Since arriving on the field, my teammate and I have a weekly ritual. We post a verse above our kitchen sink that reminds us of what we think God wants to teach us that particular week. Our first verse on the field was Exodus 23:25. “Worship the Lord your God, and His blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.”

We needed some reassurance when we began serving as teachers at an all-girls secondary school in Naivasha, Kenya. Anyone who has served on the mission field knows there are risks you undertake. You boil your water, disinfect and cook everything you eat, have a heightened awareness of hand washing and, in this dusty region of Kenya, begin to have a more profound understanding of what an act of humility it was for Jesus to wash his disciples’ feet.

But, during those first few days on the field, when we were invited to eat meat from a carcass we had moments earlier seen hanging in a fly-infested storefront window or when we were told about the high volume of malaria cases in our region, it was easy to wonder if God knew our needs. It’s been eye-opening when reflecting on the progress we’ve made during our first month.

Even if my Minnesota accent so horribly distorts a Swahili greeting, but it is said in love and friendship, I have gained much. Our most recent verse comes from 1 Peter 4:8. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” The Lord really spoke to my heart through this verse.

I think that sometimes, as missionaries, we experience hypersensitivity to our surroundings. Did I say the right Swahili greeting? Did I remember to shake each person’s hand? Am I really up for this task?

But, even if we speak fluent Swahili or are experts in cross-cultural ministry and lack true love for the people God has called us to, our ministry is fruitless. If we don’t pray that God will be in our classrooms, in our daily actions, in our every word, then our ministry is fruitless. Even if my Minnesota accent so horribly distorts a Swahili greeting, but it is said in love and friendship, I have gained much.

I have learned so much about the value of each life and each relationship during my time here.I have learned so much about the value of each life and each relationship during my time here. After having lunch with a local church elder, this kind man informed my teammate and me that he didn’t care about the differences in our skin color, that, as far as he was concerned, we were his daughters.

When I had a mild case of sickness that kept me from the classroom, one of my students sent me a note with the following message:

Dear Miss Leah,
Hay! Teacher, how are you? I am writing this letter to tell you that I am very sorry for your condition. I know that you are not feeling well, but I know God is going to heal you. I will pray for you very much, and I know that God is going to heal you, and you will come back tomorrow to class when you are fine. Just trust in the Lord, and read Psalms 125:1. We shall be very joyful to see you back. Have a happy Valentine’s Day tomorrow. Get better soon!
               ~From Alice

Despite immense hardship and, at times, material poverty, Kenyans have riches more valuable than any item I have ever owned. They know how to love freely and deeply. The Christians here know how to be the hands and feet of Jesus. They are quick to extend a hand in greeting and a heart of love.

Maybe at the end of the year, the verse hanging above the sink will be 1 Thessalonians 2:8. “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”

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