Who. When. Where.
The year is 1985 in a remote part of Kenya on a dusty red clay rocky road riding in a 1959 Landrover with my husband and eight year old daughter. Due to the rainy season we are on an unfamiliar route to our destination of Tharaka. This route is dry but longer and still miles ahead through fields and brush to cut away to make a path. Even with Kerchiefs tied over our faces, we are covered in red dust and perspiring profusely. My husband is focused on driving while my daughter and I are talking about her lesson assignments for the next days. Our 14 year-old son is in boarding school at Rift Valley Academy about 6 hours away.
Situation.
Abruptly, the engine of the Landrover dies! My husband, as usual, jumps out, lifts the hood and begins to work on it. We are not concerned since he is always able to get any vehicle going again. My daughter and I get out and find some rocks to sit on at the side of the road with book and papers in hand for math lessons. Many people are passing us, some on bicycles or donkey carts with loads of grain or water. After several hours the scene is a little disarming since several car parts are on the ground surrounding the Landrover. “Not to bother!” My husband always puts it back together and has us traveling again. This continues through the afternoon. Then my husband comes over telling me the vehicle cannot be fixed without a part from Nairobi- 6 hours away. He has a very serious troubled demeanor. He reminds me of our morning pre-travel prayer time that the Lord watches over our coming and going. Keeping us from harm. We understand it is time to confirm that promise again. We need the Lord’s help.
Concerns
My husband realizes that we are on an unfamiliar road, we did not bring anyone to translate the tribal language, darkness is near and bandits frequent the roads at night. He is concerned for the safety of his family.
Provisions
My husband and I both try to communicate with people as they are passing by. They want to help us but do not understand. After many attempts, a villager points up a road saying “goats” in Swahili and “near” in Swahili. After a long walk maybe 3 or 4 Kilometers, we are elated to find a goat farm run by a British man and his wife. They are very friendly and assure us of lodging and food. Even better, they say they will send a runner into Nairobi to get the engine part the next day. During the night we are awakened by the owner who is telling us a baby is near delivery- come and see the birthing. All three of us follow him to see the birthing! They want to honor us so they name this new baby “Kelly” after our daughter. This family and staff become very special friends during our Kenya years. More importantly though, the three of us see God’s provision that day at a goat farm.
The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.
Ps. 121:7- 8