24 Years Later...

In October of 1986 a baby boy was born. 5 years later his father died of AIDS. In 1999 his mother died of AIDS and in 2002 his stepfather died of AIDS. Yes the baby boy was born 'positive' meaning he tested positive for the HIV virus. This is not an uncommon story in sub-saharan Africa, but Teddy is an uncommon young man!

First - he was not told of his status until late into his teens. It is a miracle that he is still alive and relatively healthy! I believe God has plans for this young man's life and it seems that Teddy is already fulfilling those plans.

This photo was taken at my home during one of his many visits...
...Teddy works nearby at the Coptic Hospital in their Voluntary Counseling and Testing center or VCT. That's where people go to get tested for the virus and receive ongoing counseling to learn how to 'live positively'. At the moment he is working as a volunteer with the hopes of being hired on as a paid employee. He has heard 'rumors' that it may happen soon, so that is one of my prayers - that he can be paid for what he loves and does so well.

Teddy is wise beyond his years. He explained to me that when a child loses his parents at an early age, the mind works overtime to compensate for the loss of the safety of having parents. In Teddy's case that has translated to feeling very comfortable with older people (like me!) and having friends who are 6 to 10 years his senior.

For me, what is most remarkable about Teddy is his spiritual wisdom. He has an amazing ability to help his clients see their lives from God's perspective. Invariably they will change directions in their thinking so that as they leave, they are amazed at how easy he is to be vulnerable with. He is told repeatedly how safe it feels to share with him even the most difficult facts of their lives. He thinks that is because he is so willing to share the hard truth about the events in his life. He values transparency and accountability - all too rare in this culture!

His goals include writing a book about his life - he plans to title it "24 Years Later", hence the title of this blog entry. On the way to writing his book he wants to complete his education. His dream is to enter university to obtain a degree in Psychology...a worthy goal to help him in his life's purpose, which is to help other people - especially those infected with the deadly AIDS virus.
He smiles often, laughs easily and encourages naturally. I am in prayer about his educational goals and how God might want to use me to help him achieve them. Please let me know if God is compelling you to help this young man, in any way...if you feel led to pray for him and/or if you feel like you would want to contribute financially.

Teddy is just one of many amazing people I have the privilege to call my friend.

This is my friend Margaret...she is getting married in April, on the 24th! I recently spent time with her - just before her pre-wedding celebration. The celebration took place in her home village and was a time of rejoicing with family and friends...and also when the bride-price was paid. In order to look her best it was important for Margaret to have a headdress.

I LOVED watching the process...and trust you will too! The 'artist' was gracious enough to allow me to take photos of the process...here she starts by placing a covering over Margaret's head. That's a container of straight pins in Margaret's hand...
...then begins the wrapping! Margaret selected this fabric for its color and design. Her wedding colors are, I believe, brown and gold.
For those of you who complain you do not see me enough in my pictures - this one's for you!
From here, enjoy the show at your leisure...





...oops! there I am again!
Here she is saying "Praise the Lord!" You see, Margaret is a Pastor and this lady was demonstrating that she can shout praises to the Lord in her new headdress!
...the final touches...
...removing to secure it...
...refitting just to make sure...

...and then it is passed to the one who will sew it all together...after 1/2 hour Margaret returned to the shop to pick it up...
...in the meantime, Margaret and I enjoyed a cup of tea (well actually she got the tea, I had juice) at a nearby cafe. This was my time to, finally, hear the story of how she and Alex (her intended) got together. Maybe I will tell that story when I post the pictures from her wedding!

The Wedding!

Okay - before you even notice, let me just say that I know there are WAY too many pictures! And this is after I 'rejected' at least half of the ones that were taken! What follows are photos from Amani and Daniel's wedding at Nairobi Pentecostal Church. This is the church I attend when I don't go to the Baptist church with Rhonda.

This is before the ceremony, which of course started over two hours 'late'...even my African friends said that it was late! Here are Rosemary, Winnie, me and Margaret. These are friends I met in 2007 and it sure was great to see them again and to celebrate this wonderful day together!
The attendants 'dancing' down the aisle...that was such fun. At the last minute I handed my camera to Rosemary who was in an aisle seat and she passed it behind her. During the whole service and even afterwards Emily was shooting and even handing my camera off to other photographers!




The best couple were Nick Juma and his wife...this is his wife (sorry, can't remember her name)
An 'audience' shot of sorts! Actually these are the only other Wazungu (white people) besides me...and the two white girls in the wedding party...
Bride and groom and best couple...

The guys...

Amani's parents...
...the girls...
...exchanging rings...
...I love the way they held their hands up for all to see!
Dan's 'spritual parents'...
...praying over the couple.
Declaration of unity as the couple hold hands high into the air...
...presented to the congregation, they are now heading to sign the register and other forms...I am guessing they are signing the wedding certificate as the best couple and the pastor also signed.




Now they are presented as Mr. and Mrs. Khisa!


Lots of photos outside the church...






See the girl on the right of the bride? You will see more of her later...

Her name is Kimberle and we sort of adopted each other! I took her to buy an ice cream cone.

Here she is with her real mom, Victoria. Victoria is Winnie's sister (standing next to me in the first picture)...
Lots of dancing at the reception as we waited for the food and the couple to arrive!





Smiling and waving is my friend Joy...she is to be wed in September!

Kimberle is a natural dancer in my opinion...she is so graceful I can just see the ballerina in her!







THE FOOD! I was plenty hungry and was rewarded with quite a feast!
My camera is always a draw...this little guy just had to have a turn...
...so I let him take my picture!
Kimberle eating...
...the food line...with Victoria's help I was one of the first to be served :)
The wedding party arrives, dancing to the music!





Victoria being her dramatic self!



The cake...
Cutting the cake, holding a ball between them...
...forcing them to work together...

...and they did great!
By 4:30 even though the festivities were not over, I was! It was a great day of celebration, love and fellowship. I have since heard from Victoria that Kimberle has found a new 'best friend' - that would be me! So I am hoping to set up a play date soon...

God was truly glorified on this day as two of His children united to serve Him together. They have already faced many challenges since their engagement and remained faithful throughout. I believe that God is strengthening them as a couple to serve the Kingdom together with excellence.