A Tree of Life

In 2004, I wanted to sponsor a child through Compassion International. So many children need sponsors, I wondered, how would I choose a Compassion child? I thought it might be fun to find one who shared my April 1 birthday and I also wanted a little girl. I hoped to someday make a trip to Africa, so I asked for one from any country in Africa. The Compassion staff matched me up with then five year old Caroline Ndinda Musyoki, born April 1,1999; living in Mungala, Kenya. For five years, my dream and prayer has been that someday I would get to meet my Compassion child in person!

This spring, my dream came true. After a day of air travel, we were on the ground in Nairobi, Kenya and the next day, we on our way to our child’s village. I could hardly believe my prayers were answered. Though it seemed like several hours as we bounced along the road, our four wheel drive vehicle crawled in and out of potholes the size of craters. My stomach was in knots with nervous anticipation and the smell of diesel fuel, I wondered if Caroline was as nervous as I. We pulled up to the site of the Mungala project, the African Inland Church (AIC) Mungala, our host Jim led us inside to find the Compassion staff was assembled inside the office with Caroline.

“Karibu” (welcome in Swahili), said Caroline, as she timidly took my outstretched hand, she greeted me with a shy smile and bashful eyes. I wanted to jump up and down and hug her, but I knew I needed to restrain myself. In Kenya physical touch in public is not always appropriate. Our group settled into the cramped office to get acquainted. Introductions were passed around starting with Caroline, then Paul and myself. Jim Makunda, our Compassion host from the Kenyan office interpreted as we met AIC Mungala project chairman, Hughs Ndonye, Joseph Mutua, elder of the AIC Mungala church, Ruth Mbinya, the AIC Mungala project social worker and Betty Killu, AIC Mungala project health worker and nurse. We enjoyed ‘taking tea’ together and ended our time in the office with a time of prayer for the project, the sponsors and the children. I didn’t think it could get much better than this!

On April 19, I ran across this verse in my devotions, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life." Prov. 13:12 Little did I know how God would make my dream of meeting my Compassion child come true.

Paul and I were escorted outside, to the lawn of the project; and walked into an experience we’d never forget. We were directed to kneel with Caroline, beside freshly prepared holes, while the staff handed us two yearling avocado trees. In Kenya, the avocado tree is a prosperous tropical fruit and an important staple of the diet. The staff’s planning for our visit was evident and very meaningful. “These symbols of life”, they said, “are a reminder for us to pray for you.” We had come from our home bearing gifts of stickers, pens, a Bible and even groceries for Caroline and her family, yet we were unprepared for the gifts we would receive from our African friends. As we finished the planting process, we patted wet soil over the bare roots, covering each hole, then watering the newly planted tree. We knew in much the same way, there was a spiritual parallel: we had just planted, fed and watered our relationship with our child and the Compassion staff.

“The Great Exchange,” is an inside joke for us. When Paul and I go on mission trips, we think (along with most Americans) we are going there, to encourage them. The Great Exchange happens when we go. The mere act of going says “I love you.” When we enter their world, we choose to overlook differences, lay aside our agendas, likes and expectations. That’s when we come away with more insight, blessings and compassion for people than we ever thought possible. The nationals pray, “Dear Lord, thank you for our food. Please provide for those who are hungry tonight.” We know those praying understand what it means to go hungry, not to know where their next meal will come from. These are among the more than 1 billion in the world who live on less than $1 a day are considered the poorest of the poor and lack the resources for basic survival. Yet they get it – the show us the value of life, the worth of family time and are grateful for bare-bones basic necessities. Humbling, isn’t it?

The Great Exchange happened when Caroline and the people of the small village of Mungala, Kenya offered us their love by spending time with us. The unhurried moments together over a cup of tea, talking about Caroline’s school, favorite color, names of her family members. They loved us through when we joined our hearts in passionate prayer for our families, our ministries, Kenya, Compassion and the United States. They loved us when we enthusiastically planted avocado trees together. This was symbolic, a tangible statement of permanence of our commitment to Caroline through Compassion. It also affirmed our commitment to the AIC Mungala Compassion project, and more importantly, to God’s work in the world.

“The trees are a reminder for us to pray for you,” said the project director, “we will never forget you. When you come back to visit us, you will see the trees have grown and have given us fruit, and so has God’s work.”

A planting of the Lord, for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3b

Thanks for your prayers - Bwana Asifiwe! Praise the Lord!

Sheryl