Karibu Kenya

Hello everyone.


Changing it up a little, this is Kelly Cohen. I am not going to do a day by day on the Kenya trip thus far, but try to share a few brief observations of what it is like to be living in Kenya.

For me this trip is a return to something somewhat familiar. I did a semester in Uganda as an undergrad and so there is a strong similarity between these two East African countries. On the other hand, I am learning two new languages, Luo and Swahili as I try to really delve into Kenyan culture.

I am impressed all the time at the generosity of people here. Whether we are at a home in the city or out under the mango trees at a rural elementary school, people are so quick to show abundant hospitality--always bringing sodas and biscuits. The thought, "they shame us with their generosity" often comes into my mind. Someone mentioned to me a few days ago that we receive these blessings not to hold onto but to spill over. A lot of that spill over for me comes in conversation, just listening to people's stories of hope and despair. The children that Umoja project serves are people of tremendous tenacity, people who have seen much in their young lives. If you would like to know more about Umoja specifically, you should check out their web site, just search it under Global Interfaith Partnership.

Today Gillian and I went out to visit some people who are doing craft work in Kisumu, where we are currently living. Whether we were in crowded slums, open markets, or houses on the outskirts of town, we were impressed by these Kenyans' skill, creativity, and hopeful spirits. These people are so open to the future, thinking about new ways that they can bring dignity and prosperity to their country.

Thank you for your prayers and support as we do this work. Your emails have been a blessing to me. I wish you could see all of these things yourself, that you could share in this privilege with us in a deep way. Darriel is taking lots of pictures, so we hope to be able to share those with you when we return to the states.

Thus far, God has brought us.