It is 8:15 a.m. on a Friday morning. The staff of IJM Kenya (investigators, attorneys, social workers, and administrators) are gathered for our daily devotion time. This week, the topic is worship, and one of my co-workers, a social worker, has us spend some time reflecting on the ways God, his Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit love us daily. In my time of meditation on this, I think about a study I had led the night before with some people from our church on how we can worship God by simply trusting Him with the circumstances of our lives. It’s something Paul talked about in Romans 12:1: living our lives in such a way that it amounts to worship of God. As I continued to reflect on this, I was struck by how something that sounds so simple (trusting God with our circumstances) can be so hard to live out. In this work, every day we hear stories of incredible abuse (and I mean “incredible” in the way it was originally intended: to mean “unbelievable”): children preyed upon by those who should be protecting them, and innocent people held in prison for months or even years for something they did not do. In hearing these stories, I find it hard to believe someone in these situations can trust God with their circumstances. More close to home, Anna and I are wrestling with what the next step is for us come August, when we leave Kenya. Although our decision pales in comparison to the problems being faced by our clients at IJM, even in this I find it difficult at times to trust God with my circumstances. But, as a good friend wisely said to me long ago (thank you, Mr. Nelson), “It all comes down to what you believe about God’s character. Do you believe He is good and has your best interest in mind? Or, do you not?” I believe God is good, and that He loves me, and Anna, and you, and each one of our IJM clients. Based on this belief, I have to believe that I can trust Him with my circumstances, even when I wish they were different. And, even while we at IJM Kenya wrestle with the justice system here in getting justice for our clients, I must trust Him with the circumstances of our clients’ lives; I must trust that He is with them in their suffering and that even when we are not victorious, He can bring victories in ways we do not expect or understand. I have to believe this. If not, what is the purpose of saying I believe in God?
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On February 5, 2010, we officially crossed the mid-point of our time in Kenya with IJM. Time is flying by. It is the middle of summer here now, and while Kenyans complain about how hot things are, generally the highs are in the low-80s and the lows around 60. Pole sana (“I’m sorry”) for those of our friends in the States getting buried with cold and snow. We have an extra bedroom if you want to escape!
Since I last wrote you about Daisy, we have had some not-so-good events in the case. If you’ll recall, in our last update I mentioned that Daisy’s clothing had molded, making it impossible to extract enough evidence to tie it to the police officer who abused her. After weeks of praying, brainstorming, and strategizing on what to do now, we have settled on a strategy that could get the officer or officers responsible to be administratively punished within the police force, but very likely will not lead to any officer serving time for abusing Daisy. While this is a disappointment, the silver lining is that over the last several months of our office’s contact with Daisy, she has experienced tangible emotional healing, and appears to be a joyful, innocent girl of 9 years. And, after months of Daisy wanting it to happen, she was finally free to head back to her home village and be reunited with her family. Some of our staff went to deliver Daisy to her family, and she was radiant with happiness to be home and out of a rescue center. Thank you all for your prayers for Daisy. While what I was hoping for (a conviction for her abuser) did not come to pass, God used IJM to help bring healing to Daisy and to reunite her with her family. He is trustworthy with the circumstances of our lives.
Beyond this, it’s been an eventful month, especially for Anna. I will turn over the reins of this update to her, and then we’ll close with more answers to the questions many of you have posed about our life here.
Anna’s corner
One of the things that I (Anna) have really enjoyed while living here in Kenya has been the women’s Bible study I attend each week. There are about 500 Kenyan women in this particular Bible study (called “Bible Study Fellowship”). Yes, wow, that is a lot! I walk in this room full of Kenyan women, and let’s just say, it is easy to find me in the crowd. I am different, I am one of the few non-Kenyans in the crowd, but that is what I love about it. It is great to have close ex-pat friends, but this has been my connection into the lives of Kenyan women. We have a time of worship when the gathering starts each week. We sing some hymns I recognize from back in the States and some I don’t. And often there is a song or two in Kiswahili, the national language of the Kenyan people. (The official language is English.)
Once a month we gather in someone’s home for a small meal and then a time of sharing. What a highlight for me! I get to be in a different Kenyan home each month. I enjoy trying the new food (yum!), hearing stories about their culture, and “taking tea” with women all while in a Kenyan home. In just a few weeks, on March 10th, it will be my turn to have the 15 women from my small group in my house. How exciting! I am already thinking about whether to cook Kenyan or American food. The pressure is on! As for our group, each woman has a story. Many of the women come from different tribes, or “cultures” as they say here. They are all bilingual, speaking English and Kiswahili. We greet each other with kisses on the cheeks and the women speak softly during our small group discussions so I often have to lean in to hear. Sometimes I don’t get the cultural jokes. But, that is ok. I am learning and feeling more a part of the group each week. I look forward to going. And when I walk in now, it feels comfortable and familiar.
I realized in the beginning that not everyone in the group was a Christian. Our group is a mix of people in many different places on their journey with God. One woman in particular has been a joy to watch as she asks questions each week about the Christian faith. Each time it opens the door for more questions and conversation in our group. For a few weeks she even asked for prayer about her decision whether to become a Christian or not. Something was clearly happening in her life. Then one day before coming to Bible study she woke up crying and went into her mom’s room (she is a single mom and lives with her mom, which is common here). Her mom asked “What is wrong? Are you ok? Is the baby ok? Do you need money?” She replied no and said that something else felt heavy to her but didn’t know what was wrong. I was amazed at what her mom said next. “God wants your heart. Get dressed, go to Bible study, and you will find Him there.” That day in Bible study she told the group that she had thought about it long enough and now, finally, her questions had been answered and nothing was holding her back. She wanted to become a Christian. Right there in our time together that morning she prayed to God and became a Christian! I was ecstatic. It was such a thrill to see this happening in front me. God is moving in people’s hearts all around the world!
In January, I had the joy of having my two sisters, Clara and Kelley, visit from the States. All three sisters were together for 10 days (still working on getting my brother to come for a visit!). They were our first visitors and it was so nice to show them the daily things about our life here. We took them to Caleb’s school, they walked to work with Lane one day, went to the grocery store with me, met our friends here, and much more. Of course, we had to show them some of the fun touristy things to do in the city of Nairobi and out in the country at the Maasai Mara for a safari to see the animals. I stayed up late talking with my sisters many nights and the kids especially enjoyed the gifts Clara and Kelley brought from the grandparents. It was a great to have them here!
I have also added a few entries to our blog lately. Specifically, I shared about my first experience going to a children’s orphanage in one of the slums of the city. It was really impacting to see over 200 kids in such a small place. The little ones Luke’s age didn’t have pants or diapers on. One of the rooms was packed with bunk beds inches from each other where about 60 kids slept, often 2-4 per bed depending on the age of the kid. Mama Mercy is the woman who has run the home for over 15 years and is such an inspiration. I am praying about how to get involved with the home and I am hoping to go back soon. For more about this and other daily happenings, head on over to our blog at
http://mearsfamilylife.blogspot.com/
First off, let me say that we have not been the victim of any kind of violence or theft in our six months here. Our house is secure, we drive only during the day, and we are alert when out walking, etc. Having said all that, we do hear reports of car-jackings and petty theft around town. No place is completely safe and Nairobi is no different. But, we remain vigilant and trust God in all of our circumstances.
• What is your favorite Kenyan food?
So far, our favorite Kenyan foods have been chapatti (“cha-POT-tee”) (a flat bread that is similar to a tortilla)—Abigail’s favorite; samosas (“sah-MO-sahs”) (a triangular breaded food that contains beef or vegetables with great spices, somewhat like Spanish tapas)—Caleb’s favorite; mukimo (“moo-KEE-mo”) (very much like mashed potatoes, but green and containing peas)—Lane’s favorite; chicken choma (“CHO-ma”) (chicken grilled with excellent seasoning and sometimes served with soup); Anna’s favorite is a Kenyan beef and vegetable stew, served with rice and chapatti (served in Kenyan friends’ homes a couple times).
• Is it a challenge to find “normal” food?
By normal, I think this person meant U.S. food. There are places where we can get decent pizza and salads, although I still haven’t found a good burger in Kenya. And there ain’t no real Tex-Mex, as you can imagine (O, for some Chuy’s or Trudy’s!). Overall, though, there is excellent Indian food (numerous places), as well as Italian and Chinese. As for the “abnormal” food, the best-looking thing I’ve seen is grilled intestines (I’m pretty sure I want to keep all intestines on the other end of my body than my mouth).
• Is there a grocery store like they have here or is it more of an outdoor/street market?
There are both, although we shop a lot more at the grocery store. The one we use most is called “Uchumi” (“oo-CHOO-mee”), followed by Nakumatt (“NAH-koo-maht”) (more expensive but larger selection of Western goods). We do buy eggs and other items at a nearby kiosk run by a guy named Dickson. They don’t put preservatives in the food here like they do at home, so we can only buy milk that expires about two days after we buy it. And nobody refrigerates eggs here.
• What food do you miss the most?
I (Lane) miss most Tex-Mex, a good burger, and Texadelphia. I also miss not being able to drink the tap water — it’s a bit of a pain to keep having to buy the water we drink. And, with baseball season rapidly approaching, I will desperately miss watching the Texas Rangers.
• How much does gas cost over there?
86 Kenyan shillings per liter. To translate, there are 3.785 liters in a gallon. So, it is roughly 325 shillings per gallon. 75 shillings makes one dollar. So, the math works out to be $4.34 USD/gallon. Be thankful for what you are paying for gas there.
Thanks for reading our update! We are so thankful for your friendship and prayers. Please keep those prayers coming! Specifically, please pray for the Lord's guidance in our decision about the future after this year is over, safety and health for each of us, Lane's mom, sister, and boyfriend as they travel back home from Kenya to the states in a few days, Lane and the others at the IJM office as they deal with so many horrible cases each day, and finally, freedom and victory for those each person IJM is fighting for.
We'd love to hear from you! Send us updates on your life and how we can be praying for you as well.
Blessings,
Lane, Anna, Caleb, Abigail, and Luke
On February 5, 2010, we officially crossed the mid-point of our time in Kenya with IJM. Time is flying by. It is the middle of summer here now, and while Kenyans complain about how hot things are, generally the highs are in the low-80s and the lows around 60. Pole sana (“I’m sorry”) for those of our friends in the States getting buried with cold and snow. We have an extra bedroom if you want to escape!
Well, I did today what I had only heard stories of other ex-pat women doing! For those that are new to the term "ex-pat", that isn't a reference to a SNL skit, but rather short for ex-patriate. A label for those living not in their home or native country. So, here in Kenya, all Americans or westerners are call themselves ex-pats. When at the grocery store, it is natural to look for the labels and items you used to buy going to the store in your home country. For example, you love Cheerios, so you just instinctively look for Cheerios. Even if they never have it, you still keep looking in the hopes that one day it may appear. Well, I am noticing around here that a shipment may come in from the states of American food items and they hit the shelves in several stores on the same week. One item in particular that is not found in Kenyan grocery stores are muffin, cookie, and cake mixes. I never realized how much I depended on these mixes. Someone would say "Did you make those muffins?" And the answer would be "Why, yes!" But, really that means that I opened the box and baked them in my own oven and not bought ready-made from the bakery section, that is it the new modern definition of baking. True baking muffins from scratch is nearly unheard of among my friends back in Austin (Am I right girls?).
I forgot to mention this, but I went with a group of students from a local private high school. We met at the school and piled into a mini-bus and made the 20 minute drive into the Mathere slum area in Nairobi. Working at the home was part of their "community service" hours needed for a school requirement. But, it has obviously made a deeper impact on the students because they are getting others involved as well. For example, one of the student's father is a doctor at Nairobi Hospital and he brought a team to the home to conduct a medical clinic. Praise God!
We have recently begun attending a church here called Karen Vineyard Church and have loved getting to know people through a home group that meets each week and a men’s group that meets once a month. The congregation is a mix of Kenyans, Kenyan Cowboys (Brits who have lived here for decades), and Westerners from all over. As part of the advent season preparing for the birth of Christ, the church held an evening of outdoor Christmas caroling. Upon arriving at the caroling event, we saw a sprawling green field right next to the Karen Blixen Museum and house in which parts of the movie “Out of Africa” were filmed. As we walked up to the festivities, I (Lane) glanced at the front porch of the house and recalled the scene in which Robert Redford (playing Denys Finch Hatton) is asleep on the same front porch as Meryl Streep (playing Karen Blixen) arrives home. We found a spot on the grass and enjoyed our picnic dinner. As the sun set, the candles that were dispersed to the crowd were lit. For the next hour, a group of two hundred or so sang Christmas carols in English and Kiswahili while holding the small, lit candles. Pretty stinkin’ cool. 
In other news, we have our first visitors coming in less than a week, as Anna’s two sisters will spend 10 days with us. Anna, the kids, and I are all very excited as my sisters-in-law are awesome and it will give us a chance to show to people dear to us the life we are living. I feel that this visit will help pull us out of some of the culture shock doldrums as we will get to experience anew life here as seen through the eyes of those who have not yet experienced it. Please pray for safe travel for Anna’s sisters. (Picture: Our three kids Abigail, Caleb and Luke in the middle with friends David at the top and Ethan at the bottom of the slide)
Dear Family & Friends, 
On Thursday, Lane headed with everyone from the office to all-staff overnight retreat and will be back on Friday for dinner. Kenyans don't have Thanksgiving, ha! (Oh, yeah right, it is just an American holiday!)
Well, we’ve reached the 3-month point of our time in Nairobi. They say that people tend to experience culture shock anywhere from 3 to 6 months into moving overseas. Both Anna and I have had our days of starting to feel it. I felt it acutely one day two weeks ago. On that particular day, I got in a wreck . . . with a parked car . . . in my own apartment complex parking lot. Lovely. I think I was already feeling a bit overwhelmed with things that morning, and the frustration of hitting a neighbor’s parked car had me in the dumps. Two hours later, a policeman flagged me down for going the wrong way on a street. The only problem was, the street I was on was a 2-way street for the 2 miles I was on it up to that point, there was no clear marking that anything had changed, and there were still two clearly marked lanes separated by a bright yellow line. Nevertheless, I had apparently broken the law. Mercifully, the officer gave me a warning (I think I must have looked pitiful at this point) and he sent me on my way. While these are only two incidents in one day, the cumulative effect was devastating and I went into a tailspin for the rest of the day. It was an awful, awful day. 
We celebrated Anna’s birthday since our last update. We loaded up the car and went out to the Elephant Orphanage, which is a “shelter” in the Nairobi National Park where baby elephants are brought from all over Kenya that have been orphaned due to the drought or other reasons. The kids had a ball seeing elephants as young as 6 weeks old (which were the height of Caleb & Abigail), and one even head-butted Caleb when he wasn’t looking (he wasn’t hurt – in fact, he said later it was his favorite part of the day!). As an added bonus, a baby rhino wandered through the area while we were gawking at the baby elephants. You can see a video of the Elephant Orphanage at http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2009/11/15/mckenzie.elephant.orphanage.cnn. After this, we went to the Nairobi National Park Animal Orphanage, where we saw cheetahs, lions, baboons, monkeys, African buffalo, and many other local animals. Very cool! The next night, we continued the celebration of Anna with an Italian dinner from a local restaurant, chocolate cake, presents, and birthday words from home for Anna. 
Two Cultures Clash
