Today began like any other day in the life of our unwavering-joy-filled friends of Maua, Kenya. After an early breakfast, we join them for morning Chapel Services at the Maua Methodist Hospital. It was basic and beautifully in-extravagant! Words of welcome, we (as the visiting volunteer team) introduced ourselves, Responsive Reading of a Psalm, singing a hymn together...unaccompanied, short devotional/message, Offertory, Lord’s Prayer, and Blessing/Sending Forth.
I’ve always thought there is something pure about a community of faith coming to God in such a way, unblemished with the fancy embellishments that we get so distracted with. Don’t misunderstand me....I love both Traditional & Contemporary worship including (almost) any and all instruments and “bells and whistles.” But to come in such a way, free of all of that, in a small way can take away the facade that often times we try to hide behind.
Today, was most definitely an eventful day. After chapel, we were given a tour of the Maua Methodist Hospital and a brief history. It was as if we were teleported to the 1920’s. The building itself was somewhat primitive (as they all are) to our American standards, but not in a negative way at all. Much of the equipment, while it’s adequate and sufficient would be rapidly discarded in many US hospitals, but yet, amazing things are happening. The people of Maua are receiving medical attention that was all but non-existent not too many years ago. Stanley, Kathie, and the rest of the Saints at Maua Methodist Hospital are most assuredly to be applauded. If you are ever wondering what to do with some extra cash laying around, consider the Maua Methodist Hospital....it’s how they survive!
After the tour, we had tea at Kathie’s house with several of the department heads of the hospital. Then....off to work! 5 of us headed to the work site for the AIDS Orphanage house we are building and the rest stayed behind at the Hospital for whatever they needed. Turned out we had the better end of the deal at the house. They spent the day transporting a pile of massive stones...by hand.
At the work site, we met Charles (Bossman), Elizabeth (Queen...and a young mother of a 10 yr old daughter), a few other workers, and Alfred. Alfred and his sister are the recipients of the house we are building and are required a designated amount of “sweat equity” in their new home. As you can see from the photos, we use the term “house” loosely. It is a 10x20 building that is divided into 2 rooms with a concrete slab floor and roof. Again....not much to America standards, but to them it is everything.
As we worked, all the work was done with hand tools. Yes....it sounds exhausting. Here’s where we differ. Everything about American culture is about streamlining and simplifying. We want everything done quicker and more efficiently...who wouldn’t? Turns out....Kenyans. Without even a second thought, Charles and the other workers go to work cutting boards with hand saws, and trimming excess boards with a machete. We were told that at the Hospital, a group of ladies were trimming grass by hand with machetes. Perhaps, yet again, we could learn from our Chapel services this morning and the work ethic of the work teams of the afternoon.
There was one other moment in worship. After the collection bags were passed there was a brief lull of silence. Then, without warning a single voice from the congregation gently sang out a soft melody. Almost as if on cue, the multitude joined in a “Call & Response” fashion, just as gentle and just as soft in 4 part harmony. It was stunning. This was so different from the deafening enthusiasm we experienced the day before. This was....transcendent. I have no clue what they were singing, nor did Kathie who is fluent in Swahili, but I was in awe. I couldn’t move.... I couldn’t even reach for my phone to record it. I was afraid of somehow disturbing this holy moment. Wesley talked about our Sacraments being a “means of grace,” meaning it was through the sacraments of Communion and Baptism that we experience God’s grace. Or in other words, in those moments the veil between us and the Divine is slightly thinner. To be clear, I have the utmost respect for John Wesley, his theology and teachings....but for me, this moment was a means of grace.
I know today’s post was a bit long, thanks for bearing with me. I will close by saying this.....God is without a doubt at work in reconciling and transforming ways in Kenya, Africa! Bwana Asafiwe
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