I embarked on this trip expecting spiritual growth and
change and I hoped for a greater cultural understanding. I anticipated
astonishment and awe. But my imagination simply would not have been able to
conceive the extent and magnitude of my enlightenment. I’ve quickly learned
that no amount of research or mental preparation could have adequately readied
my heart for Kisumu, Kenya. In 15 short days, I’ve gotten more than I ever
bargained for and I’d like to share a fragment of what I’ve learned. 

From Kisumu, I’ve learned what the face of poverty looks
like. It looks like dusty roads that are riddled with pot-holes and livestock,
mud huts, tin roofs, and monthly wages that are less than cost of the last meal
I ate at my favorite restaurant at home. But thankfully, I’ve seen that despite
the scars on its face, poverty can usually be seen wearing a genuine smile.
I’ve also seen the heart of poverty and it is bigger and more beautiful than
you could ever imagine. The heart of poverty is true, generous, driven,
selfless, persistent, and faithful to God. I still have a great deal to learn
from the unwavering faith of our family here at Deliverance Church.

From my team, I’ve learned what it looks like to really know
Scripture. What it looks like to live it and talk about it in a fully
accessible and free way. What it sounds like to hear God’s word thrown into
everyday conversation in a way that’s not forced or pretentious. I’ve learned
to thank God for the things that haven’t happened to me. I’ve learned that
people are infinitely complex and their stories are so intricate and winding
and beautiful and messy that labels, definitions, categories are never ever
enough. I’ve discovered the health and freedom that results from living in
community with seven girls who love Jesus and live for Him.

From being sick, I’ve learned that God heals. On Friday, I
went to a health clinic where they discovered that I had mild cases of malaria
and typhoid. I learned it costs so little to treat the diseases that cause so
many preventable deaths. My total bill at the clinic was a little less than $20
for consultation fee, two lab tests, and two drugs. Yet thousands of
sub-Saharan children die from an illness I was recovered from within days.

From the secondary school students, I’ve gained a greater
appreciation for my free education and my freedom in general. I’ve learned that
I can see God in each and every single one of their beautiful faces and His
Glory resounds in their powerful, stunning voices.  I’ve gained a great deal of hope for the
future of Kenya because I see a lot of progressive spirits among the youth, who
are shying away from the conservative traditions that have held people (and
especially women) back in the past. I was able to read a collection of short
stories from African authors that is required reading in most secondary schools
and it was refreshing to see that many stories satirized or rebuked oppressive
conventions, such as the stigma that is placed on divorce even in cases of
domestic violence. After giving the message at the Sunday service at girl’s
boarding school, a student asked me if I wear trousers. I confessed that yes,
in the United States, I wear trousers rather than skirts nearly all the time.
She told me that in many rural places in Kenya people believe that a Saved
woman isn’t Saved if she wears trousers. She said that she hopes that people
will know she is Saved based on what is in her heart rather than what she
wears. I thought that was so profound. I’m learning from the children and from
many other sources to take the politics out of Christianity and make it about
pure, simple, strong love.

From Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz, I’m learning that God is so much bigger than
anything I’ll ever be able to define. He’s greater than any amount of math or
science or logic that can be used either to prove or disprove His existence.
Similar to the inexplicability of love, God moves within us in a way that can’t
and, for me now, doesn’t need to be explained. I tried for a very long time to
find concrete answers and shove them at people. I’m not saying there is no
rationality behind my faith, I’m just saying that trying to fit God’s love and
Jesus’ sacrifice into a formula cheapens everything it means to the world. I’m
learning it’s okay to say that I know Jesus is the Son of God and that He loves
each of us with the kind of love that just blows my mind but I can’t explain
EXACTLY why I believe that. And that’s just fine.

Of course, the last 15 days haven’t been a fairy tale. There
will always be struggles and I’m working on learning from them too. I’m almost
at the half way point of this adventure. I can’t wait to see what God still has
for me to learn. I only know that it will be something that I never could have
dreamt up myself, because He is awesome like that. 

I love and miss everyone very dearly. I don’t mean to
trivialize this by putting it at the end, but I’m also learning the value of
family and how much each person in my life means to me. I know, confidently,
that you’re proud of me and support me and having that knowledge means the
world.

Lynsey