Brothers

Yesterday was our last day at the TCRC. The day was much like any other: futbol, ugali, bible study...but we did not end the day with smiles and "tutuanana kesho! (see you tommorow!)" As the sun relented and cast its sideways light on their faces, the boys bowed their heads and escaped eye contact. With pervading sniffles and somber gazes, our team said our insufficient parting words, then they were invited to speak. Paul, my translator for the discipleship class spoke with a crack in his normally bouyant voice, "Many of us here have never had a brother. Now we can ALL say that we have brothers." I swallowed hard, and then turned to God. "It is a blessing to BE a blessing...thank you Father."

Sleepover

"Today is a gude day because our friends are coming to our homes," said Fanke in broken English. They told us it was the first time any mzungus (white people) had stayed over night in the dorms at the TCRC. We ate ugali as the sun set and fellowshipped into the night. The big dipper hung upside down above our heads as we sang Swahili praise songs and danced around a humble fire. We made hot dogs and performed a cliche (but good) skit with candles about being a light for Jesus. African boys giggled invisibly as we all scurried off to the dorm, about 45 minutes past curfew. We all disappeared into our respective rooms, six in each--seven tonight, as I lay my mattress on the floor. The lantern-lit conversation that pervaded our room started with "R-nall Sorts negga," and progressed with them teaching me words in the tribal language. "Telehoma Gosha!" (You are welcome!)

Mwanza is my home now. We have settled in quite well. It is beautiful here. Large boulders have been scattered no hills that overlook a blue/gray Lake Victoria. Tin houses and friendly faces are scattered around these rocks. "Karibu" (Welcome!") is probably the word I have heard more than any other since arriving. I love to wander. The people are hospitable and eager to help teach me Swahili. We have spent a week of language learning and have just started going to the TCRC. We pray that we can be a blessing to these boys in whatever way the Lord leads. They have made us feel very welcome. My eyes and ears are overflowing with the newness that surrounds me. The Swahili is coming, polepole (slowly) but surely. I am praying for discipleship oppportunities with some of the older boys. Lord's will be done.
IN CHRIST ALONE.