Michael and I left from the Mennonite Guesthouse for the 4 hour car ride to Tenwek Hospital. Kenya is a very beautiful country with maize, cacti, palm trees, and terraced green hills. We drove through the Rift Valley, which stretches all the way across eastern Africa and has both active and dormant volcanoes. Our driver stopped at a lookout and pointed out clusters of villages belonging to the Maasai, a semi-nomadic people group. However, the beautiful scenery was contrasted by the immense poverty of the people living there. We drove village after village that was built upon nothing more than scrap wood and tin roofs with dirt floors. I was fascinated by the variety of shacks along the way labeled "hotel." I was struck by a sign over one "hotel" in particular that read "All are welcome." I wondered what it would have been like, and how people would have reacted, if I had walked in. Would they look at me strangely like I didn't belong? From what I have learned about the Kenyan people in such as short time, probably not. While I most likely would draw some attention, I would have been greeted with a handshake from every person in eye-shot and some hot tea with milk and sugar for "tea time," a regular custom among the Kenyan people.
Coming from such different world views, I can't imagine an American being proud to invite someone to share such a meager, humble abode. We are too prideful and individualistic to live in community like the Kenyan people. We live in a society where we are constantly comparing ourselves to others; who has the newest and best material possessions. It is in this perpetual comparison to others that eventually takes the "we" out of our community. In my American way of thinking, I could not help but compare myself to those walking along the uneven roads herding their goats or donkeys. I have a lot that they do not have. But what do they have that I lack?
Coming from such different world views, I can't imagine an American being proud to invite someone to share such a meager, humble abode. We are too prideful and individualistic to live in community like the Kenyan people. We live in a society where we are constantly comparing ourselves to others; who has the newest and best material possessions. It is in this perpetual comparison to others that eventually takes the "we" out of our community. In my American way of thinking, I could not help but compare myself to those walking along the uneven roads herding their goats or donkeys. I have a lot that they do not have. But what do they have that I lack?
It reminded me of the rich man who approached Jesus and asked "I've kept all of your commandments. What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus replied, "There is one thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." The man went away sad because he was very wealthy.
How much harder is it for Americans to inherit the kingdom of God? Are we so attached to our stuff or our outward appearances, that we miss the point? Maybe the Kenyans know more about the Kingdom of God than we do! Jesus looks at a shack with the words "All Are Welcome" and, rather than turn the other way indignantly, would be one with the poor and proclaim "the Kingdom of God is at hand!"
How much harder is it for Americans to inherit the kingdom of God? Are we so attached to our stuff or our outward appearances, that we miss the point? Maybe the Kenyans know more about the Kingdom of God than we do! Jesus looks at a shack with the words "All Are Welcome" and, rather than turn the other way indignantly, would be one with the poor and proclaim "the Kingdom of God is at hand!"