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Tonight’s news and even the papers have begun to focus on not only peace but really talking about humanitarian aide. This is good, but some places are still too rough for the aide to begin.
I’m struck though with the term humanitarian relief. It will be a relief no doubt. But I can’t help but think how un-humanitarian, how un-human, this was/is to begin with. Who kills someone because of what family they come from and who kills someone based on their tribe and ethnicity. Oh that’s right. A lot of people all over the world have done that throughout history.
Please do not think that this is an ‘African’ problem. Think of the holocaust where people were killed due to their ethnicity and faith and looks. Think of the era of slaves in the USA where people were beaten when they were found where they ‘didn’t belong.’ Think of they way North Americans have and still treat outsiders. Shoot, think of the way junior high school kids treat outsiders. Think of the way the church treats those that are from a different background – drug users, prostitutes, smokers, cheaters, people of different ethnicities and tribes and even denominations.
I sometimes want to scream from the top of my lungs and the bottom of my toes. (And trust me, that would be loud.) I am screaming at you and you and you and oh, yea, me.
Humanitarian relief is important. People are starving, cold and homeless with nothing left. But if I only help those like me I will not be helping many people and I certainly will not be very humane, human but not humane.
Pray that the violence will end. Pray that the judgement will end. Pray that the lines that have been drawn for whatever reasons here in Kenya will be erased. Pray that the lines drawn all over the world will be erased. Pray that the lines in my heart and in your heart will be erased and we might all see each other as God does. His beloved children. Children he calls to love and serve one another. Children that he loves so much that he let his only child suffer unbearably for us, die and go to hell for all of our faults, shames and sins. Children who desire to love and be loved.
CRWRC is working on how we can best help in the humanitarian relief effort. We will be working through our local partner organizations. If you are interested in helping out please pray. Then if you would like to help out in a financial way, please do so through our home office at www.crwrc.org.
To donate to this relief response, mark donations “Kenya Conflict” and mail to CRWRC, 3475 Mainway, PO Box 5070, STN LCD 1, Burlington, ON, L7R 3Y8 or to CRWRC, 2850 Kalamazoo Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI, 49560.
For more information: In Canada, call 1-800-730-3490. In the U.S., call 1-800-55-CRWRC.
It’s funny how the brain works. I have been thinking about Greensburg and Meade, Kansas for the last day or so. I have no idea why really. Here’s my theory.
I miss my family and the combo of the holidays and the election turmoil here in Kenya is enhancing that and I’m thinking of happier times.
Meade: I keep seeing the old drive in on the highway in Meade where we used to stop for a cherry limeade when we were going between Liberal, my hometown, and Coldwater, my dad’s hometown. It’s only a two-hour trip but who are we to pass up a tasty cherry limeade? That drive-in has been a variety of things since those days and now I stop at the grill on the east end of town, unless it’s a Saturday since the owner is a Seventh Day Adventist and is closed on Saturdays. It’s funny how we take on habits and traditions of our family. I was a kid when we would stop on the other end of town for a limeade with my family and now even when I drive across Kansas by myself, I make a point to stop for a limeade in Meade. My great Aunt Carrie used to live up above a drug store or something at the main intersection in town there and we would stop to see her sometimes. Huh, the things you remember.
Greensburg: This is about half-way between Liberal and Wichita or Sterling. There used to be a great burger joint on the west end of town where we’d stop to go to the bathroom and get ice cream. I actually remember this more from my college days and when I lived in Sterling. Coldwater is only 20 miles or so south of town and you knew you were getting close to ‘home.’ One time Grandmother and Grandad met me at the burger joint for some ice cream when I was coming or going, I can’t remember. It was fun though. There was a huge tornado that went through Greensburg just before I moved from Minnesota this past summer. I drove through it shortly after they opened the highway and it was awful. It looked like a war-zone complete with the MASH unit alongside the highway.
Rural America. Man I love it. Small town America is where some of my dearest memories lie.
What makes us remember what we remember and forget what we forget? Why do we remember things randomly, just when we need some comfort? All I can say is because God loves us. He shows us joys in life in ‘simpler’ times. He lets us soak in the love that we have from and for others in those memories. He reminds us that things will get better, nothing is permanent and to live and love.
What will I remember most about my time in Nairobi? The elections? The disaster? The fear?
I don’t think so.
I think I will remember walking to Java House with a friend. I will remember the hug with a co-worker after seeing each other the first time since Christmas. I will remember the times I prayed with a friend late at night after a disturbing text message. I will remember sharing good food and laughs with my friends. I will remember the quiet awe of watching God’s creation as the sun rises over the mountains. I will remember crying for joy and a bit of sadness as I open presents that come in the mail from my family. I will remember that I don’t always cry when I open presents but sometimes dance for joy throughout the office, sharing whatever treasure has arrived. I will remember a coworker telling me that I’m not like other wazungu in a good way. I will never forget the way God is working in Kenya and in me.
Thank you, Lord, for the mystery of memory.
http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/13290192.html
This is the direct link to the KAKE interview online. KAKE is a TV station in Wichita, Kansas.
