February 2, 2004

Christmas in Kenya!

Seems like a weird title for a Thailand missionary’s newsletter doesn’t it? But by the grace of God and the generosity of family members the Hallead family was able to enjoy a wonderful Christmas in Kenya. The purpose of the trip was to take part in some hands-on mission work/study with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), a long standing PC(USA) partner (including asking some difficult personal questions about our own future placement); visit friends; encourage the PC(USA) Missionaries; and enjoy the best climate in the world!

Below are some excerpts from a journal family members kept during the trip. See if you can guess whether the writer is an adult or one of the children (hint: watch for the varying opinions of early morning versus sleeping late).

Sunday, 28 December Another beautiful, sunny morning greeted us. Breakfast was at 8:00 so we got to sleep in some. We went to the church to which Kariukis belong. A stone building and cool temperatures made a pleasant atmosphere. Being the only outsiders, we were asked to come forward and each say something. Glen did great with his Kiswahili and Kikuyu. Natalie said “Hi.”

There was a string of Christmas lights behind the pulpit that played (just the refrain of only) three different carols throughout the entire three-and-a-half-hour service. Most annoying. After handshaking with almost all the children we went to Peter and Esther’s house for a big lunch. Some of the best sukumuwiki we have ever eaten. Tea, coffee, and a walk around the farm (Caleb made friends with their cows). We ended our absolutely wonderful afternoon in the traditional time of family prayer. We were so blessed. Returned to the Guest House by 6:00 p.m. Soda, shower, and lala salama (peaceful rest).

Saturday, 3 January Today’s plan is to visit the Githiga Children’s Home. Normal early morning schedule (breakfast, showers, et cetera) and leaving by 9:30 a.m. It was a bumpy one-hour drive up there. After arriving we looked at some pictures and had tea and snacks. We waited and then went to look at the new school (that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation in Lakeland, Florida, is building), then waited some more. Finally we got to see the kids. Another 15-20 minutes passed while ladies from the village spoke to the children (about Christian morality and ethical issues, basically an AIDS talk). We sang together, introduced ourselves, and sang some more. We handed out gifts (supplies for the new school some soccer balls, et cetera), they sang, and then we had lunch of meat stew with peas, chapati, and cooked cabbage and carrots. For dessert, bananas and plums (Caleb had a blast with these). Then, after Caleb getting himself stuck climbing a tree, we played games: soccer, keep-away, monkey-in-the-middle, et cetera, using in some cases whatever was available i.e. a sock). Lots of fun that ended too soon. From there we went to the Guest House to clean up and then to Babu and Cucu’s (pronounced “Bah-boo” and “Show show”, in Kiswahili and Kikuyu, respectively, for grandfather and grandmother, a reference to Gordon and Carolyn Brown) for a belated birthday party for Babu (Gordon). We played cards and ate strawberry cheesecake (Yum!). Lots of fun. Back to the Guest House to wash out clothes in the sink again and went to bed!

We had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the former PCEA Secretary General Dr. Samuel Mwaniki (an important meeting, since Glen and he had not talked since our rather tense departure in 1995). It was truly a blessed time of honest discussion and appropriate repentance and forgiveness. A Christmas blessing!

We went to see the Archer and Muutuki families (old friends). It took a while for us “teens” to warm up to each other but by the time lunch was over, we were fast friends, again. What started as a three-hour visit ended up lasting until almost 10:00 p.m. It was a great time and we all wished it would last longer. What an awesome day! Got to meet with the new Secretary General Rev. Muriguh (a young 35 year old). Great visit, honest discussion. Seems to really be struggling with the ever-important issue of reforming some of the less than functional structures of the church. Great opportunity for prayer.

It would be hard to say if the highlight was Christmas Day worship and dinner with retired PC(USA) missionaries Gordon and Carolyn Brown in Nairobi, the day we spent on Miss Purity’s (our former housekeeper) mother’s farm in Kutus, the day we spent at the PCEA’s Githiga Children’s Home, or worship and dinner with friends Peter and Esther Kariuki and their daughter Mercy at their home in Nyathuna. (Some of the kids might even argue for the safari at Sweetwaters Tented Safari Camp). All in all, it was a wonderful treat, something we had longed to do for many years but just could not see our way through. The faith of the Kenyan people, amidst the most trying of circumstances, is, at the same time, amazing and challenging. Our hearts still long to return to Kenya and that is our prayer request for you, our partners. Pray that a door will be opened. Pray that God will confirm our heart’s desires. Pray that the church will be able to affirm that call. But above all else pray that we will be faithful in pursuing the possibilities.

While this is not the typical missionary newsletter of how and what we are doing in Chiang Mai, Thailand, it is a glimpse at our life, our heart, and the blessings of our Mighty God! We hope that you have learned a little more about us and the mission of the PC(USA). May the Lord richly bless you with an opportunity to praise Him, with a people you love, in a land you love.

To His Glory!

Glen, Carol, Zakk, Natalie, Jacob, and Caleb Hallead

The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 207