Tender Service

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There are two people who have really touched me lately, Mama Flora and Martha.

As you know, I have been living with a Ugandan/Kenyan family in Southern Nairobi, Kenya.  Mami has become quite dear to me because of her kind heart.  Even though she works at her husband’s hospital, I’ve observed that her greatest joy is in serving her children and her husband.

Last week she received the unfortunate news that the father she had faithfully cared for the past 8 years, died.

She traveled by herself, 8 hours across bumpy roads, to be there for his burial.

Although her children longed to be there for her, they did not have a way to go to the funeral.  So after some thought and prayer, I decided to take the night bus to Ginga, Uganda.

 I thought she was going to faint when I walked into her Ugandan Home! 

Mama's daughter escaping the midday heat.
From then on she introduced me to all her relatives as her daughter.

I was so touched than even in her grieving, her joy was in serving others, cooking, washing clothes, and taking care of everyone’s needs.

Thanks to all you mothers whose service to God through your families is never in vain!





"They were extremely generous in their giving, even though they are very poor."
2 Cor 8:2

Back in Nairobi, where the weather is colder, I was deeply touched by Martha last night.  She is a maid that I met in 2009 at the family owned guest house. Last night she was filling in as the Mama Flora's house maid until their replacement came in.  She lives in the slums of Kibera and struggles to provide for her two sons.  Although, her eldest recently ran away and she hasn't heard from him in over 6 months.  Her husband is a drunk and used to beat her but they are now separated.

Yet, she exudes the love of Christ!  In her great distress and poverty, she gave me her only gloves so that I wouldn't be cold last night!  

She is always thinking of others and overflowing with the love of God!

These dear women have encouraged me to continue to radically love others regardless of what troubles may come into my life.

Thank you Mama Flora and Martha for showing me the way of Christ!

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

Christy 

Where the women and children sat for the funeral service.




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