the Pokot

I made my over from my house on a moonlit path in the cool of the evening to come and use this computer. There is a welcoming wind coming up from the valley to guide me as I walk, and against the black sky is painted with a fantastic display of sparkling stars. It is like the most perfect summer night every night here. I love it. Anyway…
This day last week I found myself going on a daytrip with a group of late-twenty somethings from Korea and the school’s chaplain, who is also from Korea, but speaks English. We piled in a van and headed the route towards Lake Bogoria, which is like God just saying to me “Look, look what I can make! Look what I made for you…I know you’ll just love it.” And I respond with no words because it is so wonderful. In a small town an hour from Kabarnet we picked up a Pastor, native to Kenya, who was to accompany us to visit a remote tribal group of which is his people. I of course did not know this until we got there and he spoke to them in his native tongue. The route there was decent, until we turned onto what I am sure is not supposed to be driven on. We are down in the valley now, so it is much dryer and more hot, and the dull trees are sparse among the reddish dirt. We round around as the pastor directed us to veer left or right, of how he knew where to I am not sure because it all looked the same: low trees every 10 feet or so, flat, dusty, rocky terrain that went on until the faint mountains in the distance. We took this route for I think two hours as we made our way further and further from anything. We stopped to look at the gravesight of his grandfather, which was a large pile of stones by itself. His grandfather along with his 8 wives are buried there. He showed us with pride, and also told us that he of course has only one wife. When I stepped out of the van and looked around, I thought “wow, this is what the middle of nowhere looks like.” (and I had thought I found that spot on Highway 2 in Montana this summer.) When we drove a bit further, I had to make the can stop because I saw camels! They graciously stopped so I could take a picture, although there were much more to come! When we finally arrived, we drove to the one water hole where people come from all over to drink from and bath in. The camels, goats, and donkeys also drink and bathe in there, among other things. Therefore, this is a real problem and there is much disease-and the nearest real hospital is four hours away in my town. As we walked around, people started to gather under a few trees, and soon a large number of the Pokot people were there. They are very unreached, with 90% being illiterate, no churches, only their tribal language is spoken, much disease, and barely any water. We had a really neat advantage because the Pastor was able to speak to them, and he spoke to them about the love of Christ, and introduced all of us. They sang us a welcome song, as a herd of camels sauntered behind them making their way to the water. At this point I had to just step back and make sure this was all real. I felt like I was in a documentary or something. Like, what do you do when you are actually standing in something you have been dreaming about for years? They all wore their hair the same, shaved except for the top with was adorned with beads or braids, or something like dreads. The women had elaborate beads around their neck, they rested on their shoulders because of how big they are. They wore tattered tank tops and sleeveless shirts, easily lifted to breastfeed casually. The had a sort of wrapskirt as well. The had big stretched out ears because of the big copper hoops that adorned them, often held up by hair or beads that connected each earring over their head. The men had a wrap of some sort on for the bottom, and carried a bow and arrow and a very small piece of carved wood that they can where around their wrist and serves as a stool. It was a crazy experience, and very unique to be able to interact with them. It is so obvious the need and time that needs to be invested into this group of people. I still am not quite sure what to make of that experience. (keep in mind there are Koreans excitedly speaking Korean and taking pictures all around me as well)
This last weekend I went to a town near Nairobi for a retreat for new missionaries with AIM. I was so ecstatic to have real conversation and talk with others who spoke English I think I spoke more than I have in the last month in one hour. It was really good, because I make a lot of good connections to be able to see more of physical disabilities while I am her and maybe give me a picture of what physical therapy looks like in the third world. So I am excited for those doors to open for me. The funniest thing about it, was that the majority of people there were from Germany! Granted most of them spoke English, when they were together they spoke German…so it seems I am always the minority! But we had a great game of volleyball, Germans, Canadians, and Americans. Sand volleyball has no language…:) Anyway, I am getting so much culture, and learning so much. It is quite a blessing. One last note-I recently have a new job to do! I am directing a musical…go figure. Today I had the auditions, so I have my cast. Tomorrow is our first practice. This is a true testament to saying, “here I am Lord, use me how you wish…”
p.s. i came back with a roommate! She is from Canada, and is now learning a new way to speak: Very slowly and pronounced, leaving out all filler words getting straight to the point.