of the past have felt fear, but have overcome that fear through righteousness.

God is good…all the time.

 

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Just a side note to this post, in case you don’t receive our newsletter…our downloadable audio sets are 30% off until 3/27, and that includes the Emotional Wellness recordings. You can see details at www.valuesdrivenfamily.com/audios. If you decide to purchase, just use the code AUDIO30 for the discount.

 

3:00 is 4:30

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The other day, Marc and our neighbor, Henry, went door-to-door in the village sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom. The reception was very positive and there is some follow up that needs to be done as a result–because the idea is to make disciples, not just converts. Many of the people Marc spoke with were women, so if they expressed interest in knowing more or in further follow up, he referred them to me and asked them to drop in for a visit.

One of the ladies said she would come and meet with me the following day at 3:00 in the afternoon. I thought, what an ideal time! The littlest three would all be napping at that time, I already had supper started, and the day’s work was, by-and-large, completed. No children’s chores to oversee until about 4:30, and the big kids would either be finishing school work or enjoying some free time (likely outside). Perfect!

Unfortunately, 3:00 came and went. Suddenly,at 4:30, she appeared at the door–just moments after all the littles had woken up, needed help in the potty, and wanted water and a snack. The big kids now needed me to dump their heavy water containers into the water tank, as their afternoon job involved several trips to the spring. I was also going to need to get food re-heating on the stove and get things going for supper. But…I had to drop everything (as much as possible) and follow up with this woman who was so very eager to meet me and learn more about following Jesus. So that is what I did.

I recall reading in the Kenya “Culture” book that time is a very Western concept, and that Americans coming to Africa often struggle to throw off the shackles of the clock. How true it is! This is just one example; Marc has had experience with this as well. Often he’ll have a training scheduled to begin at 9:00, and folks don’t start drifting in until noon. One Kenyan laughingly told him that if people actually show up on the same day as the event, that’s pretty good.

One more thing we need to adjust to. Need to keep on remembering why we’re here and what’s important, so we can truly make the most of every opportunity–whether it shows up at 3:00 or 4:30. Here’s a reminder for all of us–we need to focus on the eternal, not the temporal; and God’s timing is usually not the same as ours. Be prepared, whether you’re needed at 3:00 when it’s convenient, or 4:30…when it’s not.