Our presence in Thika had created quite a stir and the local pastors and community leaders asked to meet with us all again this morning for a prayer service/devotional. We returned to one of the local settlements in an area called 14 Falls and met in a small church - called 'The House of Prayer for All People'. Many of the locals had been there since daybreak, praying and fasting. Several more arrived throughout the morning, having traveled long distances on foot, by motorcycle 'taxi' or by bicycle. Many wanted to share their 'stories' about how God was working in their lives. Then there was a mini-sermon in English and Swahili (and sometimes even in Swahinglish). The message was about how 'the battle is not ours, but God's' and that He will fight for us if we are doing His will. Then came the time for prayers. It's very interesting that during these prayer services everyone prays their own personal prayers out loud at the same time for a LONG time - then is closed in a 'corporate' prayer by one person. Next came some of the most beautiful singing I've EVER heard and while I couldn't understand the words, I knew the intent. I had goosebumps the entire time. During the entire time chickens wandered in and out of the building and goats bleated outside the door. As we got ready to leave, we were able to give out more dresses. One of the things that was most unique about Africa is how much God is part of every aspect of their daily lives. As one of the men said to me, 'all is spiritual'. Another is their awareness of the power of evil in the world. Many (if not most) Africans come from a background involving sorcery and witchcraft. When one man arrived late to meet with us, he explained that the 'spirits detained him' in an attempt to keep him from hearing the word of God. (A MUCH better excuse than 'I forgot to set my alarm."!)
Then we got in the van and traveled a short distance to 14 Falls for a bit of R&R. The name comes from the waterfalls that are created as the Athi River (the second largest river in Kenya) makes a 25 foot drop on its way to the Indian Ocean @ 750 km away. We climbed down a steep trail to the base of the falls where we were entertained by local boys who plunged off the falls. After swimming to shore, they offered to take us across the river in their boat. I considered this until I saw their boat, then I politely declined! We left 14 Falls and drove through Thika Town to a well-known restaurant called the Blue Post Hotel situated at Thika Falls. We ate lunch as monkeys swung through the trees above our head. By the way, I am now terrified of monkeys! Soon it was time to say good-bye to our interpreters and friends, Susan and Ernest who before they left gave several of us African names. Mine is Wanjiru - which means 'of the family of the dark skinned people'. They also said that my dowry would be worth 3 cows - my traveling companions convinced them to throw in a chicken for good measure. So now I know my worth! Then it was back to Nairobi for our final 'debriefing', to pack and try to get a good night's sleep since we were getting up before dawn the next day to go on safari.
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