Today and Forever

It's ten o'clock pm on my island. The boys are tucked in bed. Bob is already asleep, tired after a long day at the building site. I'm about ready to hit the hay myself, but feel compelled to type a few lines on my neglected-as-of-late blog! 

I have done lots of crazy, normal things today. Crazy, because a gal from Texas would certainly never expect to do these things. Normal, because I live on an African island. Anyhow, I've scrubbed out the water filter, picked pebbles out of the beans and set them to soak for tomorrow, taken a cold shower, and am ready for much-needed rest.

As a mama, I do a thousand things in a day that will all be undone tomorrow. But what will last that I have done today? What is my eternal work for the day? The time spent  with my children- especially in their spiritual instruction. The time spent with my neighbors- each moment with them is an eternal investment oppotunity. Prayer- I have prayed for many, friends, family, situations today. This is time not wasted, as it makes eternal impact in our world. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that is might not rain, and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. Why did he do that? To glorify God; to make Him known. Our prayers of faith in all situations can and will have the same impact.Time with the Word- always humbling, insightful, rejuvenating, and the Word of the Lord shall last forever.

I've done nothing extrordinary today; nothing extreme or difficult (ok, well, husking those coconuts actually was pretty difficult!). Yet I have an made eternal impact. Each day is an opportunity to influence the here and now- but also eternity.

The Radical Problem

Well, things have calmed down a bit now, at least in our part of the world. Wow, it's been a crazy few weeks, what with embassies being attacked and protests and riots and whatnot. Here on the island there wasn't much trouble- whatever was brewing was pretty well snuffed out before it got started, and there was only some small protests and vandalism during the Islamic uproars. This, however, was on the mainland last Friday:

There was a HUGE demonstration by Muslims, outraged at the slander of Mohammed. They tried to go to the US embassy, but the police and military were were ready at arms, to keep them at a distance. Bob was actually there in the city that day; he said it was crazy, and put the city into confusion for the better part of the day. Their signs say 'Curses on America and Israel'. Wow, let's blame two entire nations for the foolish work of one scum bag Egyptian! Of course, it's not really about the ridiculous film, it's much deeper than that, but that silly clip gives them something tangible to complain about. Speaking with Muslims that day, Bob was frustrated as he tried to talk earnestly with them, encouraging them to look at this reasonably.
The attacks on the embassies are awful and tragic. It is unbelievable how adherents of Islam can even begin to say that theirs is a peaceful religion. Yet they insist it is!
Most Muslims are not what you'd call radical. And yet, most cannot disagree with what the radicals are doing, because this is part of their religion. Islam is spread through fear, intimidation, the sword, and slavery. It has always been so. Apparently they are not aware of the old adage, "He who is convinced against his will is of the same opinion still." Yet, what one thinks is not so important as his works/looks/prayers/etc.
How often I wish I could make my friends here understand that the Lord looks into a man's heart, not at his works!
Jesus came to save. He did it not through conquest, but through laying down His life as a ransom for many. He came to save those fellows in the picture above. Gilbert asked why they were demonstrating, as Bob was telling us about it. I answered, "Because they do not know the love of God. That is why." They do not have His love and forgiveness in them, that is why they are full of rage and violence. It's a terrible state to be in.

"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving diverse lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, HE saved us..."

The radical problem is sin, and we've all got it. But through Jesus, God has made the way for us to be reconciled. How I thank Him for His mercy! We continue to pray, and talk with our neighbors. These events do strain some relationships, but it opens up lots of dialogue too. "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be children of your Father in heaven..." This is way of our Lord. We will follow Him.

Back to School...or not

Yesterday was the first day of school for many of your kids. For us it was the first day of school after a three week Ramadan/Eid vacation. But only my Wilberforce started back to school yesterday.
We could not convince Gilbert that he would enjoy going back to school. He's been complaining about school for a few weeks now. It was getting increasingly difficult to make him go each morning. Over the holiday we tried to figure out what the problem was, and little by little he would talk about it.

He does not like school anymore! Mostly this is just due to his personality. He's a goer and a doer, always wants to be busy and doing new things and interesting projects. If he's not actively engaged in some exciting work, he gets cantankerous and bothersome to everyone! At school he was getting bored with the repetition, which was naturally for him causing behavior problems, which didn't lead to the best relationship with Teacher. He also needs lots of attention- he's very demanding in that way. It was very frustrating to him when he needed help with his school work, but Teacher didn't help him because she was busy with others.

There's also a couple of cultural problems. Gil felt badly when the teacher called them names. The other children are more accustomed to it; it's pretty common for adults to do that to kids. He was also very let down when the teacher would promise to give him a gift when he did a good job on his school work- but then never did. This is a sad, but common practice here. Parents or other adults will attempt to manipulate a child by promising him a reward if he does well, but then not give him anything. Of course, older kids wisen  up to that gimmick pretty fast, and don't believe a word they say. (Way to teach a kid to trust you, right.) But we have never done this to our kids. If we promise our kids something, we make sure we can fulfill our word. So Gilbert was pretty upset by the teacher's deceit.

After praying and discussing, we decided we would not make him go back. There were many good things about school- he got to be with other kids, learn more kiswahili, play and have fun with others in a structured morning. It was good for the time being. But now we are back to homeschooling! It fits his personality better. It's just a lot more work for mama and papa!

Force will continue to go preschool. he loves it. And what kid wouldn't? They sing songs, play games, watch ESL movies...:) His best friends are Ali, Ikram, and Chales. He's learned Swenglish. It's all good! I think it's good for him to get some time that is his own, with out his bossy older brother!
Such decisions about our kids are not easy. We don't want them to give up on something just because it's hard or they're not having fun. We pray for wisdom each day to raise our children with love in the way of the Lord. Different kids have different needs, and we try as best we can to be sensitive to that, and help each of them grow and develop in their weaknesses and strengths. O Lord, for wisdom, and grace to carry it through!

~Rachael

Eid on the island

Sunday was Eid, which celebrates the end of Ramadan. It's definitely the biggest holiday here, somewhat akin to our Christmas. After a month of fasting, it's definitely time to celebrate! Everyone gets new clothes, the kids get new toys, and it's a very jolly time with feasting, family gatherings, making cookies (that's the boys' favorite part of Siku Kuu, I'm pretty sure!) visiting friends, beach outings, and the like. 

At night many people go to town, where little fairs are set up with food, toys to buy, and play places for the kids. People from all over the island turn out by the thousands, dressed in their holiday best (think crowds of glittering peacocks in every color of the rainbow). It is THE thing do to on Siku Kuu. 

 And it is CRAZY!

 We are not into big crowds. But last year we braved Forodhani, going with friends for the evening.

 Craziness, I tell ya. Zogo.

 Met up with some friends (impossible not too- pretty much everyone is there)!

After eating we decided to go to the play place. As we were walking there, the press of people was so great that I lost hold of Force's hand. And he was lost from my sight! We looked for him for over an hour, walking all over the park searching for him. We went to the on-duty police men for help, and they were pretty much like, pole sana, leave your number and we'll give you a call if we see him. 

I knew he would be hard to find, because he's a friendly little guy and would not cry to be with strangers. If it were Gilbert, he would be screaming bloody murder, but not Force!

Finally I found him, sitting on the wayside with a family, eating happily! When he saw me, he said, "Mama, I got gum!!" with a huge smile. Yep, he was not bothered at all that we had the daylights scared out of us while he was missing for so long!

Well, needless to say, we did NOT go to town this year, and I don't think we will until the boys are all much taller!

Siku Kuu was not so jovial this year- it was a very rainy day. And the group against the Union was planning to cause trouble again on that day... people say the rain was His way of frustrating their plans. Perhaps so! :)

Yet another ferry disaster

Two weeks ago, a  ferry travelling from the mainland sank as it was nearing our island. There was very high winds that day, and when a larger ferry passed too closely by the smaller one, it was overturned in the wake.  Around three hundred people were trapped inside, and died. About one hundred and fifty people were saved alive.
Rescue vessels did not arrive at the accident until two hours after it happened, despite it being very near- even within sight- of the harbor. Fishing boats and other small vessels were among the first responders, who were able to rescue many survivors.

It is another disaster, due to carelessness and greed, much like the ferry that sank last year in September. That accident was even worse, with over two thousand people drowning en route to a neighboring island. It was overloaded to the max, and not able to navigate the strong current that day.

This recent accident involved a ferry which was very old- it had been retired as unseaworthy from Washington state, sold, transported to Tanzania, modified with another deck so as to carry more people/cargo, and used for several years to ferry people from the mainland to the island.

And there is no compensation to the survivors or relatives of the victims from the owners of the ferries. There is no consequences to the port authorities, or the captains, or the ferry owners. Other than a few officials stepped down from their posts. ouch, right? It is sickening, literally.

 Bob went with a good friend of his to the place where the corpses were brought, to try find two of his relatives. They were never found. After a few days, they had a funeral for them.
The bodies of many little children were there. No one could even identify many of them. But this I know, that Jesus knows them perfectly, and He welcomed them into His arms that day.

This is another reminder to us of the urgency of our message. No one knows which day will be his last, for we all must go the way of all the earth. But that each man would go in peace, and in assurance, of his final destination!- and not live in fear, and uncertainty, as do so many of our neighbors. Lord, may the Good News go forth, throughout this island, and be received by many accepting hearts!

The bride, all dressed in green.

I went to a wedding a couple weeks ago, for which I was asked to be the videographer...but of course, i had to take some pictures too! Weddings here are quite different from the ones we're used to...but they are the same in some ways, too. Weddings vary quite a bit according to the family's heritage, traditions, and wealth (or lack thereof). This wedding was pretty typical, though. The men and women do not go together- the men go with the groom to the mosque for the ceremony there, and the women stay at home with the bride, or go to a hall to await the newlyweds' arrival.

Waiting for the bride at her family's home. She is out getting  getting decorated, as they say!

This is the bride's little sister. She is having some trouble with the petticoats!

Guests begin to arrive, and wait on mats in the yard.

The bibi Harusi (bride) arrives! She a is a young woman of 19 years,  and happy to marry  be married to the groom, as they are in love. This is not always the case, as many marriages are arranged.  

She goes into the bedroom to wait for the groom. 

While waiting, lots of pictures are taken!

Beautiful henna is painted all over her hand, feet, arms and legs.  This is considered a must for bibi Harusi!

Even the bottom of the feet!

The bride with her bibis (grandmothers.)

The taarab band arrived a little while before the groom came.

The band played traditional taraab wedding music, while everyone danced with joy!

Two large buses arrived bearing the groom and his
company. I didn't think they would
 manage to squeeze in
through the narrow alleys, but they did it!

Dancing!

Once the groom arrived, everything went very fast. He went to the bedroom,  where  a short blessing was chanted, a few more pics taken, and then they went out to the stage.

The stage is just a place where the couple sits and more pictures are taken. 

Everyone stared at the newlyweds on the beautifully decorated stage.

They didn't hand around at the stage too long. The groom brought along a cameraman who had one of those obnoxious bright lights to make the video actually seeable. Unfortunately, it is very annoying to have it shining right in your face! After this they went right out to the car, and were outta there! Back the groom's place. 

After they left, the obligatory pilau was distributed.

The aunties are too tired from all the wedding prep to dance!

But there was more dancing after the bride and groom left, and halwa (a sweet treat)  was passed around. That wrapped it up!  I pray this couple will be blessed, and live and learn together for years to come.  May they discover the True Fount of every blessing in the journey.

What we eat...

Here are a few random food pics. In case you are wondering what we eat around here.

This is a real island spread. Coconut bananas with tripe, pilau, cutlasi, tropical fruit, passion fruit juice, tamarind juice, and there was also rice with spicy, saucy beef which is a favorite dish of my husband! Unfortunately we don't eat this way every day, but only on special days or holidays, with friends!

The boys are enjoying Froot Loops which were generously bequeathed  to us by a friend who  left the island... and they are lovin' em, since we normally never eat cold cereal here! ( Cereal is hard to come by- unless you're into corn flakes and rice crispies. And a box of those cost more three dozen eggs. Yep, we go with the eggs.)

It's what's for dinner! They are called samaki nyoka- snake fish- around here; I  don't know what their proper name is. They taste good, but have so many small bones that it is very time consuming to prepare them for the kids. 

Whoa! here's the clean up crew!

Huge lemons from the shamba! I think some lemonade is in order!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Independence Day, America! We will always celebrate this day wherever we are in the world, because our third son was born on the 4th of July, two years ago! If we are ever in the USA on July 4th, it will be great fun to have fireworks on his birthday! No fireworks around here...but we had a little celebration at home, with cake and goodies, balloons, games, and funny hats! Bob made sausages in the evening, I told the kids a brief story of Independence Day, and we sang a couple of patriotic songs. It surprises me sometimes how American my kids are, and yet how not African they are! So weird. 

He just wants a lick at the frosting of those cupcakes!

He's two!

He blew out the candles all by himself, although Gilbert
so generously offered to help!

He's getting tired of pictures!

These crazy headpieces from a local supermarket were were definitely worth the 600 shillings of entertainment!  

Our party food included cupcakes, mashokishoki (rambutan), popcorn,  and fresh lemonade!

making Maandazi

 One Sunday afternoon, the electricity was cut off, as it often is at some time during the weekend. The trouble was that I had mixed up a batch of french bread dough, and now had no way to bake it. We have a solar oven, but it was cloudy that day. So...I rolled the dough out and cut it into circles. It was just I and Gil that afternoon; Bob was gone, and the two little guys were taking a nap.

This is how Force spent the afternoon! Apparently the wash
machine hadn't finished washing the sheets before the elec-
tricity was cut off! oops!

We made the dough into maandazi- a yummy local treat, which is basically balls of fried white dough! I had never attempted to make them before this. (Our neighbors usually keep us well supplied; should the boys get a hankering for maandazi, they go visiting at tea time! haha! ) They turned out ok- not as soft as they should have been, but they weren't bad;the boys ate 'em up, and the dough didn't go to waste!

yep, they are good enough to eat!

hey mister, are you snitching another??

please mama, may I have another?

oh, ok, I guess you can have one more...