By Wairimu D Kanau, Kenyan Member Care Network
   
Rain-drenched Pink Trumpet Vine
In Nairobi, the first Covid 19 lockdown was in March 2020. Psychologically and emotionally, it felt to me like the announcement of a political state of emergency, except that this was a health-related emergency, unfamiliar and frightening, expecting to see armed soldiers walking on main roads stopping anyone who was foolish enough to venture outside. I looked forward to the afternoon three o’clock government update that gave critical information because I didn’t want to be unprepared for any eventuality, especially since I am also a caregiver of an elderly parent who wonders why we should keep away from others (social distancing) since we have no quarrel with them. We stocked up on dry foods, fuel, medicine, mpesa (phone money) and backup electric gadgets. It was then and to some extent remains stressful today.
 
Morning Glory in the shade
Looking back, a sort of new awareness of the space around me emerged. The silence grew louder as conversation decreased. Till this day, many people in my neighborhood are indoors by dark even though curfew hours are fewer than ever before. All the same, the flowers I took pictures of and derived much joy from seemed more beautiful against the backdrop of dark leaves and bush around them perhaps because I took the time to see and look at them, reflecting on who the creator God is. Through this new hobby, I discovered what the fuss around powerful cameras on smartphones is all about when my pictures filled my phone with brilliant natural colors. It has helped me to take long walks, do breathing exercises and appreciate God’s mercy on our lives during this new dispensation, knowing that many people around the world have lost many family members to Covid 19.
 
I developed my voice in singing to the audience of one (God). I translate into my mother tongue (Gikuyu) songs by some of my favorite Kiswahili gospel artists such as Doudou Manengu, Eunice Njeri, Reuben Kigame and Marggie Dawn. I was amazed at how much I was strengthened by this exercise on regularly focusing my time in sung worship as I walked, believing in the sound of my own voice and enjoying this time with God without distractions, praying in joy to the Lord as he strengthened me for the challenges around me. On these deserted roads, there was no-one to frown on my voice when out of tune.
 
I have taken time to focus on and evaluate my selfcare plan as against ministry demands. While I prefer evening Bible study, I introduced extended time in the morning to make sure the thoughts that dominate my mind throughout the day are from the Scriptures I am studying and not from the challenges I face from higher bills and decreased income. My new motto became “Being with Jesus is just as important as working for Jesus.” I have weekly and quarterly breaks scheduled in for the year so that appointments schedule around them.
 
Sun-kissed Tecoma Capensis
Our church which regularly encourages us to use our gifts and training (1Peter 4:10) assigned a number of health practitioners to teach on how to cope with Covid and to explain concepts such as whether the vaccine interferes with DNA. We have always shared material things with impoverished families in our neighborhoods through the partner ministry LoveInc that vets them and through direct church foodbanks. Generosity is encouraged (2Cor. 8:1-5 and it helps us to see and experience a kingdom perspective to our own struggles. This week we are praying for God’s mercy on the natives and residents in Afghanistan. What I have learnt is the importance of having at least one or two friends with whom I debrief my journey. It helps me separate problems and issues in life from personal identity as a child of God. I also offer debriefing particularly to African missionaries on pro-bon basis.
 
A rose by any other name…