Saying Good-bye

The Story Continues...Last night I was invited for a “kwaheri” (good-bye) dinner at the home of my dear friends. It was a simple night with food generously shared. We ate by the light of a lantern in their hut and laughed as we told stories about life. As we walked home through the dark African jungle, with the moon & stars overhead, I was filled with a deep sense of thankfulness. I truly love this place; and more than ever, I love these people. Today has been filled with “good-byes”. This afternoon a friend named Kibet, who is a patient in our Home-Based Care program, came to my home to say thank you. As I sat with him, he reminded me of the day I met him lying under a tree. At that time, he was waiting to die. Now he is physically strong and eager to live. He constantly speaks of a God that has granted him another day. When I came to Kipkaren fourteen months ago, I did not know Kibet. I did not know the road we would walk together, but I thank God for this journey. There is nothing easy about it, but we are experiencing the grace and goodness of God.
Later, this afternoon, a group of women in the community gathered and spoke words of blessings into my life. One lady stood and said that I had planted a seed within the heart of this village that would never be forgotten within this generation. Another went on to say that the seed fell on good ground and is ready to grow. She told me that I only need to return to weed it. As the ladies shared, I was reminded of a verse when Paul said, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered, but it was God who made it grow,” (1 Cor. 3:6). Surely it is God that has granted favor and is allowing this dream that was planted to grow into reality.

I’ve been challenged as I’ve read journal entries about living amongst the poor written by Henri Nouwen. During his stay in Peru, he wrote: “Jesus learned obedience from what he suffered. This means that the pains and struggles of which Jesus became part made him listen more perfectly to God. In & through his sufferings, he came to know God & could respond to God’s call. Maybe there are no better words than these to summarize the meaning of the option of the poor. Entering into the suffering of the poor is the way to become obedient, that is, a listener to God. Suffering accepted & shared in love breaks down our selfish defenses and sets us free to accept God’s guidance… But do I really want to know Jesus? Do I really want to listen to him? Do I really want to take up my cross and follow him? Do I really want to dedicate myself to unconditional service?” As I prepare to leave tomorrow, I can truthfully say the answer to these questions is yes. I desire to know Jesus with all of my heart. I do want to live my life to serve God through the lives of others. I know the cost is nothing short of everything- my family, comfort, and security. But I’ve also experienced that this surrender leads you straight to the heart of God. For that, I will search all of my life.