Saturday: Momma's Place

Saturday was a special day as we had the privilege to visit Bernard's mom. We also had the opportunity to join in celebrating with the first person to earn a PH.D. in the area.

Bernard's Mom is a wonderful lady. She is quick to laugh and very expressive in her talking and listening. When we arrived she had chai ready for us. She also prepared the traditional Kikuyu food, mukimo(corn, beans, greens, and potatoes), and the best chicken (fresh chicken cut up with some kind of spices). She and Bernard immediately got into a discussion over when we would eat. Bernard's mom won that we would eat at noon and then go to the celebration. Bernard wanted to eat afterwards. Mom was ready to take care of her boy and his guests. Unfortunately, every time I tried to catch her laughing it was too late.

As a tribute to a mother of twelve children, a woman of faith, a widow of ten years who still manages her household (she has consented to have a young who helps her around the farm). She walked with her friend at least a mile up hill (really up hill) to the celebration. It is not hard to see where Bernard gets his determination, quick laugh, and his compassion. Now, she is not a push over by any means. Don't ask her to cook fish--she does not like them and they will not be cooked in her pots.

The celebration was great (we had to leave early to catch the plane home). Leonard Mwangi Gitau received his PH.D. in Chemistry. He teaches at the Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. He is a committed follower of Christ as was reflected in the celebration. The whole village turned out. The bull was slaughtered, the mikimo was cooked, and the singing and dancing began. Children performed drama, poems were read, the did a skit on education (Hilarious!), on picture the young mother's group at church sang and danced--Leonard and his family joined the dancing. The laughter, joy, and excitement filled the place. You could feel the pride of the whole village as people came walking from all around. We met Leonard and Bernard's primary school teachers. We met secondary school teachers.

We also had the opportunity to discuss politics with Leonard's brother. He is the vice chairman of the Nyeri County Council. The new Kenya constitution organizes the county much like the US with County government similar to our state government. So, we had long talk about government organization and politics. Kenya faces a long road with the new constitution. Kenyans have taken a hugh risk that also has great hope. What a blessing to see the seriousness and the eagerness to learn how to do it best. Of course, there is always the issue of re-election. We had a great time.

Visiting with Bernard's mom and his home area is always special. Visiting with Bernard his home area tells us so much about him, his love for his people, and the motivating factors of his life. Watching and listening to Bernard you realize that he truly operates for his people and not himself. He would sacrifice whatever it took for his people to know Christ but also to reach their fullest God-given potential. We thank God that Bernard is our trusted partner and brother (Mary, his wife, too!) because he models what we at Teleios Ministry were called to be and do, invest in God's people that they might dream and those God-given dreams might become a reality to the glory of God.