Mitumba Market

I spent the early morning fasting and praying unceasingly for a family member back home in the ER. From my experience, things always get harder during a summer mission. I’m not there to help my family, and everything is placed on my husband’s shoulders. My nosebleeds have increased, even occurring in my sleep last night. However, I feel so at peace and close to the Lord. Every moment I started to worry or think of a worst-case scenario, I would immediately confess, give it to God, and remind myself with scripture that He is in control. I would sit in a lamenting peace and joy of His providence. It’s hard to explain the feelings entirely. Life is just so much better when we leave it to God rather than trying to plan everything ourselves. This summer is a unique opportunity for me to not be in control. I have no plans here; I don’t even plan when I am going to eat. I’m just along for the ride and whatever the missionaries are doing. They are amazing hosts, caring for me and taking me to see things, and explaining the culture.

Today we went to the used clothes market, the Mitumba Market. There were so many clothes, shoes, curtains, etc! Everyone you pass welcomes you with “Karibu!” and then tries to help you find something at their spot to buy. I walked around with Cassie and soaked up some of the language. Yesterday, Emmanuel and I had our first class in Swahili, and we had our second class today. I must admit I wish I could learn the whole language at once so I could communicate. This is different for me since my previous travels have been in English or Spanish-speaking locations, or I’ve been with a team that all are in the same boat as I am. This time, I am alone in my confusion. Everyone around me speaks Swahili, and I just stand there smiling and occasionally answering “Poa,” “Asante,” or “Nzuri” in response to their greetings or welcomings. I have to choose to be okay with it because it’s our human reaction to get frustrated when we can’t communicate. I can’t speed through the Swahili language course; I’ll probably barely be able to construct a sentence before I have to leave. But I will try to learn as much as I can while I have the opportunity to be immersed in the culture.

Emmanuel has already been telling me how to act when we get to the village at the end of this week. I tried to take the Swahili flashcards from him with my left hand when he told me that I always have to give or accept something with my right hand. He told me to forget about my left hand entirely. (This is because the left hand is used in the restroom.) There are a lot more things for me to remember as I interact with people, and I’m sure I'll learn from my mistakes.

Please pray for patience for me as I try to learn Swahili quickly. Please also pray for my family member who is having heart issues and is in the hospital. Thank the Lord that I have a great Swahili teacher and an amazing missionary family whom I am connecting very well with. God bless you, my friends!