Family Picture

Locals continue to tell us that this has not been a typical summer in Nairobi. The rains which usually end in early December have continued and along with them brisk winds and cool temperatures. It is not uncommon for us to see Kenyans in heavy sweaters and even winter jackets. Last week, we visited an ACC&S church where we were greeted by half a dozen preschool children, bundled in layers of wool with smurf like wool hats pulled down over their ears. And here we Canadians are, in short sleeves and loving it.

Along with the cool weather, the usually heated approach to national elections seem relatively relaxed. In fact, Kenyans in general seem relaxed. The economy has never been stronger, and people on the street are happy. On our commutes through the city we meet smiling people who are glad to have work. It is no wonder that Kenya is such an attractive place for many of the displaced people of East Africa. And they are coming!

In relatively the same distance from us as Halifax is from Montreal, people are struggling for their lives in places like southern Somalia, Sudan, and Ethiopia. One of the young men in my advanced class fled from Ethiopia's zone five, the Ogadan, after his father and two elder brothers were shot and many of his family imprisoned as the Ethopian authorities siezed their property. For him the cool summer of Nairobi is a place of healing away from the intensity of a home he may never return to. He is very angry at the injustice and inhumanity of his persecutors. Please pray for him and for the many others like him who feel angry, hurt and powerless. Only the Lord can provide the peace they seek, He is our shade and our strength.