women's conference in malawi

It was a joy to return again to Malawi to attend their women's conference. This time I was accompanied by my fellow co-worker for Christ, Sarah Kanoy. The one thing that you can be certain of when you visit Malawi are the warm smiles. It is customary that when a visitor comes that they are welcomed with singing and hugs. Upon our arrival to the venue for the conference we had to wait for a short while, and then there it was, the most amazing singing as the ladies came to greet us and envelope us in a sea of hugs and handshakes. I shared about the role of women in the church and during the discussion afterwards, there was much that I learned about the role of a Malawian woman in the home, the expectations from her in-laws and how she serves in the church. These women are nothing short of amazing. When we gathered together in the evening for the choir festival and gift exchange the outpouring of love was incredible to see. I remember the smile on my face when I saw Carolyn, Lucy, Esnart and Gogo Maganga dancing. They let down their hair and came alive. The more I get to know these women, the more love I have for them. Our common ground is that we are sisters in Christ and along with dancing, singing, laughing, binds us together.

the samburu

God’s people, the Samburu live in Northern Kenya. They are closely related to the Maasai tribe and speak a similar language, derived from Maa. The Samburu are a semi-nomadic people who are highly dependent on cattle, goats, sheep and camels for survival. They live in a dry and barren land in huts made from sticks and a mud-dung mixture. The Samburu are still very traditional and the ladies are adorned with beautiful beaded necklaces and the Moran (warriors) wear a most distinct headdress. A few weeks ago our field office hosted a Mercy Medical Team in the remote village of Nchok, bringing the Gospel and medical treatment to the Samburu people. I was so happy to see that when the culture of the Americans and Samburu came together that there was great respect and by the end of the week, love for each other. Team members took the time to share about themselves and asked questions about the Samburu way of life. On market day we walked around to get a glimpse of how they procure the things that they need for daily life. We visited a manyatta, the traditional compound of homes to see up close how the Samburu live. In every area of the medical clinic, team members took great care in taking vital signs, taking patient histories and giving treatment. It was a beautiful picture of the family of Christ and how we are to love one another.

After nine years on the field, I am still learning. After accidentally asking four Moran to come back the next day. I learned that they are very private and don’t like to come for medical treatment when many people are around. I chased after them so they could be treated. I felt bad, but they were kind and said thank you after my blunder. Now I can laugh at myself. The Samburu are an incredible people with a very diverse and rich culture, one that I desire strongly to know more about. Christ calls us to share His Gospel with everyone and He asks us to love everyone as He loves us.