Our field trip to Walmart

The language school endeavors to have a field trip once a month. This month the trip is to Toi market in Nairobi.  It is good timing as several students will finish and move out to their ministry situations in the next few weeks.  Each one, armed with a list of things they hope to find at the market – were not disappointed.

Curtains, sheets, towels, clothing, shoes, kitchen ware, even fruits and vegetables are all sold at the market – it is an invariable Walmart!  However, since everything is used, except for the fruits and vegetables, – it is more like a gigantic garage sale.

Improving our usage of KiSwahili in the marketplace is the purpose; so, our day begins at school rehearsing our market vocabulary – How much is this – oh, that is too much, can you lower the price? 

Bargaining is part of the market experience in many, but not all, the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa.  Bargaining happens in the markets of Kenya and it can be a good experience if you enjoy yourself and understand that everyone is trying to make a living! 

It has been raining quite a bit recently – we are in the middle of the rainy season, but today the sun is shining, it is a good day to go to the market.

Someone has brought some Gospel of John books in KiSwahili to give out if God opens a door of testimony or witness. 

There is so much to see, the bustle of the market is exciting; soon after arriving we split up with a plan to meet back at 2:00 p.m. 

The time goes quickly and as we gather back together in the afternoon it is clear that everyone is pleased.  It was time well spent.

These who will be going out soon are equipping themselves with language skills, and with some material possessions to make life a bit easier out in the bush of Kenya.  Pray for them as they go out from this place to share the Gospel of Christ, to disciple new believers, and to teach school.