Lives Changed

    

Today we finished the house and dedicated it to Bessie and Alfred.  Bessie and Alfred are a brother and sister that both have AIDS and have lost both parents.  In fact, the only living relative they have is an uncle that donated the land where their new home now sits. As I am writing this, and later as you are reading it, Bessie and Alfred are living in their own home with a concrete floor and metal roof.  For the first time in their life!  The ceremony was emotional if nothing else.  Lots of singing, dancing, celebrating, and many tears of joy.

Tonight, our devotional probed the question, “What will you tell someone who wasn’t with us at the dedication about today?”  The short answer is really that it is something that you should experience first hand.  I can describe it and show you pics and videos, but none of them will do it justice.  This was an event where the whole community came together to celebrate for Alfred and Bessie, and as I’ve discussed earlier on the trip, celebrating is not something the Kenyans do lightly. 

I will try to give you an idea.  Up to this point, this brother and sister have been living in “less than desirable” conditions. In fact through the eyes of a white, Protestant, male, American, it was unthinkable.  One of our team members noted tonight that our pets have better living conditions.....and she’s right.  But today, we had the opportunity to witness something incredible.  Alfred and Bessie went from their existing living conditions to a 10x20 duplex with a concrete floor, metal roof, and even a lock on the door.

It’s not often (if ever) that you get to witness the exact moment that changes a persons life.  Of course, we have all been present when friends or loved ones have surrendered their life to Christ, but for many that is a gradual change.  This was different.  This event has the potential to be that one solitary moment where Bessie or Alfred can look back and say, “That changed my life.” I don’t say this for self-gratification, I am simply attempting to convey the magnitude of today’s events.  In fact, if anybody deserves praise it is Stanley and Kathie who have been working with the Hospital on this program for 14 years!  Lives changed indeed.  

Many go through life never experience such an event, and yet we have seen it a few times in our short time in this beautiful country.  What would I say to someone not here? 2 things:

Get here and experience it!  Witnessing a life changing event like that will change your life.

And

We do not need near as much as we think we do.

Until tomorrow.........Bwana Asafiwe!