Mission Safari: The Next Chapter(s)

Can We Come For Tea?

"Hello, Tim?"

"Hello, how are you?"

"We are fine. Are you at home now?"

"Yes, we are at home," I answered somewhat hesitantly knowing that we were most likely going to have some visitors "interrupt" our naps on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

"Excellent. Can we come for tea?"

"Yes, we would be happy to have you come for tea. See you soon."

"That is great. We will only stay from 4:30pm until 5:30pm."

And that is how our Sunday afternoon of naps and reading came to an end. We were a bit anxious about it as we had planned to do a few last minute things in preparation of my in-laws arrival. But, we knew that building this relationship was more important than the plans we had for the remainder of our Sunday afternoon. And of course, it ended up being a great visit with our Kenyan friends.

We learned some important things that afternoon. First, it is normal to invite yourself unannounced. Second, it is normal to be a good host and hostess when guests arrive unannounced. Third, it is a blessing to have your plans interrupted to build relationships. Fourth, God is doing something in my heart and Marti's heart. We usually don't like "surprises". But God is helping us "adjust" and to "enjoy it."

Predictably, they stayed longer than they announced, but it was of no consequence on what was truly important.

Happy (Belated) Birthday Mom

My mom celebrated her birthday this past weekend. I didn't forget her birthday. In fact, on her birthday, I told Marti "Hey, today is my mom's birthday. She is - - years old today." But, I must confess, I forgot to tell her "Happy Birthday." I feel bad. Living 8 time zones and 10,000 miles away is no excuse to forget to tell your mom "Happy Birthday." So, before I say, "Happy Birthday, Mother" I first have to say, "I am sorry that I didn't send you a birthday greeting on your birthday, Mom. Will you forgive me?"

The good thing about forgetting to send her a card and then confessing so for everyone to read, is that it gave me a chance to think about what an awesome mom I do have. My mom has always encouraged me to pursue the best and pursue what I felt God was calling me to do. I know that she would have liked for me to have stayed at home during my whole senior year in high school, but instead she encouraged my desire to do a governmental internship the first semester of my senior. I know that she would have preferred me to stay at home during college, but she wanted the best for me. I know that she would have liked for me to have come back to Illinois to train or at least practice after I finished medical school, but she supported my decisions to stay in South Carolina. And I know that she would like to have me and my family in America now, but again, selflessly, she encourages us to do our best here in Kenya.

My mom has always been like that. She has always encouraged me to do my best in whatever I do even if I am not very good at it (like baseball and soccer and playing the guitar). She has taught me to be perserving and hard working. She has taught me the value of not quitting.

And so Mom, I am glad I forgot to send you a note on your birthday. It made me reflect a little more than usual on what a special mom you have been and continue to be. I love you.

Happy Belated Birthday.

Tim

New Photo Albums

Check out a few new pictures of our recent trip to Greece and Dubai. They are on the left of this blog under PHOTO ALBUMS. They include a few family photos and a few of the sights that we enjoyed.

Spaghetti Dinner

Last night we had five University of Nairobi School of Medicine students over for dinner. This is the group of students that have been "assigned" to be for mentoring. It was the continuation of a great start in developing real lasting relationships.

As all of these guys are single, Marti and I decided to feed them once a month at our house as part of our bi-monthly Bible Study. The guys all arrived on the same bus. They were very shy at first meeting my family. But, as Marti is the hostess with the mostest, they soon relaxed and enjoyed the feast that she had prepared. She had two huge bowls of spaghetti sauce on tables. There were also two large baskets of garlic bread, plenty of noodles, and a wonderful garden salad prepared. It was obvious that these guys had not had spaghetti before as the first two to serve up the noodles and sauce put them side by side on their plates instead of the sauce on the noodles. But as the meal progressed, they figured it out. There seemed to be little conversation as these guys were too busy eating the huge piles of food on their plates. It was a successful meal.

After this feast, we retreated to my study where we all sang (the kids and Marti included) some praise songs as I played along on the guitar. Then the guys and I dove into our Bible study as Marti and the children excused themselves to clear off the table and get ready for bed. The discussion was good. It was obvious that these guys had some exposure to the Word before. However, during our time of prayer, one fellow asked for prayer that he might be able to develop the discipline to read through the whole Bible this year. I asked if anyone in the group had done that before. Sadly, no one had. So, I challenged them to each consider reading at least the whole New Testament through during the next several months. We will see where this leads.

Before the guys left, I "opened" up my medical library to them. I don't have a lot of medical textbooks, but what I do have is good and current. Each one of them checked out a book. I am interested in expanding my library to be able to help them out. I found out that the library at the Medical School is a joke and that they often can't afford to buy textbooks. So, I am going to try to provide a small library for their use. You should have seen their enthusiasm and appreciation.

Marti and I look forward to these monthly meals at our house with the students. Pray that these times will be a time of deepening fellowship and a "retreat" from the daily grind of med school for these guys.

Get In!

The other day, we noticed our new (less than a year old) Kenmore Refridgerator was not working properly. Not knowing much about these sorts of things, I tried to make a diagnosis and then call in the Fridge Doctor. I was able to figure out that the cooling fan was not blowing.

A friend recommended someone to service the fridge. I called the man and told him where we lived. He told me he would come to the entrance of our subdivision but wondered if we could meet him to show him our house. I agreed. By the time he arrived, I was at the hospital. Marti went out to the main road to meet him. As she got close to the road, she noticed a man car a bag of tools and carrying some parts. She rolled down the window and asked, "Are you coming to fix the refridgerator?" The man looked at her a bit oddly, but answered "Yes." Marti replied, "Get in."

As they drove back towards the house, the man seemed aloof. Finally he says, "Hey, this is where I am going." Marti looked at him. She said, "No, my house is down the road a bit." Then she realized that this probably was not the man who she was to meet. She asked, "Aren't you the man our friend Kamal recommended?" He looked confused. He said he didn't know Kamal. Marti asked "Didn't you just call to say you had arrived?" Again, the man said "No".

Marti was embarassed. She picked up the wrong refridgerator repair man. She explained our situation. The man started to smile. He finally said, "I was trying to figure out what was going on. I wondered if the African man I was working for had a white wife. I haven't met his wife before." They both had a good laugh.

And so did I! Who would have thought that our neighborhood would have two fridges on the blink at the same time and have the repairman show up simultaneously?

Delight and Disorientation in Dubai

On our return flight from our retreat in Athens we had a lay-over in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We decided to stay two nights. It was a good decision. Although it was a "Middle East" country, we had heard that there was a definite "Western" influence. The kids (and parents) were especially excited to learn that there was a few American restuarants.

After arriving around 11pm on our return flight, we quickly proceeded through passport control and baggage claim. We were met by a van from the hotel. The drive was from the airport was wonderfully smooth and comfortable. Amazingly we did not hit one pot hole.

Our rooms were also cool and comfortable. We slept well. After getting showers, we took a taxi (for $3) to one of the malls and enjoyed Dunkin' Donuts. We then strolled in the nice mall. Not wanting to spend our whole day in a mall, we took another taxi to the "abra station" (a boat ride) to cross the Dubai Creek. When we alighted we walked straight into the Old City Spice Souk (Spice Market). This seemed much more Arab - small shops, narrow allies, hot weather (it got up to 99 during our visit). The spices were wonderful. Marti even bought some frankincense and myrrh (how cool is that to be in the Middle East and buy those "exotic spices"?) After strolling this market for a few hours, and getting extremely hot in the process, we stopped in a small café and ordered some fruit salads and drinks. It was awesome.

We finally made it back to the hotel by late afternoon. While Marti took a nap, I took the kids to the roof top pool. The water was like a warm bath. But it was fun for us all.

To top off the night, we went to the Diera City Centre to buy a few "Arabian Treasures". We also took advantage of the opportunity to eat at Chili's. Besides tasting like home, we were most excited about the FREE REFILLS on Coke; it is amazing the things you miss when living overseas.

We had a delightful time in Dubai. We are glad that we took the time to visit around. But it wasn't without some disorientation. Besides driving on the "American" side of the road, we noticed a lack of traffic and bad driving. Even the taxi drivers drove very safe and polite there. It was also weird being in some malls that looked very American, but seeing a majority of the people wearing the traditional Arab dress. And, for all the talk of "problems in the Middle East" we were treated (or at least our money) with respect. People were very friendly (which shows you some of the misconceptions that I have about the Region as a WHOLE - don't get me wrong, UAE is the anomaly there in the Middle East in regards to Western ideas, but I still have entrenched ideas about Arabs).

All in all it was a delightful, if not disorienting, time in Dubai.

Sunday Worship?

Have you ever wanted to go to church in your pajamas? Or eat popcorn or chocolate chip cake while listening to the sermon?

That is what we did Sunday night. We recently received some sermon tapes from our home church - it included the whole service. It was great to hear the hymns, the choir specials, the prayers, and of course the sermon. We are going to try to make it our Sunday evening worship experience; we will obviously continue to fellowship here at a local church on Sundays.

Of course, since we are doing this at home, we will get into our most comfortable "jammies" and sit on our couch and reading chair. And if are hungry for a snack, we will eat while listening. The downside of course is missing out on seeing the other folks. Another downside will be the unpredictable electrical source that may interrupt our "service". Our pastor is a great preacher, but I doubt it was his preaching Sunday night that "knocked out" the electricity for 15 minutes. But hey, it gave me time to get more drink for my chocolate cake.

Telling the Truth

Before the retreat in Greece, I was asked to prepare a five minute testimony of what God was doing in our lives on the mission field. Knowing that the audience was to be made up of mostly missionaries and pastors, I decided to deliver the following remarks.

Dear Friends. My name is Tim Hutchison. I am a missionary in Kenya. I moved there six months ago with my family. I work with medical students and in the slums there in Nairobi.

I am tempted to tell you how well we have adjusted. I am tempted to tell you that we are already fluent in Swahili. I am tempted to tell you that we are working beautifully with the nationals. I am tempted to tell you all the great things God is doing in our ministry.

But I won't. I won't tell you these stories. I won't tell you these embellishments. I won't tell you these lies. I can't. You have been there. You know the stories - you've been tempted to tell them yourself.

There is a Swahili proverb - "Kidogo, kidogo, hujaza kibaba." It means, "little by little you fill up a basket." Little by little over the last six months I have been learning who I am and who God is. So I will tell you the truth. And the truth may shock you. I will also share how God is teaching me and changing me in these situations.

To tell you the truth, I think I am better than other people. Especially when I deal with Immigration Officers, matatu drivers and other doctors. But God is teaching me, "Do nothing from selfish or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves."

To tell you the truth, I worry a lot. I worry about finances, my family, our health, my work, our ministry success. But Jesus says, "I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will wear." He also says, "Your heavenly Father knows that you need these things. But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness."

To tell you the truth, I don't really like working in the slums in Nairobi. It is hard work. It looks bad. It smells bad. But God is teaching me that, "Jesus, seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited, like sheep without a shepherd."

To tell you the truth when I consider the overwhelming poverty, corruption, and disarray in Kenya I really believe that my efforts and work there will come to nothing. I believe the task is too impossible. But Jesus says, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

To tell you the truth I struggle with the fact that my plans have been to do one thing but I find I am doing another. But God is teaching me, "The mind of a man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps."

To tell you the truth I miss my life as a small town family doctor. I miss home. And sometimes I am mad that I have lost this good life in the States. But once again Jesus says, "He who has found his life will lose it, but he who has lost his life for my sake will find it."

And finally, to tell you the truth there has been one truth that has sustained me over the past six months and it is this, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?....Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Retreat Review

If you have noticed a paucity of posts recently it was not a mistake. I have taken the past several days "off". Our organization had its "every 4 years" retreat this month. It was held in a seaside resort 1.5 hours from Athens, Greece. Missionaries from Europe and Africa attended. It was an awesome time of renewal.

We were particularly struck by how much of a community there is within our mission organization. It was like a huge Family Reunion. There were lots of hugs, warm smiles, handshakes, pats on the back, and tears (both of joy and sorrow) as folks reunited. The one week conference was like one big party.

The days were busy but not overly scheduled. We started each day with worship. We had singing, drama sketches, and preaching. We even had times of testimony from different folks (including myself - more on that later). These times were followed by seminars until lunch. After lunch was "free time" although this was usually used to meet with friends and leaders to review the victories and struggles of life on the field. Then, before supper, we had another time of worship and devotions (or prayer time). This was followed by long suppers with old or new friends. Then after putting the children to bed, there was usually another round of sitting around and fellowshipping with folks. The time was both refreshing (meeting with old friends and hearing good preaching) and draining (sharing one anothers burdens).

Of note, we did get to enjoy a seaside resort. However, the weather was cold everyday (sweatshirt weather). Nonetheless, it was a gorgeous place to hang out. And we did get to go on a tour of Athens one day. We truly enjoyed visiting the ruins of the Parthenon, seeing Mars Hill where Paul preached, and visiting the Olympic Stadium built for the 1896 Modern Games. We topped the visit off by eating at McDonalds (two Big Macs for me) and drinking a Café Mocha at Starbucks!

It was a bit hard to return after such a wonderful time of fellowship, but I guess that is what heaven will be for and like - spending eternity with other brothers and sisters worshiping our Creator and Lord!

One Of The Reasons I Am Here

Recently I had the opportunity to become a mentor to 5 medical students here. I am very excited about this development. I have met with the guys as a group twice (once for Bible study) and with two of the individuals. I have also worked with two of them on an outreach clinic.

Today I met with one of the guys. He is a fourth year student (fourth year out of five). He showed me around the medical school campus (more on that some other time). Then he showed me his dorm room. The meeting was only to be an hour, so as we sat and drank a Coke in his room, I figured the goal for the day had been met - hang out and get to know one another.

As I was preparing to leave (in my mind), he pulled out a list of questions he wanted to ask, mostly "spiritual" type questions. Apparently he was raised Catholic but did not convert until about 6 or 7 years ago. But what got my attention was this statement: "You know, after our first couple of meetings and our discussion on studying the Bible to not only know about God, but to know Him has really been making me think lately." It was so awesome. He next question was "How do you grow in faith and not back slide?" It presented an awesome opportunity to talk about the love and grace of our Heavenly Father.

This is one of the reasons I am here. It made my sore legs feel better! (See post below for details!)

Getting Used to Kenya?

I must be getting used to Kenya. A couple of weeks ago, we realized that we needed to get a re-entry visa for the children when we travel to Greece for our Area Retreat. One of the reasons we had not done so was because of the horrible experience at the Immigration Department last November. We were so defeated by that experience that we have procrastinated doing this.

When we submitted our application for the re-entry visa, we were told we needed to register the children, or get a Dependent's Pass. It took us three visits to have all the information that they required (although the forms never indicated all these items). Nonetheless they told me to return in a month to pick up the Passes. As we would already be out of the country, I decided to check on the progress last week - only two weeks after I submitted the paperwork.

When I went to the right floor to check on this, I only had to see three people. Surprisingly, to both myself and the immigration officer, he actually had the file on his desk. He quickly scanned it and told me to return on Monday with the fees and he would stamp the passports.

Yesterday I did that. Not surprisingly when I returned he said that there was a delay. He apologized. But surprisingly, he offered to call his supervisor and make arrangements to fast track the process. He told me to return at 3pm to pay the fee, get the passes, and then still have time to get to the other agent and get the re-entry visa.

I was 10 minutes because of trafffic. It didn't matter the gentleman wasn't at his desk. But as I was leaving, figuring I would have to come back "tomorrow", he ran into me. He said "quick" take this slip down to the cashier, pay, and return. I ran down the 6 floors of stairs, over to the other side of the building, and paid. However, the cashier wouldn't give me the paperwork back. He said "Come back Friday." I protested and said that the officer told me to return with the paperwork. The cashier told me I should have brought a note to that effect.

I ran back to the elevators and went to the 6th floor. I pleaded my case, got a note, and ran back down the 6 floors and back to the cashier. I showed him my "note" and grabbed the paperwork. This time, the elevator was slow. I ran up the 6 floors (my thighs are killing me). I gave the receipts to the proper officer. He referred me to another lady who told me to take a seat in the waiting room. It was 3:26pm. I needed to be down stairs at the "re-entry visa" line at 3:30pm. I was too exhausted and sweaty to get upset.

As I stood in the hall, I didn't want to sit, the original officer saw me and asked why I was standing around. He took me back to the lady and insisted that she process my papers so I could go and get the visas. She did so, but took her time. She handed me my papers. It was 3:45pm.

I decided to go to the other agent. The door to that office was closed but there were still other "customers" inside. When the guard opened the door, I told him I wanted the Officer in charge to complain about the cashier. He looked at me and then said, "If you tell me that you would like to see the agent to process your papers I will let you in. If you insist on making a complaint, then we are closed." I decided I would ask to see the agent. By 4:05pm, I had all my papers signed and passports stamped. It was a fairly major accomplishment and miracle!

The amazing thing is that I didn't waste a bunch of time yesterday protesting. I went with "flow". And I got the paperwork done. I wonder if I am getting used to the system here?

I hope not!

April Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Last week when I flipped the calendar over to April, I had to wonder if it wasn't a divine April Fool's joke when I realized on April 1st, "Hey, we have been in Kenya for 6 months." In fact, I know God had to have a part in our being without electricity most of the 1st leaving us to use so many candles to light up the house that our house looked like some sort of spiritual shrine.

This past month was very typical of our time here in Kenya; it was filled with good and bad, victory and defeat. We watched with satisfaction this month as Sarah, Ben, and Sam participated in our outreach to Kibera. We got discouraged with the lack of reliable electricity. We suffered severe anxiety as we took Marti for an MRI of her head. We were elated to receive a report of a normal scan. We were elated to begin a discipleship group with 5 medical students at the University of Nairobi. We wrestled with some of the hurt relationships among past missionaries and current pastors here in Kenya. We thanked God when we saw some fruit of spiritual growth in all three of our children. The up and down nature of life here is almost becoming normal.

But we are learning that more and more we can not rely on our experiences to give us direction. If we relied on how we feel at any one particular time we would be like a "boat tossed about here and there when the wind strikes." We must (and are to some extent) becoming more reliant on the Solid Rock to give us direction and a sense of security. He is the one who gives us a sure footing in the midst of the miry clay (Psalm 40).

So without further comment, let's go to the throne of the One who is steady, sure, and faithful.

Praises

1. Marti had a negative scan of her head. She still has some symptoms of ringing in one of her ears but she does not have a tumor.

2. The kids were enjoy working along side of me when I go into Kibera. Pray that they will continue to have a desire to serve the underserved.

3. For a developing good friendship between Marti and another missionary wife from South Carolina.

4. For my deepening relationship with a missionary here. Friends are so important here. Being able to laugh in the midst of such serious problems is vital.

5. For the new discipleship group with 5 medical students.

Petitions

1. Continue to pray for my ability to learn Swahili.

2. Pray for the outreach to medical students. They are hungry to grow in the Lord. Pray that the Lord will Help me to develop strong relationships with each of them. Pray that He will use me to help these students grow in their relationship with a great, gracious, and merciful Father.

3. Pray for travel mercies. We travel to Greece next week for 10 days to attend an MTW Area Retreat. We will be will other MTW missionary families from all over Africa and Europe. Pray that God will refresh not only our spirits and minds, but the other missionaries in attendance - many of them in situations where there is not a church fellowship, YET!

4. Pray that we will focus on our relationships with one another and with the Lord. Pray that God will use the Bible Study Marti and are working through together will draw us even closer together in the Lord. "A cord of three strands is not easily broken."

Mungu pekee apewa sifa. (To God alone be praise)

Tim

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