October Newsletter-Update from Gatundu, Kenya - Sarah L.

October Newsletter
Habari!
Since my last newsletter was so late, I decided to send a short one for October. Things are going very well in Gatundu at Icaciri Secondary. I am fully immersed in maize and beans, Kikuyu language lunch conversations and handball (not to be confused with the handball of America). I will officially begin teaching English on Monday. The Form 4 (senior) students have begun their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams which has been a stressful time for everyone involved. The exams last until mid-November and are taken everyday, all day long. The exams are escorted by police to the school every day and each student takes the same exam. The KCSE determines if the student will go to college, which college, and even which major they qualify for. While C+ is a passing grade, I have heard that the University of Nairobi only accepts students who receive a B+ or above! No wonder the students are nervous.
This month, we were asked to reflect upon what "missionary" means in our context. The first thing that came to mind was "discount." Of course this is not the most important meaning of the word, but it has allowed me to talk my way out of being charged "non-resident" (or white) rates. Non-resident rates are sometimes 4x as expensive as resident or citizen rates and they are usually paid in U.S. dollars. I have not yet received my official resident card and therefore cannot prove that I live here. Sometimes by explaining that I am a "volunteer" or "missionary" I have been able to pay less. =)
But in all seriousness, "missionary" does not have the same connotations here as it does back home. Before I came, I found myself saying, "I'm going to be a missionary, but it's not what you think." I did not want people to think that I was going to Kenya to convert people or to make them think the way I do. I was coming to learn. For some reason, I felt as though I had to explain exactly what "missionary" meant to me and the Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM) program.
Although most people in Gatundu do not know I'm a missionary, they know I've come to serve and be involved in their community. Many even know me as "Wanjiru" and not as Sarah. They know I am volunteering my time to be with them. They know that I really care about them and what goes on in our tiny village. I think that is what is important.
I don't need to call myself a "missionary" to be one.
If anything, I am humbled by the conviction of my students in regards to their faith. They pray openly, lead devotions in front of the 400+ student body and they even asked me on the first day if I was "saved." It is important to them. Faith is not only personal, but it affects the entire community here. They yearn for others to know and share in their passion for Christ. I have alot to learn from them.
I think that God is calling me to be a witness. Not a witness to the people of Gatundu, but a witness of the people of Gatundu. The community here truly love and serve God in everything that they do. What an amazing thing to witness.

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Now, as promised, I would like to expand your Kiswahili vocabulary. This month, the topic is Everyday Conversation. I've realized that people are impressed even if I add Kiswahili words into my English. People here mix languages all of the time, so I'm taking advantage of it!
*Sawa./Sawa?: ok/ok? People use this all of the time. It is multipurpose. It can mean 'Do you understand?' 'Are you following?' 'What do you think?' and even 'Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with you.' It's a great little word.
*Kabisa: Absolutely or entirely. This is an exaggeration word. Usually it is said several times in a row, 'kabisa, kabisa, kabisa!'
*Ninii: ...or something. I am glad Kiswahili has a word for this. People say it as much as teenagers say "like" back home. I used to think they were saying "nini" which is "what", but the stress is on a different syllable. I like this word.
*kuja hapa: come here. I've learned that while this is entirely acceptable in Kenya, never, EVER, say this in Tanzania. It means the same thing, but it has an aggressive and rude connotation in Tanzania. I find myself saying this often, mostly because it's easy to remember. =)

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Lastly, a few prayer requests.
1. Please pray for the Form 4 students at Icaciri Secondary and throughout Kenya as they continue their exams.
2. I am walking in the Nairobi International Marathon on Sunday (the 10K, not the marathon).=) 15,000 people are coming from 52 countries to participate. Please pray for cool weather and for the health of the participants. All of the money raised goes to provide eye care in Kenya to minimize blindness from preventable diseases.
3. Continued prayers for the political leaders in Kenya. Presidential elections will most likely take place before Christmas. Please pray for strength, justice and peace.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support! Blessings,
Sarah