This is the Masai church that we visited. Church here is very different than in America. After over two hours in church, with different aged choirs singing and dancing, and after about 10 different people getting up to speak, we left to go to the homes and visit the families of some of the sponsored children. I was exhausted and ready to go. That's when I learned that the church service was just starting! It's an all day affair. People walk for miles and miles to come from all over the area. Nobody came in cars but us.
Since all the many choirs of the church shared their music with the group, the group was asked to get up and share a song with them. I don't think anyone was expecting that! It was hard to get out two verses of "Amazing Grace." Here, music is a way of communication. It's social and educational. It's valued as a gift you can give. You should hear the beautiful harmonies. I'll try to find a way to post a recording.
This is my roommate Ken. He is looking down at his sponsored child. Though he has three boys of his own, his family supports several children around the world through Compassion.
This is typical of what Compassion calls a "home visit." Donors will travel across the world to meet the families of the children they support. This family visited their boy who lives in a tiny mud homestead called a manyatta with his grandmother. Because she is a widow, she has no social status and little value in their society. As a small example, the orphan boys were introduced to us first, because they are of higher social "value" than the grandmother.
Compassion's children are the poorest of the poor of the world. They are often orphans, like this boy. They are often the lowest in their social structure. I didn't realize this before this trip... the fact that someone cares enough support them financially helps them survive through the basic needs of shelter, food, and water - but it also gives them something else... the feeling of value. They are transformed from being neglected, isolated, and discarded to a person that is worth investing in. It's a concept that I take for granted.
2 comments:
Reminds me of your great-great-great grandfather Josiah Pinson who was a circuit rider preacher in the late 1800s in Texas. Your great grandfather had many stories about him. Keep taking beautiful photos.
That last comment was actually from Dad. How wonderful to see these photos and to be able to get your take on things. That is a long church service! But probably more fun than our Episcopal one. (Not meaning it is not very spirit filled as well)The people don't have to speed home in their cars to do email, play games, go to the movies,shop at the mall, play golf, or what have you. I guess that would give one a different perspective on things.
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