The first Lord's Day in Kenya

The weather is beautiful with the temperature in the mid-80's and low humidity. The equator sun is warm but in the shade it is very
pleasant. Our first Sunday in the Kajulu church was quite interesting. From Kisumu town, we drove out into the country about 7-8 miles into a mountian setting. We passed many, many people walking. Many look sad and even angry. When we arrived at church how refreshing it was to see these happy faces. The church building itself is nice and the services interesting although we kept being distracted by our surroundings. The place was full and this congregation is only 6 years old. We could hardly believe the amount of children that were there. Along the wall, on both sides of the auditorium, girls and boys were seated on benches from front to back. Many of them were orphans. Occassionally the young usher would go along and poke a sleepy one or shake his finger at what he thought was unruly. David and Myrna would be well surpervised sitting with the others. Our American ushers may have to begin this Puritan practice. The attendance was about 170 people.

Jennifer, a middle-aged widow lady with 5 children, had a number of us for lunch. Some of us walked the 2 miles while Sam and Glen Helmuth delivered others to their homes. Again the setting was poor according to our standards but very clean. It was much like many of us would remember playing house in the woodshed and eating out there. The food was cooked over an open fire and very tasty. Even the 2 youngest ate their fullest.

David, our Ukrainian son, is our least shy one. He soon won the hearts of children and adults. He loves holding babies much to the mother's delight. They were all jabbering away, David in English and the women in Luo. Elida, the lady in blue, used to make 'booze' for the mountian men. The local women were happy when she quit after becoming converted.

It was a jolly group we interacted with. Jennifer's daughters love to sing and in 4-part harmony. They presented a small program welcoming the new pastor and saying good-by to Glens. It was touching! We as a family sang several songs too.

Keep us in your prayers. The language classes keep us busy and the whole adjustment is rather stretching.

Mattie