It seems like the days slip by so quickly when your house is full of life as ours is right now. Even now, I am typing in the dark as we are sharing our room with Damon and Sundi, relying on my not-so-great typing skills to help me find the right keys. Forgive the typos!
I trust you all heard that ODM has called off his rallies for tomorrow. We are thankful. At this point, he has the backing of the legal body of Kenya who are even now calling for Kibaki to step down. I have my doubts that this will happen, but I think Odinga is starting to feel like he has a chance. I have to be honest, unless Kibaki steps down, I don't see peace in Kenya. Even after the election mess is settles, it will take a long time to dissolve these tribal lines that have been drawn. Such a tragedy. It has always been really hard for me to understand how someone's DNA can incite hatred from another human being. Whether it is racial, tribal, gender driven, or even religious beliefs that differ, I wish people could see that we are all made of essentially the same stuff leaving no one in a superior state. Further than that, we all bear the imprint of God's imagine, whether you believe in God or not, and that makes us all pretty much equal.
Many of you have felt moved to provide assistance here in Kenya, and we are so grateful. On Sunday, George and Sam both took 48 bags of maize meal and beans to their congregation. Some of these people had not had food for several days. I imagine the relief as they laid their children to bed that night feeling they were able to rest deeply now that they had full tummies. We also met three guards from a neighboring community who seemed to have the look of pure exhaustion. When we asked where they were from, we learned that they were from Kibera. That night, they left with the first food they had taken since the previous week. Can you imagine a grown man going six days without food? My heart could barely take the thought. So, for those in America who have sent aid, believe that it is appreciated. It is a ray of hope to those who feel all hope is gone. I also believe, it is an avenue for the Kenyan to be reminded that God really loves him despite the chaos and pain around him. What a message to a hurting heart.
I will close for now, but we just ask you to keep praying for Kenya. Pray for the innocent that God will protect them, pray for the gangsters as pastors like Sam try to reason and bring peace and hope to their lives, pray for Kenya's leaders that they will reach an agreement that the people can live with, and pray for the church as it tries to reach the needy and share not only life saving food and clothing, but also the life saving message of God's love for His children.
Mama S.