14 Cows for America

It has been amazing to work with the members of this VIM (Volunteers in Mission) team and I am thankful that I have been able to be part of the group even though I will not be able to go to Kenya at this time in my life.

A couple of weeks ago I read the story of Maasai people in Kenya grieving with Americans after the September 11th attacks and wanting to help. "Because there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort." I got a picture book titled: "14 Cows for America" by Carmen Agra Deedy in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah. The story explains that to the Maasai, the cow is life. And therefore, they gave 14 cows to the American ambassador. More information can be found at www.14cowsforamerica.com.

It is so fascinating to learn about other countries and our sisters and brothers around the world.

Andrea

Why Not Stay Home

Why am I going to Kenya? Why am I not going to the local food pantry and helping them provide for people right here in Nebraska? What makes me and the rest of our team want to go to Kenya? All very good questions.

In the Bible we are asked to help our fellow man. So I’m helping my fellow man. He just happens to be thousands of miles away. So why is that ok? Why not go and help someone locally? I honestly don’t have a good answer. We are all called to where we are called. I happen to be called to leave the safety and comfort of the US and head overseas. I like the thought of the new experiences that will bring. I like the certain amount of uncertainty that comes from going someplace I have never been.

Others may not like that feeling. There is nothing wrong with that. Let those that feel called to go work locally, work locally. One is no better than the other or any less needing of help. Every calling should be answered, whether it be local or not. Whether it be something full of adventure or as simply as mowing your neighbor’s lawn when they aren’t well. Give to your fellow man. Give of yourself.

So now I have less than 50 days until I head to Kenya to help my fellow man. And I’m sure that when I return, I will find that Kenya and its people helped me more than I helped them.

Tony

Can We Go Yet?

I have a little countdown timer on my laptop that tells me how long until I arrive at the airport for the flight out of Omaha. I watch that timer count down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until I arrive for what I’m sure will be the most amazing two weeks of my life. I’m actually quite ready to board that plane today. Mentally ready. I still have so much that needs to be done.

When I look at the list of things I have to finish before the trip, it all is about collecting things that will be taken with me on the trip. I need to get some T-shirts to take that have been donated. I need to get some power adapters for my laptop and other things. Ok, the more I think about it, the more I realize I’m NOT ready.

Tony