Mary met us at the front gate with a hug and her warm,
infectious smile. Grabbing Susan's hand, she ushered us across the small
courtyard, calling out to the workers (probably local men in need of
employment) a greeting and blessing as they repaired the broken concrete courtyard
connecting several small buildings.
We ducked into one of the rooms off the courtyard. Upon entering
we glanced about, taking in the bright sunlight shining through several windows
and an open door on the other side of the room, where two ladies sat on the
floor. This was a work room, of sorts, with an old, treadle sewing machine on a
side table. One corner featured a long, make-shift bookshelf, lined with Bible
study and story books with Swahili and English titles.
Mary shared with us their names and explained that these very
remote village women had come to her door, asking for money or food. She
refused to give them handouts, but instructed them to come in and learn how to work.
They sit on the floor near the sunny open doorway, laps draped with their
current projects, making beautiful necklaces, bracelets, skirt wraps, etc.
which they can sell to feed themselves and their families. Today was the once-a-month
village market day, with people arriving with their livestock, wares, and food
from throughout the region. They worked
diligently, hoping to finish their projects so they could get money from Mary
and still make important purchases before the end of the day.
While the women work, Mary likes to read to them from the
Bible and teach them the ways of God. Mary knows that it is unlikely they will
hear about God in their villages, since this tribe holds to very traditional
ways, not permitting education or any variance from their historical customs.
But Mary has great respect and history with them. They know she wants to help
them, and that she will give them opportunities...and at the same time she
tells Bible stories, cooks lunch for them, and blesses them.
