December 1999

Dear Friends in Christ,

Greetings from Presbyterian Teachers College-Rubate. These words of Christian greetings are from the students and staff of Rubate and myself. I was given specific instructions from the students at the last worship service held at Rubate to be sure that their greetings and good wishes were extended to you.

The first term of 1999-2000 ended on 12 November. Thanks to the Global Service and Witness office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Rubate now has easy access to free-flowing water. This was not the situation last year, when the students had to walk six kilometers round-trip to the nearby river carrying water barrels for personal use in the hostels (we call them "dormitories" in America). Now that the borehole is dug and in use, the students can get access to water on the compound. The water situation was so desperate that the people in the surrounding villages came with their cans and barrels—and sometimes with wheelbarrows stacked with containers—to draw water from the borehole. So thanks be to God that the borehole was dug so that many more people were able to survive during the dry spell.

Power at the college comes from a generator that is operated for about two-and-a-half hours in the morning and four hours in the evening. I have to teach classes in semi-darkness during the day because of the lack of light. This situation presents many challenges in the classroom.

One of the challenges is to present materials and teaching methods that will help equip the students to teach Kenyan children in all areas of the country. Many of the schools in which the future teachers will work are simple structures of brick, with a couple of openings in the walls for windows, and uneven dirt floors. The Rubate students take in stride conditions that by American standards are primitive. They are willing to accept the lack of electricity and the need to carry water in order to get a "Primary One Teaching Certificate."

They are also willing to travel great distances. One of my students, Jane Betty, travels over six hours by public transportation over difficult roads from Western Kenya. Other students, such as Daniel, who is Masai, come from other parts of Kenya. Still others live around Nairobi. I marvel at their determination and resolve to overcome the obstacles of the tedious travel, Spartan living conditions at the college, and the lack of resources with which they have to work. It is their faith and trust in God that helps them do all that they do.

Most of the time, the 60 students in each class share five textbooks. Therefore, we tutors have to devise ways to make learning effective and meaningful because the students have to pass an exam given by the National Kenyan Education Commission at the end of six terms.

During this term the second-year students taught for three weeks in the surrounding primary schools. T.P., or "teaching practice," kept the students busy for many hours. During this time my teaching assignment was divided between teaching the first-year students at the college and observing and evaluating the second-year students' performance in the classroom. It gave me the opportunity to be on the other end of the educational spectrum. Also, it allowed me to share my teaching experience with young people starting their careers. I felt that I was able to pass something on that others had given to me.

One of my responsibilities with T.P. was to supervise 12 students at one of the schools. The school for which I had responsibility was located near the compound, within walking distance from the college. Many of the pupils had not had the experience of seeing and meeting a white person personally. Whenever I visited, many of the schoolchildren rushed to greet me, shake my hand, and stare, giggling with excitement. One of the head teachers at one of the schools told me that it was an exciting thing to meet an "Mzungu" (white
person). All this was a bit overwhelming to me. I was not accustomed to attention to this extent. On the last day, I spent the entire morning being escorted by my students to their classes so that I could greet their pupils and answer questions about my place, my family, and my faith.

There was little rain during the first term of classes, which caused great concern to the farmers and the college administration. If the rains do not come, the crops do not grow. Without crops, many of the students can't pay their fees since many students' parents have farms. Also, the college cannot sell the crops grown on the compound for a profit. The principal called for a prayer session to pray for rain. As we prayed, the rains began. It was a definite answer to prayer. Since that day it has rained at least once a day. The crops are growing and the rains continue to fall.

Since the beginning of the first semester I find I have more responsibilities. I am more involved in the students' activities, such as advising a group of students who have committed their lives to serve Jesus Christ. The students who belong to the Christian Union asked me to serve as worship and Bible study advisor. One morning a week I lead devotions during morning assembly.

Besides teaching a busy schedule and working with the students I preached my first sermon in Africa in a local church. One of my students interpreted for me. I am blessed that the students are open and willing to help me in such a situation.

God has opened up many new and exciting opportunities to serve since I came to Rubate, more than I could ever imagine. The Rubate staff ended the term with a staff fellowship and a surprise presentation for me—a Kenyan dress, accessories to go with it, and a sincere thank-you for coming to Rubate. It is I who is grateful for the opportunity to serve Jesus Christ at Rubate.

My wish for you during this Christmas Season of Love and Joy in Jesus Christ from Presbyterian Teachers College-Rubate is to have a Merry and Blessed Christmas. Also, that the New Year, the first year of the twenty-first century is filled with all that God may richly
bless you.

God Bless,
Marian Strain