Chapter 27

            As time marched on Kyle and Terry took their weeks’ visit to Hawaii where Terry took plenty of vacation pictures and yet remembered to time their return to be just previous to the African Missionary Trip return.  Meanwhile Aaron found his messages to the Africans leaning more and more toward telling them to preserve the good things they had and to avoid the contaminations of the West.

            Aaron and George often found themselves reflecting on life together.  “You know, Aaron,” George began “It’s kinda nice to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city.”

             “Yes, I know what you mean,” Aaron replied.  “We have immense wealth compared to most of these people and yet they seem to have an inner peace that is lacking in most Americans.”

             “Yes,” George jumped in.  “And their praise and worship is so, so sincere.  I mean every member is into worshipping God.  It’s not like in the States where I think half our church is just listening to Juanita and me sing and play, as if they were enjoying a concert.”

             There was a moment of silence as they both reflected on what had been said.  After a while George spoke again.

             “The love” he said.  “They have genuine love one for another.”

             “I know what you mean,” Aaron said slowly.  “They don’t just say I love you.  They really, really show it.”

             “Hey, are you and Juanita going to let Tabitha stay with you guys while she goes to the University?”  Aaron asked.

             “Yeah, sure.” George replied.  “With a home as big as we have she could hardly be in the way, and besides she seems somewhat independent so I don’t think she’ll be much of a burden.”

             “You don’t think Juanita will be jealous of a good looking woman running around the house?”  Aaron asked with a wink.

             “No, I don’t think Tabitha is any threat to her.  Besides to marry a Kenyan woman there are all types of dowries, Bride prices and relatives to consider.  I don’t hear God saying he wants me going through all of that.” George answered.

             Indirectly Tabitha would indicate a change in their lives in a way that no one suspected. 

             Juanita had become good friends with Elizabeth and Rachel, by the time they had packed up and were ready to go.  Knowing she would miss her new friends she wanted to say something special to each.

             “Rachel,” she began as they stood outside the airport before going inside, “I’ve seen more love, graciousness and honor of a husband from you than any wife I’ve ever met.”  Her eyes began to tear a little as she went on.  “If I ever find myself in your type of situation I pray that I can be half the Christian woman you are.”

             Then she turned to Elizabeth and beamed a big smile.  “You taught me how stuck up and arrogant and presumptuous we Americans can be.  For that I will never forget you.” she chuckled.

             She hugged each of the wives of Charles Okinyi and then quickly grabbed her bags and headed into the airport so they wouldn’t see the tears stream down her face.  She knew her words had been inadequate.  Those two women had taught her more about Christian love than years of attending church.  She had learned the right words but they showed it in action.

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            The flight home was long and boring, cramped and tedious, but the five (Tabitha included) talked in between sleeping.  The U.S. trio had learned a great deal. 

             “Most Christian missionaries from the United States need to forget about going to teach Kenyan Christians; they have a lot to learn from them,” Aaron stated.

             “You’re right about that,” George agreed.  “Most American Christians are far outranked in love for God and devotion to him as well as caring for one’s fellow man.”

             Then Juanita jumped in.  “Another thing I think I’ve learned as I’ve reflected on it, is that we in America and the West are so thoroughly indoctrinated in the monogamy only mode that anything else seems weird and crazy.  We are brainwashed from childhood by stories like Cinderella and Snow White and later Romeo and Juliet that there is one handsome prince for every beautiful young princess.  This myth is furthered by a constant diet of television programs, movies, romance novels, magazines, books, the media and friends, relatives, mom and pop and you name it.”  She paused a moment to let the others reflect on her words.

             “In our culture,” she went on, “We almost worship monogamous romance.”  She turned to look at the others to see if they were still listening.

             “So anyone that dares violate the monogamy only standard in considered lower than scum.  In a way it’s considered worse than rape or murder.  And women are so well indoctrinated that if her man considers caring about another woman, she feels hurt and betrayed.  Her self esteem is lowered because she feels she was unable keep her man happy with only her.  She then gives in to depression.  This is followed by anger, even rage.  She wants to kill the man, or at least divorce him.”

             “Doesn’t that show,” Aaron jumped in, “that the whole ‘monogamy only’ system is straight out of the pit of hell?” he asked.  “A woman would rather divorce, something the Bible speaks against, rather than love enough to share the man, which is something the Bible is very much in favor of.”

             “Yes,” Juanita confirmed.  “Well said, you took the words right out of my mouth.”

             “Well, not everyone is going to want more than one wife,” George joined in.  “But we must not be so critical of those that do.”

             “Not critical?” Juanita questioned.  “You know, before we came I never would have thought I’d be saying this, but I’ve never seen a more loving husband and father than Charles, or more respectful and devoted wives than Rachel and Elizabeth, not to mention the degree of discipline and respect the children show to their father.

             We should not only be not critical, we need to warmly embrace them with Christian love that they’ll rarely find anywhere else!” she concluded.

             Tabitha lowered her head and smiled, being pleased that her countrymen had left such a favorable impression. 

             Charles leaned his chair back and closed his eyes, satisfied that the three had learned what he had hoped they would.