Raymond

This morning, Brina and I once again rode the “bus” to church.  The church van looks like a “matatu" (public transportation vehicle), so I get a lot of surprised looks on the way to church.  An mzungu (white) lady and her baby riding public transportation???  It doesn’t bother me a bit as long as I know the person who is driving!

Raymond came to church today.  I’ve posted about him in previous posts here and here.  Raymond is about 9 years old, and he is deaf.  When I got there, he was already in Junior church, so I passed Brina off to waiting hands, and I went to be his interpreter. 

Raymond is on the left.

I soon realized that this kid is sharp.  He doesn’t have a lot to say, but his eyes are constantly moving taking things in.  I was amazed at how he grasped so much of what was going on even without paying close attention to me.  He is very sure of himself and confident.   Bless his heart, he came to church all by himself today.  

Junior Church

A couple of BJ’s sign language students signed “This Is the Day” for Raymond during Junior Church.  They were doing everything they could to make him feel a part of it all.  I was so proud of them for using what they’ve learned for God’s glory and for this precious deaf boy. 

I felt I did poorly interpreting Pastor Oloo’s message.  He preached a good message in Swahili in fast forward speed!  (He talks extremely fast!)  If I am just listening to him preach, I get most of it.  However, my brain has to work overtime to understand it.  Then when I try to use even more brain power to interpret what I just barely understood, well, unfortunately, I run out of brain power!  Raymond fell asleep during church.  One minute I felt like crying, and the next minute I felt like laughing.   It was then God spoke gently to my heart, “Are you doing your best?”  I could honestly say yes.  I was trying with everything that was in me to put it out in sign language.  His next words to me were sweet.  “Then that is enough.”

There were 5 baptisms today.  It is a blessing that this ministry continues to abound even when their missionary is on furlough. 

After church, Brina and I joined about 20 other people in the church van for our ride back home.  The more the merrier!