Chapter 20

            As the van rocked back and forth down the new country road a shell of a church building came into view.  There was only one car there and a few children playing outside underneath a nearby tree.

            “Well, good,” Aaron sighed, “They have long since gone home.”

             “Let’s see.” Charles responded knowingly.  As they climbed out of the van, an elderly gentleman came out of the unfinished structure to greet them. 

             “Hello, Brother Charles!”  he began.  “Are these our American guests?”

             “Yes. . . ” Charles began.  The elderly man interrupted.  “I’ll let you introduce them to us all.  We’ve been waiting and praying for the past four hours.”

             The American trio could hardly believe their ears.  Waiting and praying in 90 degree weather with no air conditioning was unheard of in the States.  As they entered the building they were ushered to seats of prominence in front of the congregation of over 100 people.

             “Where are their cars?” Aaron whispered to Charles, who was sitting on his right.

             “They don’t have cars” Charles whispered back.  “Most of them probably walked 5-10 miles to get here” he revealed.

             Aaron’s mouth went dry.  He stared out blankly at the congregation as he considered what he would possibly say to an audience of Christian believers who were obviously his superiors spiritually. 

             Juanita had quickly slipped into her blue skirted suit at the “petrol station” two hours before.  She had thought it would be more than adequate for meeting in the country but she was now embarrassed.  The skirt which came down to her knees while standing rose up and exposed her knees and lower thighs while sitting.  In America she would have been fine since many women wore skirts of similar length or shorter, but here in Kenya -- near the equator no less -- almost every woman wore a dress that came down to her ankles.  By comparison Juanita felt like an exposed harlot and wished the whole day could be over and forgotten.

             After two hours of welcomes and songs and introductions, the weary guests were released to continue their journey to Charles Okinyi’s compound.