Email: Blair Moorhead

Dear Friends,

Before launching into the exciting details of the first month and a half in Kenya, perhaps I should introduce myself and what I’m doing here. My name is Blair; I’m from Fargo, North Dakota, working as a YAV in Nairobi. I recently graduated from college in New Jersey where I studied psychology and French. I have been to Kenya before, staying primarily in Chogoria, visiting the partner churches of my home presbytery. While serving in Nairobi, I am also contemplating applying to seminary to study pastoral counseling.

The first couple weeks in Nairobi, the YAVs (from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and YAGMs (Young Adults in Global Missions, from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) were essentially walking sponges. The five of us devoted all our time to soaking up knowledge through lectures on Kenyan politics and African religion, while we also received the knowledge that comes from diving into a new culture. We picked up information on Kenyan culture from home stays, Swahili lessons, and the fun (yes, really fun!) Benedictine monks who hosted us during orientation. During this time we were also introduced to all manner of delicious Kenyan cuisine, from mandazis (my absolute favorite, similar to doughnuts) and chapatti (flatbread) to sakuma wiki, a tasty relative of spinach. The volunteers also engaged our food from farm to fork when we bought, slaughtered, and prepared a lamb. Thank goodness participation in this was optional. I opted out.

All this training (perhaps not the lamb part) was preparing us to live as fully independent Nairobians. My first night as an independent apartment-dweller made me question how well I would succeed in this goal. I managed to explode my stove. Who knew that there are no glass-top ranges in Kenya, only glass tops that you are supposed to lift up once you begin cooking? This was topped only by the first bee sting I’ve ever received in my life. When both these things happen within an hour of each other, it gives you pause to think. What are the life lessons I’m already learning in Nairobi?

Here’s what I’ve come up with: Through God’s mercy I was not hurt by the stove, and it turns out I’m not allergic to bee stings. And if I can survive a first night like that, the rest of the year should be smooth sailing.

When the dust settled after such an eventful weekend, I began work at the All-Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), an organization that crosses national and denominational borders to promote religious solidarity and advocate for human rights in Africa. I’m placed in the General Assembly office, helping prepare for the AACC’s next huge continental gathering in one year. This is my first real 9 to 5 job, and I love it. I wish everyone could have the same work environment I’m experiencing for their first employment. My co-workers are so welcoming and engaging, and I’m learning so much about African church history as I research the past AACC General Assemblies. One of the highlights of my day is tea time—everything in the office halts for tea made with hot milk. During this time my colleagues animatedly discuss politics and social issues while I ask very obvious questions and try to process as much as I can.

The first week in the office I was introduced to the African philosophy of ubuntu. Former AACC President Desmond Tutu translates ubuntu as, “My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours” or “I am human because I belong.” So when I venture into a stream of unfamiliar faces in downtown Nairobi, I shouldn’t feel alienated or alone. The only reason I exist, according to this insightful philosophy, is to be a part of humanity, to share my gifts and receive the gifts of others. That is a pretty awesome theory, and while sometimes it is far easier said than done, that love for humanity is exactly the reason this kind of program exists.

God’s grace has already been very evident in my time here, and I look forward to working and loving in God’s name during the upcoming year. If in one month I’ve already swept up a shattered stove top and learned about embracing humanity, I cannot wait to see what the rest of my time in Kenya brings.

Sincerely,

Blair