Women and Water

It seems that most of my time here in Kenya has been spent with women in the nursery and learning the importance of water in a third world country. It doesn't take long to realize how very very blessed we Western women are and how difficult the lives of third world women are. Women here spend alot of their time getting water for the family. This often involves walking long distances with heavy jugs often on their heads. Then the water must be boiled or at least it should be. Many homes, including the guest house and the missionary homes, have large rain barrels. Having one is a sign of prosperity. This is where I get our drinking water before I boil it each day.

In many areas of Kenya there has been drought, the Rift valley, where we are, has gotten plenty of rain of late and everything is very green. Washing, most often by hand, is another reason to get water or to bring your wash to the river. You use rocks to scrub and then hang the clothes either over the rocks or cart it home and hang it on the fences. Water which we take so for granted is such a necessity and such a blessing in this and all third world countries.

On Saturday, I took a long hike to a beautiful lookout and then had lunch at a Kenyan home. The family provided such hospitality. Most kitchens, even in "middle class" homes are separate detached rooms. The food is cooked over an open fire in that room. Again, cooking is a major time committment as you can't run to Mac Donald's if you don't feel like cooking tonight! Rice and beans are the prevalent diet as they are in most third world countries. The women also do most of the planting and farming .....need I say more. Their days are long and hard. Unfortunately, and I am not trying to be sexist, the men in this culture do not help much. Hopefully this is changing some.

It is very hard to start saying good bye to patients and staff. We have made some wonderful friendships. The problems here are so overwhelming and yet there is so much hope. Their is also alot of trust that God will provide. We often say that, but these Christians really practice it. Today a widow with six children who works as household help came to say good bye and told me that she doesn't know where she will get the money to send her daughter to secondary school. The girl has qualified but the mother must pay the fees before the school will take her. Secondary education here is private and the parents must pay. She needs 17,000 shillings which is about 250 dollars to send this girl to school for the year. I was crying while she was telling me, but she said that she has faith that God will answer her prayers and find a way for her.
I believe that He will too! This is the sort of need you face everyday and it is so hard not to say "Yes" to everyone. I can see where missionaries can burn out because it is very tiring to know where and who to help.

I don't know if I will blog tomorrow, our last day here. We will spend a few days in Nairobi, and in the Netherlands before coming home. This time has been such a blessing in my life. I can never repay the Kenyans Christians that have taught me so much about how to live. I hope and pray that I can remember them and what I have learned when I get back home. I would hope that many of you might have a similar experience someday.

I do miss you all and am eager to see you
love and hugs,
nana and poppy
micki and marv